CSA-MI was formed in late 2003 by a group of farmers and CSA advocates who felt it was time for a major CSA conference in Michigan. Together, they took on the responsibility for finding funding, designing the program, and publicizing the event. But, both the conference (see below) and CSA-MI have a secondary mission which is to explore the possibility of creating a state-wide advocacy organization for CSA. A formal association or coalition acting on behalf of CSA might develop and disseminate educational materials, analyze public policy, and screen and coordinate interns. It also might offer such services as labor recruitment, appropriate technology, grant writing, and land acquisition expertise.

A session at the conference will be dedicated to considering the need for, and the structure of such an organization.  CSA-MI will initiate and coordinate this discussion. The conference Growing Together is scheduled for November 12-14, 2004 at the Kettunen Center in Tustin, MI. For further information please contact: at Jim Sluyter.

At this time, members of the CSA-MI steering committee are:

Laura B. DeLind, Growing in Place CSA

Jim Sluyter and Jo Meller, Five Springs Farm and The Community Farm Newsletter

Cathy Baker, Baker Farm

Phyllis and Mike Wells, Wells Family Farm

Sandee and Bernie Ware, Ware Farm

Susan Houghton, Giving Tree Farm

Tracy Cruz, Big Belly Farm

Chris and Kate Swier

Aaron Krueger