Advertisement

"In Europe they have cities and villages, and on the outskirts of those are farms," local farmer Jim Ruster explained. "The villages support outlaying farms. We've gotten so far away from farming in this country it's ridiculous. This is a real valid movement and it needs to be embraced."

The movement is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Stemming from a local marketplace mentality where consumers support area farms by becoming "share-holders," CSA farms have been established in more than 1,000 communities across the nation according to CSA owners Ryan and Andrea Romeyn.

Share-holders pay the farmer an up-front membership fee entitling them to weekly portions of food throughout the growing season, which is available through pick-up or delivery.Ê The concept offers smaller farms the security of investors while providing share-holders with higher quality food at moderate prices.

In his third year operating a CSA, Ryan Romeyn acquired new land near Eastport after leasing land from Wagbo Peace Center the past two seasons. The Romeyn's Providence Farm is one of three reported CSAs in Antrim County and offers produce, berries, chickens, Thanksgiving turkey and naturally-raised pork.

A medium share at Providence Farm is $325, according to Romeyn, who attracted 60 shareholders last season and predicts 15 more this year.

Investors in CSAs reap the benefits of bountiful harvests while running the risk of meager ones. This share-holder relationship connects the consumer with the land on a more personal level as their provision depends on the harvest.

"Some people will be thinking, Ôwhy should I take a chance?'" Jim Ruster said. "But I don't think it's a realistic concern. In a horrible growing season, if there's a real poor sweet corn crop it will be made up in potatoes for instance. They're going to get their value one way or another."

Value is something most CSA's boast about, claiming to provide fresh food free from mysterious chemicals.

"If you want to know what you're eating, know where it's growing," CSA owner Doug Baker said.

Doug and Debi Baker own Wright Way Natural Farm, between Bellaire and Torch Lake on Wright Road. Though new on the scene of Antrim County CSAs, the Bakers have provided eggs at the Antrim County Farmer's Market for the past five years, selling produce for the first time last season.

"We want to educate people on the health benefits of local sustainable agriculture," Debi Baker said, who described CSAs as a "neat concept that's really blooming."

The Bakers have been busy planting their 10-acre farm, hoping to offer fresh produce, honey, home-made hot sauces, eggs and meat birds this season.

Also new this year is the Mitchell Hill Farm, though its owner, Ruster, has been a familiar face at the Antrim County Farmer's Market. Harvesting in November and December and limiting the farm to 12 shares, Ruster will offer potatoes, onions, carrots, winter squash, Thanksgiving turkey and additional poultry, late season greens, eggs,Ê and herbs including oregano and basil at the farm between Ellsworth and Central Lake.

Speaking on the economic side of things, Ruster said CSAs are a solid way to support local business, where monies are spent within the county and community members become more reliant on local farmers and less dependent on grocery stores.

"I know Jim (Ruster) is using sustainable growing methods," local resident Chris Evans said. "And his farm is close to home so there's no traveling and using fuel."

The carbon footprint of imported food is not Evans' only reason for planning to join a CSA.

"I want the best food I can find," she said. "It's much more nutritious from farmers."

Antrim County's three CSAs can be contacted by calling Ryan or Andrea Romeyn at 231-599-2020, Doug or Debi Baker at 231-377-7754 and Jim Ruster at 231-588-6063.

Chris Tredway can be reached at ctredway@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-533-8523.