marsification in progress
"Just stay inside"
Y'all!
Our farm is outside.
The crops are outside.
The food grows in the soil in a field. Outside.
It's acres upon acres of open fields.
Not just on our farm, but on every farm in Michigan.
We appreciate the sentiment, but we cannot just 'stay inside'.
And neither can our fellow farmers, ranchers, orchardists, and other food-growing colleagues.
In Michigan, we are in the middle of our PEAK season.
Across all of Michigan, there are hundreds of millions of dollars of crops growing right now. Outside.
That's our livelihoods. Our life's work. The whole enchilada.
I'm sorry, but we're going to be outside.
I'm sorry that we have to be. We didn't ask for this.
We're taking as many precautions as we can.
And I'm sorry if seeing our team working outside makes you uncomfortable.
Our nation has an unfortunate history of hiding how our food is grown and the people who grow it. Our farm has prided itself on being transparent with our customers. And we speak for all farmers when we tell you that we will continue to show up.
Right now, there are tens of thousands of agricultural workers in the state of Michigan who are combatting incredibly challenging conditions to show up to grow your food. Please support your local farmers. Don't tell them to wait inside. That's not how this works.
The more this week has progressed, the less sure we are that people know where their food comes from.
Obviously we WANT to stay inside, but then the food would rot in the field. The market shelves would be empty. Our community would lack access to safe, organic, local food.
The cruel irony is, in the midst of a parasite-infested-lettuce outbreak, our work on a local level is more important than ever. And at the same time, it is more hazardous than ever.
Our region was #1 in the world for worst air quality this week. That's the wrong competition to be in first place.
We have limited outdoor activity to only the most essential tasks. We have masks available for all staff. We have rearranged our schedules and our to-do lists.
But when you come into our Market, you are going to find tables and shelves absolutely overflowing with abundance. And that is because of the work we're doing outside. Everyday. For you.
Today, like everyday, we are incredibly grateful for our team. Everyone has stepped up to tackle this week with a level of gumption and can-do spirit that is rare these days. Those of us who are unable to safely work in these conditions are at home or inside. Those of us who are able to carry on, are showing up and stepping up.
And deep down we know, that all of the things we are putting off for now, the so-called 'non-essentials', are piling on to our to-do list after the skies clear. Whenever that is. And the sheer amount of catching up that looms is almost more intimidating than the apocalyptic skies we are working under right now.
On behalf of all Michigan farmers, thank you for your support. We're doing the best we can with the hand we've been dealt. If you need to find us, we'll be out here growing your food.
"Just stay inside"
Y'all!
Our... - Bear Creek Organic Farmhttps://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BpgE3qDmz/