A roundtable discussion on the future of farming in Southwest Michigan is planned at Lake Michigan College next week.
Moderated by LMC Wine and Viticulture Program Director Tim Godfrey, the event will feature five small growers from Berrien County and explore the latest trends in agriculture. Godfrey tells us with Southwest Michigan being so biodiverse, you’ll find growers of all kinds here.
“Michigan is the second most biodiverse state, only behind California,” Godfrey said. “And then on top of that, our little corner of Southwest Michigan here is one of the most agriculturally biodiverse areas in the state. So when you start to piece all that together, it means that anything that we eat, drink, or use that is grown can pretty much be grown in our community here.”
The panelists will each bring their own perspective on how farming can be sustained into the future.
“What this event is specifically trying to do is reframe what agriculture could mean and what our place here in Southwest Michigan and what opportunities might exist for smaller farmers that are focused more on value-added agriculture, agritourism, sustainable farming and regenerative agriculture. A lot of buzzwords, but certainly terms that are getting people excited about agriculture again.”
Godfrey says these conversations about sustainability are being had among farmers across the region.
“These are the ideas that people are interested in, and most of this comes out of the idea of sustainability, which can mean a lot of different things in different contexts, but here we’re talking about certainly environmental sustainability.”
The agricultural heritage of southwest Michigan runs deep, from the first commercial peach orchards planted in Berrien County in the 1840s to world-class vineyards that today produce roughly 90% of Michigan’s wine grapes. Godfrey says the region is producing all sorts of exciting new farmers. The panelists represent the full breadth of sustainable agriculture taking root across Berrien County
“We believe that there is an opportunity for anybody with a few acres of land to participate in agriculture here in Southwest Michigan. And the folks that we chose specifically here are folks that have kind of started doing just that. People that started with a few acres here or a small farm stand or, we have some wineries and some hard cider companies as well. People that started with very small operations and a dream and have really been able to turn that into not only something successful, but something that is helping define what the future of agriculture and agricultural businesses in Southwest Michigan might look like.”
Several of the panelists hold USDA Organic or Regenerative Organic certification, reflecting their commitment to environmentally friendly farming that can last. Godfrey says they could have advice for new growers just getting started.
“Ultimately, we’re relying on this panel to share their experiences, some of the challenges they’ve had starting their businesses, what they believe is important moving forward, and how others could get involved. And there’ll certainly be opportunity for question and answer as well.”
“From Farm to Future: Sustainable Agriculture in Berrien County” is set for Thursday, April 9 at 12:30 p.m. in rooms L310-311 on the LMC Benton Harbor campus. Godfrey says the event is open to anyone who’s interested.
“If you have a backyard garden and you’re interested in sustainability, if you’re a foodie and you’re interested in where your food comes from and how growing practices can impact flavor, I think there’s a lot for everybody at this type of conversation. If you’re a conservationist and you love the natural world and you like getting outside, these are folks that are practicing farming and trying to conserve the natural world while doing it. So, I think there’s a piece for everybody who is interested in those different topics.”
Five panelists representing a cross-section of Berrien County agriculture will participate. They are:
· Maxx Eichberg, Stranger Wine Company, Buchanan
Regenerative estate winery
· Paula Camp, Carriage House Ciders, Benton Harbor
Cidery crafting barrel-aged, European-style hard cider from locally sourced heritage apples
· Katie Burdett, Farmette, New Buffalo
Sustainable farm marketplace and café
· Paul Meulemans, Wild Coyote Organic Farm, Berrien Springs
Certified organic vegetable and livestock operation
· Brett Muchow, Verdant Hollow, Buchanan
225-acre regenerative farm and farmstead goat creamery
