Providence Organic Farm, in the heart of northwest lower Michigan, is marking its 18th year of delivering certified organic foods to local families through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm Boxes. With a commitment to sustainable farming practices, Providence Organic Farm currently serves 400 families across five counties, including Grand Traverse, Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Gaylord.
Founded by Ryan and Andrea Romeyn, Providence Organic Farm has grown from a small 2.5-acre operation to a thriving 30-acre farm. The Romeyns attribute much of their success to their loyal CSA members, who have played a crucial role in the farm’s steady growth over nearly two decades. “Our CSA members have really been the backbone of our farm,” says Ryan. “They’ve added much-needed stability to our farm business over the years, enabling us to grow slowly and sustainably.”
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) was established in the United States several decades ago as a response to the massive loss of family farms. CSA programs allow consumers to support local farms directly, ensuring that they receive fresh, organic produce while helping small farms remain viable. Providence Organic Farm’s CSA members benefit from this model by receiving fresh, seasonal produce throughout the year, knowing that their food is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides or genetically modified seeds.
Andrea emphasizes the impact of their CSA program on the farm’s growth and community involvement. “There is no way we would have been able to grow from about 2.5 acres of production to now 30 acres if it wasn’t for our CSA members,” she says. “Our CSA program has also helped us grow to the point where we can provide foods for our area food pantries, food cooperatives and markets, train young farmers and offer numerous educational tours and classes.”
Providence Organic Farm’s CSA program offers two distinct seasons: Summer-Fall and Winter-Spring. Each “Growing Season” Farm Box is filled with a rotating variety of tender greens, herbs, alliums and seasonal fruits and vegetables, ensuring members receive the freshest produce available. Additionally, members have the flexibility to customize their boxes by adding local eggs, mushrooms, blueberries and farm-raised meats.
As a special bonus, new members who subscribe to 18 or more weeks receive a comprehensive CSA cookbook, a free drink coupon for the on-farm café and discounts on workshops and events. All members also enjoy first dibs on special offers like flats of strawberries, sides of pork or lamb options.
Location: 5691 N. M 88, Central Lake. To sign up for a CSA Farm Box
or for more information, call 231-599-2020, email [email protected] or visit ProvidenceOrganicFarm.com.
