Michigan residents, especially its farmers, are known for their tenacity. They have to be tough when the winters are exceedingly cold, with snowstorms a frequent occurrence. This coming winter, many farmers in the mitten-shaped state plan to produce fresh vegetables to keep their businesses thriving and provide for their communities.
In Holland, a farming community on the state's western shore, Visser Farms, based just a little bit away in Zeeland, is a constant presence at the Holland Farmer's Market. Nonetheless, Mitch Visser, Visser Farm's owner, asserts that it is critical for the farm to keep up its production this winter. According to Visser, the farm has "a lot of fresh vegetables available," like the "tomatoes and lettuce in our greenhouse."
This winter, a Community Supported Agriculture program will last eight weeks and for $160, a family of three to four people can purchase fresh, locally grown produce that is farmed at locations nearby. The program allows for Michigan residents to purchase healthy fruits and vegetables at a cost that is "not so much money to come up with," Visser says.
In preparation for this winter's CSA, Visser maintains that he has tested out his farm's ability to generate the necessary amounts of produce through programs he participated in at Bronson Hospital and Spring Lake. Ultimately, Visser hopes that the CSA will "get the word out to people they can still buy our fresh produce through the winter."
Michigan CSA permits local residents to buy fresh produce, even in the winter months
This winter, a Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) in Michigan will enable local residents to buy fresh fruits and vegetables right from farmers.