Hive Mentality
Lisa Bashert of Ypsilanti believes so passionately in urban beekeeping that she broke a law—a city ordinance, to be precise—to prove her point.
Introducing the Farm to Resource Directory
The rising demand for local food has presented new opportunities and challenges for an industry that has largely been export-based for the past 50 years. So when local…
Love of Local Food Leads to Tasty Partnerships
Nearly 15 years ago Epicure Catering was born of a desire to showcase the best artisanal products our region has to offer. In a rented commercial kitchen, we…
Eat Local for People, Planet, Economy
Where does your money go when you buy products from California or a major corporation?
Part Two: Scale and Perspective
Editor’s Note: This is Part Two of a three-part series from farmer Brian Bates of Bear Creek Organic Farm in Petoskey, Michigan. This essay was delivered as part…
Growing Local Food through Growing New Farmers
Landen Tetil became the first farmer apprentice at Michigan State University’s North Farm in Chatham three years ago. The program aims to increase local food production in the…
As Seasonal As Humanly Possible
Ever wonder why a restaurant and market in northern Michigan would undertake the overwhelming task of transitioning to nearly 100% farm-to-table? After all, “locally grown” takes on a…
Part One: On Becoming A Farmer
Editor’s Note: Brian Bates, farmer and partner at Bear Creek Organic Farm in Petoskey, Michigan, gave the keynote address at the annual Northwest Food and Farming Network Farm…
Growing in Winter : Plastic Shelters let Farmers Extend the Season
Michigan’s growing season is frustratingly short. But at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, “We’re a booming market all year round,” says Robin Richardson, the market’s manager of event…
The Pursuit of Hoppiness in Alpena
Alpena Municipal Council just voted 5-0 to allow Eric Peterson to host a craft beer festival on September 30th this year at his restaurant, The Fresh Palate, and…