The Gift of Local: Invest in a CSA this Winter
As the snow and cold start to settle in on fields across Michigan, farmers start to plan. They’re thinking of which variety of baby greens sold the best or if they should grow eggplant again. Part of this planning for many farmers includes their CSA members – how many families will they prepare shares for and what will be on the table this season?
Supporting farmers now allows them to purchase seeds or other large investments, before the growing season and allows you to gift your household an entire season’s worth of the freshest ingredients in town. Beyond personal eating habits, CSA shares are also a fabulous gift for newlyweds, parents, or those that may have just moved into a new area and would like to connect to their community. In the huge array of CSA shapes and sizes you’re likely to find the perfect fit no matter where you live in Michigan.
See our suggestions for joining a share this season:
Southern Michigan
Good Neighbor Farm, Ann Arbor
Good Neighbor Farm is dedicated to treating the land right, using organic practices, a minimal-tillage method, and sustaining a MAEAP (Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program) certification. CSA members typically see a 10% discount off their produce prices and have a huge variety in share types, which range in cost from $45 to $600. Those interested in shares should head to their website for more information.
Hillcrest Farms, Eaton Rapids
Want to eat local in any season? Hillcrest Farms is a year-round chemical-free grower south of Lansing that offers “buffet-style” CSA shares. Pay ahead and purchase only what you’ll eat throughout the season! Find more details on their website.
Jim & Peter’s Farm, Detroit
Looking for unique veggies and dahlias along with staples such as tomatoes, peppers, rainbow carrots, and salad greens? Jim & Peter’s Farm in Detroit offers not only Summer and Fall CSA shares, but also a Bouquet CSA which can include anything from apple blossoms to sunflowers. Give them a ring at (734) 306-5253 or visit them online for more information.
Blue Spring Farm, Ann Arbor
Laying hens are just an added bonus at this no-till regenerative small farm in Northwest Ann Arbor. Blue Spring Farm is focused on the health of their soil and farmshare members, offering seasonal and full growing season shares. Find out more on their website.
Northern Michigan
Pileated Farms, Chatham
Yoopers in Marquette or near Chatham can take advantage of this monthly (or seasonal) CSA share that’s perfect for the small household. While not certified organic, “the only thing [their] plants know is water.” Head to their website or reach out via email, and then sit back and wait for a bounty of produce for your friends, family, or yourself.
Z&N Farm, Bear Lake
Looking to lock in a discount for the 2023 growing season? Z&N Farm of Bear Lake is offering a holiday presale of $500 for 20 weeks of seasonal pantry-filling produce. Plan on re-fills every Saturday on the farm June through September. Find out more online, or reach out to farmer Nicole at (707) 672-5118 or zenfarmllc@gmail.com.
MI Farm Co-op, Glen Arbor, Suttons Bay & Traverse City
Offering the best of many different farms, MI Farm Co-op’s multi-farm CSA shares are offered year-round, filled with products from the cooperative's local farm members. Those with ‘full’ shares can expect a weekly loaf of artisan bread, a dozen eggs, and in-season fruit and vegetables, with value-added products like goat chevre and maple syrup in the winter share. Those looking to try a CSA share for the first time can dip their toes in with a ‘half’ share which offers weekly salad greens and fewer veggies designed for those feeding a smaller crowd. Find out more information on their website!
Unique Offerings
Bear Earth Herbal, Kingsley
Shippable throughout Michigan, Bear Earth Herbals offers 6-month and 12-month subscriptions for their herbal teas made using sustainable growing and wild harvesting practices. Not only does your monthly gift include tea and a write up about its benefits, but members can expect a handmade pottery mug in their first box and a special bonus item in subsequent months, like lemon balm salve or infused honey. If you fall in love with a product, members receive 10% off all purchases for the remainder of their subscription. Sign up yourself or a dear friend on their website.