New Year, New Business Structure: The Green Things Farm Collective

If you’re a Local Food Enthusiast, you’re aware that farming is a tough business. There are unpredictable factors beyond human control (think weather and climate change), land access challenges, labor issues, and not enough hours in the day to wear all the business hats (planning, production, quality control, marketing, sales, logistics, etc.). Recognizing that sharing these risks and challenges could help their businesses grow, the Ann Arbor Seed Company, Green Things Farm and The Land Loom combined forces this year.

What was once three businesses is now one: Green Things Farm Collective. This new cooperative business will allow for expanded production in the 2020 growing season and shared management of the business. The member farmers focus on doing fewer things better. Energy is freed to build new relationships, fine tune systems and pursue opportunities to help the collective be more sustainable.

Jill Lada says, “We formed our collective because we believe we will be better farmers by working together. Running a diverse operation takes a diversity of skills–by having more stakeholders in the business, we can each focus on our strengths and work as a team to make the farm the best it can be. We are able to take three very small businesses, and make one larger business that can function on a more sustainable scale, and provide a more meaningful impact in our community.“

Beyond the benefits for the farmers and their businesses, consumers should also be excited about this new venture. Green Things Farm Collective has greatly expanded their vegetable transplant production and is offering a wide diversity of options to meet everyone’s unique needs:

Farm Membership Types

Full Supporter Share ($1000) – All-access farm pass. Register by March 1st 

All 3 Salad Club sessions (Spring, June, Fall) ~ $225 value
Summer CSA ~ $300 value
Fall CSA ~ $330 value
Flower CSA ~ $60 value
Winter Spinach Club ~ $75 value
4 farm event passes ~ $100 value

Monthly Beef Share ($75) – a variety of familiar cuts (steaks, roasts, ground beef, stew, etc.) and a few surprises. Order monthly and pick up at the Saturday Kerrytown Market (Jan-May)

Flower CSA ($60) – Members may come to the farm and pick a bouquet of flowers once a week, self-serve anytime (July 12- August 16th)

Summer CSA ($240) – 8-week membership (July 2-August 20) great for folks on the go! Each week you have access to a member-only online store where you can order a customizable box to be picked up Thursday evenings at the farmstand.

Fall CSA ($330)- Select your own vegetables each Thursday evening (Sept- Nov). Enjoy a wide selection of roots, greens, and squashes and the last of the summer’s bounty of tomatoes, fresh herbs, and more.

Loyalty Card ($100) – Use at the farm stand (July – Aug) and at the Green Things stall at the Kerrytown Farmers Market.

For more information about Green Things Farm Collective, visit their website: https://www.greenthingsfarm.com/memberships.

Kelly Wilson is Taste the Local Difference’s Director of Community Partners.