Chris Krucker doesn't believe the old catch phrase, "Think globally, act locally."

His Copetown area farm is a throwback to a simpler time, when farmers sold directly to consumers. Mr. Krucker is a firm believer in Community Supported Agriculture, where customers are members of the farm and share in its success.

His customers are local. So are his workers. And he wouldn't want it any other way.

Popular in Japan during the 1970s, CSA farming is gaining a foothold in Southern Ontario. Mr. Krucker's ManoRun Organic Farm is one of a few dozen CSA farms in the province recognized by the Ontario CSA online directory.

"It's all about people connecting directly to the farmer," Mr. Krucker said.

Seventeen years ago the Hamilton native moved to the country. He started farming a few years later. At first it was just a hobby. Then he discovered the CSA model and his business has grown each year since.

ManoRun began with about 15 members eight years ago. This year, the farm has 160 members.

Eight acres of vegetable fields feature a wide array of produce, including cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, peppers, corn and many more.

The farm is also licensed to raise 300 chickens. In total, there are more than 30 products produced on the farm, from produce to bread baked in an outdoor brick oven. Mr. Krucker leases additional parcels of land that would normally be considered far too small for a mainstream farm operation.

Despite last year's dry growing season, ManoRun had a very good year. Corn yields were down, but other crops held steady. By producing a variety of products, ManoRun mitigates risk and ensures its survival.

"If we grew three things or one thing, we'd be in trouble," Mr. Krucker said.

This year heavy rains have been good for some crops and not so good for others. While tomato and potato yields may be adversely affected, Mr. Krucker predicts another banner year for ManoRun, overall.

The farm has an open door policy. Shareholders, or members as they're commonly called, are welcome to tour the property at least once a year, to see their food as it grows.

Customers finance the annual operating costs with an up-front membership fee.

Members, also called shareholders, receive 20 weeks of fresh produce. Items vary week to week, depending on what's in season. Shares are available in small (six items), medium (nine items) or large (15 items).

Last year the Krucker's family farm recorded sales of about $45,000. They kept about $12,000 in profits. This year the goal is to sell $70,000. After input expenses and wages, that would leave a profit of about $20,000.

It's clearly not the most lucrative business around, but the Kruckers are enjoying life on the farm.

"We've decided to trade our standard of living for quality of living," Mr. Krucker explained.

Compared to the provincial average, ManoRun farm is doing extremely well.

While realized net income on Canadian farms rose from $771 million in 2006 to $1.7 billion in 2007, many Ontario farmers were buried in red ink last year.

A recent Statistics Canada study shows provincially, only farmers in Quebec and the Prairie provinces reported gains. In B.C, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces, realized net income was extremely low. Net income for Ontario farmers was minus $180 million.

Roy Shuker, president of the Hamilton Federation of Agriculture said Hamilton's farm families are declining while the

average age of farmers is increasing.

"They're getting older and not too many new ones are coming on," Mr. Shuker said.

Across Canada, producers faced an 8.2 per cent increase in farm operating expenses in 2007 largely from rising feed and fertilizer prices. It was the fastest growth rate since 1981, and

pushed farm operating expenses to $34.2 billion, 14 per cent above the previous five-year average. Operating costs increased in every province.

"This year the crop prices are higher but the cost of inputs are higher," Mr. Shuker said.

ManoRun keeps costs down by using very few mechanized farm methods. Old fashioned hard work is the norm, and pesticides are largely avoided.

Workers will squash potato beetles by hand, should the need arise.

Along with a handful of seasonal employees and interns, each member of the Krucker family contributes to ManoRun Farm. Mr. Krucker's eldest daughter is a field manager.

Mr. Krucker commends the work of Environment Hamilton and its Eat Local campaign.

The organization has created a Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Hamilton and area local food map. Launched last year, the map features more than 60 locations where consumers can purchase locally grown food directly from producers.

A 2008 map has been released in conjunction with the grand opening of the Ottawa Street Farmers' Market. Forty thousand copies are being distributed at local businesses such as Carluke Orchards, the new Ottawa Street Farmers' Market, Bennett's Orchards, Tourism Hamilton kiosks and more.

A blog features the latest locations where you can pick up your copy of the map. Visit www.hamiltoneatlocal.blogspot.com. To find a CSA farm, visit http://csafarms.ca/index.html.