Organic farms deliver

By Linda Shepard
C & G Staff Writer

Organic produce and products can be delivered “fresh from the farm” from several Michigan sources.

Maple Creek Farm, located in Yale, is a certified organic farm boasting 55 acres of organic vegetables, 10 acres of pasture and hay for the farm’s animals, and 5-10 acres of cover crop to ensure soil fertility.

Owner Michelle Lutz said Michigan consumers should be aware of where produce originates, and know “where and how the food is grown. 

“Local is just as important as organic,” she said.

The farm has used sustainable organic practices since 1995, and became certified organic in 1999. In addition to organic vegetables and herbs, the farm has orchards, Angus beef and honeybees.

Those looking for fresh organic produce grown by “a farmer with a face” can purchase “shares” of Maple Creek Farm for a specific growing season.

This allows the grower to concentrate on growing instead of selling, and it delivers consumers better value for their money, said Lutz. One box of produce is delivered to drop-off locations every week for 20 weeks at a cost of $700.

Drop-offs are located in Royal Oak, St. Clair Shores, Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Shelby Township, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Grosse Pointe Park, Ferndale, Farmington and more. For more information, call (810) 387-4365 or visit www.maplecreekfarm.com.

Organic By the Case is another Michigan business that offers organic products delivered via online shopping.

“Our vision is making the busy consumer’s life easier and more convenient when buying organic goods,” said Organic By the Case President Yvette Berman. “Internet shopping saves time and fuel. Organic products have no toxins, and as consumers become more educated, the demand for organics is gaining momentum.”

The company’s warehouse is located in Orion Township, and they offer discounts based on volume orders. A pickup option at the warehouse is available within designated hours.

By visiting www.organicbythecase.com, customers can purchase a wide variety of organic products, including dry grocery goods, beverages, baby food, soap and cleaning products.

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, organic farming is recognized as an alternative to conventional or chemical farming — a system of farming that is both restorative and sustainable.

Organic farming is a partnership with, rather than control over, nature say MDA officials. It focuses on a management system that enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity to produce healthy plants and animals, and foster human and environmental health. It prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms and ionizing radiation.

The demand for organics is growing, said Nick Karmo, store director of Market Fresh — located on the northwest corner of 13 Mile and Southfield roads in Beverly Hills — a retail store that focuses on produce.

“In 2005, organics accounted for between 10 and 15 percent of our sales,” Karmo said. “Now it is 30-40 percent. People are more proactive now and don’t mind paying extra.”

 Two-thirds of Market Fresh’s produce is available as organic, and prices are coming down, Karmo said. “Organics are often the same price as the non-organics,” he said.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Linda Shepard at lshepard@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1065.