Fat Blossom Farm—located in Allegan, Mich., about 150 miles from Chicago—is a small, family-run place committed to practicing sustainable agriculture.
Jacob Ruth Quincy and his wife, Liz Ruth Quincy, were living in Washington state and wanted to start a farm in the Midwest to be closer to their families. His mother, Laurie Smith, also is passionate about nature and organic farming, "and was looking to start a new adventure in her life," he said.
Together, they started an organic farm within delivery distance of Chicago.
He is in his sixth year as lead grower. His mom is a part-owner and an out lesbian.
Fat Blossom Farm has seven full-time employees, with other LGBT employees, too.
"Our short-term goals are to improve the soil, expand our markets, and approach financial stability," Quincy said. "Our long-term goals are basically the same, but with a broader outlook on maintaining the health of our little ecosystem, establishing ourselves in markets with non-perishable or less perishable products, [such as] a new line of enchanted forest products, other wood based products, canned goods, dried herbs/flowers, etc., and having a stable business that is able to pay its employees a living wage."
Fat Blossom Farm grows a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers, selected for beauty, flavor and nutrition. It also grows a number of heirlooms and some newer varieties that have been traditionally bred for high vitamin and antioxidant levels.
Fat Blossom Farm does not grow any genetically modified organisms ( GMOs ).
"We have quickly established a strong, supportive customer-base that values the work we are doing and appreciates our commitment to sustainability," Quincy said.
The farm sits on 47 acres of land in southwest Michigan.
"Our little bit of paradise in the rolling hills of Michigan has an incredible diversity of wildlife and beautiful trails through rolling hayfields and a diverse forest," he said.
So what's with the name, Fat Blossom Farm?
Well, that was mom's idea, Quincy said.
"We were all brainstorming ideas for weeks and that is the one that stuck," he said. "For me, the name says that we are fun and silly, while still conveying what it needs to."
Fat Blossom Farm has a CSA ( community-supported agriculture ) connection to Chicago, with multiple pick-up locations, including Andersonville and Rogers Park. There are spring, summer and fall shares options, as well as full season (May-November).
Members of a CSA purchase a share of a farm's production in advance of the season and receive fresh seasonal produce at a rate that is lower than retail. Farmers thus have a guaranteed market and money to buy supplies at the beginning of the season. CSA members, meanwhile, get fresh food at near wholesale prices and also get to know where their food is coming from and how it is raised.
Plus, members of CSAs have the option to help select what is grown and volunteer their time.
"Our Farm Share program provides people with a weekly selection of whatever is coming ripe that week at the farm," Quincy said.
Quincy said customers often praise the Fat Blossom Farm potatoes, kale, arugula, and tomatoes. Plus, "our new line of enchanted forest products has blown up selling almost as quickly as we are able to put them together," Quincy said.
Quincy said Chicago is a great market for his company, with a large potential customer-base and a growing demand for organic and sustainably-produced goods.
Fat Blossom Farm is the home to its annual Enchanted Forest Festival during the first two weekends of October, giving visitors the opportunity to walk the trails and tour custom-built fairy habitats, and then, only using natural materials, create your own dwelling.
"Intricately designed fairy houses are placed along a mile-long trail through our beautiful wood lot," Quincy said. "The festival is a great way to get kids and adults alike excited about the outdoors and a fun way of exploring the magic of nature."
For more information about Fat Blossom Farm, go to www.fatblossom.com .
