About Us
Who We Are
Many years ago, residents who lived on Beaver Island were entirely self-sufficient. Farming was a way of life and survival. Today, nearly all of our food and supplies come from imported goods. In many ways, this modern evolution has helped us to enrich our lives here but when it comes to food, options for fresh, naturally grown produce are severely limited and almost non-existent in the Winter. We aim to change that!
Lake Michigan Farms is pioneering an entrepreneurial concept that restores local agriculture as an industry here on Beaver Island. Using a blend of traditional and modern farming methods with 100% organic practices, we are working to cultivate an endless supply of fresh produce all year long…starting with MICROGREENS! Our initial focus is to grow nutritious fresh greens throughout the winter months while generating livable wage jobs for seasonal hospitality workers.
In the Spring of 2027, we’ll be expanding sustainable operations into a land-based regenerative farm to provide a larger variety of fresh, full-grown produce. Click below to learn more about our initiatives.
Our Mission
Grow Good Food
It may sound simple but in our world, taking local food back to a time where GMO’s and chemicals weren’t even a blip on the radar of agriculture is what we aim to achieve. At Lake Michigan Farms, we’re focused on growing food that’s good for you AND the environment, without any of the extra stuff. All of our produce items are cultivated by hand using 100% organic practices. We have opted for an innovative approach using both traditional and modern farming techniques that preserve our native ecosystems while promoting year-round cultivation of fresh produce, herbs and botanicals. Our first major project is a local Farm To School Program in partnership with the Beaver Island Community School. Click the button below to learn more!
Our Vision
Independence Without Imports
Depending on commercial imports for food supply on a remote island in Northern Lake Michigan is even more challenging than a mainland territory because there is only 1 way to get food to us in the Winter: PLANE; a transportation system entirely at the mercy of Mother Nature. Unpredictable weather patterns can leave residents and businesses without consistent access to fresh food and commodities for weeks, if not longer. With the complexities of living on a remote island, having year-round access fresh, organic nutrition doesn’t have to be one of them.
Our aim isn’t to stop the process of importing fresh goods, it’s simply to eliminate our RELIANCE on them just to have access to healthy food. Our efforts of revitalizing a local food system will establish sovereignty and year-round security for our island population and strengthen the local economy by creating livable wage jobs.
Our Offerings
Farm Products
All of our crops are grown from certified GMO-FREE ORGANIC seeds using 100% Natural Methods. We mix our own soil from a custom blend of island made compost and OMRI certified organic coconut coir that later gets recycled for use at our produce farm.
Save 10% off Your First Purchase!~
Use Code SHOPLOCAL
Micro Vegetables/ Sprouts
Who has time anymore to peel & chop?! Micro veggies/sprouts are convenient, flavorful ingredients that offer more nutrients with less hassle.
Micro Fruits/ Flowers
We took it up a notch by adding sweet micro fruits and botanical flower greens to elevate your daily meals or smoothies.
Hydroponic Greens/ Herbs
As a part of our Farm to School Program, we now cultivate full-grown leafy greens and herbs. Interested in learning more? Contact us!
Farm Services
Help us grow what YOU want to eat by participating in our online surveys. Take a look below at the areas we are currently focusing on. To learn more about our research click here!
Community
Above all else, our community comes first! From seasonal residents to year-round warriors, we want to hear about the ways that you’d like to see our local food improve.
Food Processors
From restaurant owners/employees to farm suppliers and even makers or artists, if your lifestyle involves processing food in any capacity, we want to hear from you!
Farmers/ Ranchers/ Foragers
Are you an island resident who is currently growing food, managing livestock or hiking for wild edibles and selling to the public? Click below to learn more.
Join Us!
If you would like to join our research team or have any questions, we would love to hear from you! Click the button below to contact us.
