tilian: “to till; to strive; to obtain”
As the owner of Locavorious, a local food enthusiast, and the Clerk of Ann Arbor Township, I am thrilled to help spread the news of the newly formed Tilian Farm Development Center! Tilian is the result of years dreaming, planning, working and collaborating between multiple groups – Ann Arbor Charter Township Farmland Preservation Board, Food System Economic Partnership, SELMA Cafe, and many others.
The mission of Tilian Farm Development Center is to facilitate new farm-business development in order to increase diversified production for local markets, year round in our food shed. “Tilian” is is the Old English root of to till or to cultivate; to strive; to obtain. Tilian Farm Development Center is launching it’s first project, The Four Season Farmer Development Program, this Spring! Three brand new farms are preparing to till a portion of the 16 acre plot in Ann Arbor Township’s preserved farmland, just north of town. They are each striving to establish their business at Tilian, and be able to obtain their own land upon completion of the program, in two years time.
You can volunteer to help jump start these 3 farms in one day. The grant for this four-season farm includes funds for materials to build a huge 30 x 144’ hoop-house, to be built on Saturday, April 16th. Folks will also be getting the barn in shape and spreading compost on the fields, so everyone who wants to be a part of this exciting groundbreaking and hoop-house building day is welcome.
To volunteer please sign up here.
Meet the Farmers:
- Nate Lada & Jill Sweetman of Green Things Farm are growing for a small scale diverse CSA. Green Things Farm is in its first year of production. They are starting a small CSA. They are growing a wide variety of vegetables, and their summer CSA starts at the end of May. Check out http://greenthingsfarm.com to sign up now or contact farmers@greenthingsfarm.com with questions.
- Alex Cacciari & Mark Nowak of Seeley Farm are looking for chefs & grocers interested in buying greens. Give them a call; they’ve started their seeds for tasty salads year round! [clairepia@hotmail.com]
- Benjamin Fidler, of Bending Sickle Community Farm has traveled the country farming. He fell in love with raising livestock, and plans to bring you a pork & poultry CSA, beginning this Spring! [benjaminfidler@gmail.com]
By supporting these five young farmers, you are part of creating a sustainable local food shed for our community!
