2016 Lakewinds Organic Field Fund Recipients

On March 1st, the Lakewinds Organic Field Fund selection committee got together and awarded a total of $60,500 in grant funds to a group of 10 farms and farming associations. This committee is made up of 20 people passionate about organic and sustainable agriculture, including Lakewinds Board members, staff from the office and in the stores, and an owner-at-large. After reviewing 27 applications, we’re proud to announce this year’s recipients, and we wish them much success as they work on their projects and strengthen the local organic farming community.

Beez Kneez – Minneapolis, MN

  • Increase capacity to produce mustard products and improve efficiency of bottling honey through purchase of better processing equipment.
  • Total Funded: $5,000

Blackbrook Farm – Amery, WI

  • Build a new, larger walk-in cooler to store crops and increase offerings to markets year-round, allowing future expansion to wholesale businesses.
  • Total Funded: $8,000

Cartledge Family Farm – Aniwa, WI

  • Transition 150 acres from conventional to sustainable organic agriculture, repair erosion, improve soil condition and integrate buffer areas.
  • Total Funded: $8,000

Crazy Boy Farm – Rush City, MN

  • Set up fencing for an intensive rotational grazing system, corral and sorting and loading area to provide healthy conditions for livestock and expand CSA offerings.
  • Total Funded: $6,000

Fox & Fawn Farm – New Germany, MN

  • Third and final year of funding for the diversified planting of new and uncommon crops to the region including nuts, berries and other fruits.
  • Total Funded: $3,000

Joia Food Farm – Charles City, IA

  • Purchase cultivator for organic row crop production and complete organic certification.
  • Total Funded: $2,000

MOSES (Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service) – Spring Valley, WI

  • Fund Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring Program, pairing 35 newer farmers with experienced organic mentor farmers.
  • Total Funded: $8,000

Seed to Seed – Balsam Lake, WI

  • Purchase a 15,000 sq. ft. high tunnel to grow heirloom, roma and beefsteak tomatoes sold to Lakewinds Food Co-op. This will extend the growing season significantly and improve the quality and taste of the tomatoes.
  • Total Funded: $8,000

Turnip Rock Farm – Clear Lake, WI

  • Enclose current vegetable packing shed to help pass GAP/GHP certification and make usable during winter months to expand winter produce offerings.
  • Total Funded: $5,000

Urban Roots – St. Paul, MN

  • Expand organic food and farming education for 60 diverse and low-income youth on St. Paul’s East Side.
  • Total Funded: $7,500