How to live in paradise
In the work of local food, just a few good farms won’t cut it. Previous Farm Members will recall when I went up to Frelighsburg, Quebec for a small farms retreat & workshop. A couple decades ago, there were two organic farms in the region. Now there are over 50, with an explosion of farm-to-table restaurants besides.
I remember driving through Frelighsburg’s countryside, passing abundant, beautiful, exquisitely designed farms every five minutes. The ecosystems on those farms were vibrant–so much life. And the farmers seemed rested and joyful to be there. I also experienced the farmers hosting their customers. Their spaces were crafted in large part for leisure, hospitality, and community building.
Here in Michiana, we are moving in this direction. We’re well on our way to rebuilding a local culture around the land, good food, & community. Below is a list of local growers whose products have been available through the Farm Membership (so far):
Arndt Apiaries | Barn Swallow Farm | Bennett Farms | The Blueberry Ranch | Earth First Farms | Hebron Farms | Infusco Coffee | Mulberry Creek Organic Farm | Nektar Flow Farms | Restoration Farm | Ridge Lane Farm | St. Mary’s College Sustainable Farm | Sunchoke Farms
We've also loved collaborating with Rose Lily restaurant, Purple Porch Co-op, A Bite with Mee, Ivy Tech Community College, and Maple City Market. And we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible here. In ten years, we hope young people are starting farms & food businesses in droves, making our list of collaborators too long for a reasonably-lengthed email.
Friends: there’s only one Michiana on earth, and we get to live in it.