The Great Lakes Incubator Farm

The United States has a population of more than 331 million people, yet only 1.4% of these are farmers, and these numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate.

The Grand Traverse region is no exception. Although we are fortunate to boast nationally-significant farmland protection programs that make it possible for farmers to stay in agriculture, the unprecedented development pressures squeezing our region’s natural and farm lands are unrelenting.

 
 

Our region’s average farmland cost is $4,500/acre, and the cost to purchase or lease land is only the beginning in terms of required investment. Equipment, licensing, and other necessary start-up costs are often so great that they make realizing a profit from farming an unsolvable financial puzzle

 
 

The Great Lakes Incubator Farm

On the east side of the river at the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve lies the historic Meyer Farm. The grant-funded purchase of this 15-acre farmstead was made by Grand Traverse County with the intention that the property maintain its agricultural history and provide benefit to the public. The GTCD is honored by the opportunity to host our newest program at this beloved location.

The Great Lakes Incubator Farm program is an active, land-based agricultural program that fosters the growth and development of new and beginning farmers in northwest lower Michigan. Utilizing the Meyer Farm property, the Incubator Farm will reduce the risk to an agricultural start-up by providing business development services and agricultural management, mentoring, and training. This low-risk learning environment will help develop and foster new agriculture producers who will in turn:

  • Assist in succession of local farmland

  • Create local farming models based on principles of regenerative agriculture

  • Build resilience in the local food economy

  • Foster a lasting culture of health and wellness

The program will lower common barriers that typically deter individuals from starting a farming operation by giving them the opportunity and flexibility to create an agricultural business and gain expertise as they grow. We will offer access to the resources and tools needed to foster farmers who will be stewards of our region’s natural resources. Eventually, participants will transition to an independent resilient and successful farm operation.

Mirroring the Boardman River Nature Center on the river’s opposite side, the Incubator Farm will be a welcoming demonstration location where community members and the agriculturally curious can gather to learn about natural resource conservation, agriculture, soil health, food, farming systems, and innovative and regenerative practices that benefit both people and planet.