Image courtesy Groundswell Community Farm CSA

One of the reasons I love being part of a CSA is that it forces you to recognize the different seasons. It’s a great metaphor for life. Not only do you get to experience the growing seasons, but sometimes life transitions as well.

Groundswell was the first CSA I ever joined. I took a few years off, joined Trillium for awhile because it was closer, experienced their sabbatical and closure, and rejoined Groundswell. Recently I learned that Groundswell is for sale. Katie writes:

After 16 years of farming, I am ready for a new adventure.  Tom is supportive of me and also open to new options.  We are planning to sell Groundswell and want to ensure that this land continues to grow an abundance of great, organic vegetables for CSA and farmers’ markets well into the future.

Groundswell Farm has touched so many lives–feeding people, training young farmers and introducing kids and kids-at-heart to plants & bugs & tasty veggies.  We want to pass this vibrant community & great opportunity into new, capable hands.  We are hoping to find farmers with 2+ years of experience and hope to consult or work on the farm alongside the new owners to ensure a smooth transition.  We have run the numbers and we are confident that the new farmers will be able to pay the mortgage, payroll and other expenses and pay themselves a decent salary.  We are committed to continuing to manage the farm until we find new farmers, even if the process is slow.

I am happy for Katie, but Groundswell changing hands does in a way signal the end of an era.

In West Michigan?

Consider this your last chance to be a part of history. You can still join the CSA (there are a few weeks left of the summer season; the winter CSA runs from November – mid-December). You can also find them in

3 Farmers’ Markets 

• Fulton St. Market in GR, Saturdays
• Holland Farmers’ Market, Saturdays & Wednesdays
• Grand Haven Farmers’ Market, Saturdays

And if you’ve been looking for the opportunity to buy a farm, you can find the details here.