Greetings fellow food and farm lovers!  There’s so much happening in the world of local food, our environment, and our region’s economy it’s difficult to know where to begin the discussion.  Nevertheless, there is so much excitement in the air, as times are surely changing, that discussions are occurring in every coffee shop, school, business, and dinner table across the country.  With the economy being bleak, many backyard gardeners are looking for more ways to eat healthy and affordably by planting their biggest gardens ever.  Recognizing the much needed and much belated resurgence in homesteading philosophies centered around growing food on a small scale, MSU extension/ MSU Master Gardeners association put forth a series of classes designed for both beginning and advanced home gardeners.  Classes began March 26^th, but there is still time to get in on 9 more such classes.  If interested, contact Pam Schmidt, Home Horticulturalist & Master Gardener Coordinator, at 231/256-8323 or email her at schmi345@msu.edu. 

The farmers market season is fast approaching.  Nic and I are trying to find ways to ORGANIZE our transport vessel (a car, and with any luck a trailer) so that we can pack in all your shares, our extra veggies to sell, and of course breads and pastries.  If anyone knows of anyone selling a trailer, now is the time to come forward.  I’ve got this grand plan to modify it to include a picnic table on the trailer so customers and CSA members can hang out and chat while at the market.  We see farmers markets as more than just a place to buy and sell farm goods.  For us, they are a much needed social venue!  Our goal is to have the picnic table-trailer up and running this season.

If you like to shop farmers markets and live up on the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, there is a new market that started last season in Northport.  And, don’t miss out on the market at the Village of Grand Traverse Commons on Friday evenings.  A current list of area farmers markets and hours of operation can be found at www.localdifference.org. 

Speaking of farmers markets, one key event I hope you won’t miss is Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) Region 2 (our region) Forum with a discussion centered on opportunities and challenges for both farmers market consumers and farmer/vendors.  The event will be held at TASTES of Black Star Farms on April 27^th from 6-8:00pm.  For dedicated locavores, such as yourselves, this is a fantastic way to meet the growers and find out what they’ve got in store for this season!  There will be a $5 fee for non-MIFMA members (you can join MIFMA during the forum) to cover the cost of the light appetizers I’ll be making and the wine tasting Kevin (TASTES manager) will provide.  To attend, RSVP me (Jen Welty) at jen@9beanrows.com or jwelty@blackstarfarms.com by April 23^rd. 

I just received word that the date has been set for the first ever MIFMA/Learn Great Foods collaborative.  Together, they will be hosting regional famers market tours that include education, meeting the growers, and a local chef prepared 5 course meal.  Our region, Region 2, will host its culinary tour in July at the Leland Farmers Market.  Chef Perry Harmon will be cooking up delicious farm fresh foods straight from the farmers hands to the table.  This event will also include a tour of Fishtown, specifically Carlon’s Fisheries and a guest-vintner wine pairing experience brought to you by Larry Mawby.  To sign up for the event, visit www.learngreatfoods.com. 

In ON-FARM news, Nic has been diligently seeking out many varieties of fruits and veggies for the upcoming season.  Last check I believe we had over 30 tomato varieties!  I believe there are at least 10 varieties of eggplants and 20 peppers each and, of course, many melons, as cucurbits (pumpkins, melons, gourds etc.), is Nic’s passion and forte!  Here is where I give my thumbs up to all the growers who aim at trying new things and aren’t afraid to experiment.  Nic, a true scientist at heart, is no exception. 

Did you check out yesterdays back cover of the Leelanau Enterprise?  If not, you should.  We have Ken Scott of Ken Scott photography to thank for the beautiful photo of tomatoes in our hoophouse and the wonderfully eloquent description of our CSA! 

We hope you’ve had a good three weeks so far.  Don’t be shy to ask us questions, or give feedback about what you love or hate getting in your share.  Now is the time for us to make changes in the field, so that your table will be what you’d like it to be.

Warm Spring Regards and Bon Appetite!

Jen and Nic