Farming has become increasingly industrialized. Small-scale farming has become a scarce line of work, limiting one’s access to locally sourced food. For many communities, access to fresh produce has become a real challenge.
For one business in Watersmeet, this challenge was seen as a real opportunity.
Lac Vieux Desert Agricultural Holdings is an agricultural and economic development company owned and operated by the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in Watersmeet, Michigan. Managed by Joseph Schaar, this enterprise is working to increase food independence within the local community. More specifically, it supports the Lac Vieux Desert Tribe by growing agriculture, managing natural resources, and organizing community food projects.
Five years ago, the business began with small projects; growing vegetables, building healthy soil, and starting seeds. Now, it has become something much bigger.
“We’re growing a lot. We need a food revolution here. We need more farming.”
This organization is actively practicing a variety of sustainable agricultural practices, some of which include mushroom cultivation, plant preservation, and local food distribution. More recently, Lac Vieux Desert Agricultural Holdings prepared a mushroom spaghetti dinner for members at the Elderly Gathering Place. Beyond just providing a meal, Schaar was able to produce something people should gather around, share, and enjoy.
Supporting Growth Through the SBSH Program
As the business expands, so does its need for recourses. Through MTEC SmartZone’s Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) Program, Lac Vieux Desert Agricultural Holdings was awarded a grant to support and expand its agricultural operations. Though this grant, they were able to scale operations and expand into a larger facility, allowing them to prepare greater quantities of produce.
“We’re going from doing production for the tribal elder food box to likely the broader Western UP. Not just tribal members or elders, but broader populations in the area.”
One example of a purchase made with the grant was a pallet jack. There are times when large quantities of meat or produce need to be delivered or moved. This equipment allows Schaar to easily transport the food into storage suitable for preservation and later distribution. It also makes handling larger quantities for larger community events more manageable.
Inspiring the Next Generation, Right in Our Backyard
Now, Schaar is working towards establishing a farm. The organization has already identified a potential property and begun some development. He hopes to introduce animals within the next couple of years, further expanding the business’s agricultural offerings and ability to provide.
“Beyond providing affordable food that’s not normally available, the biggest thing I would like to see is to inspire a lot of the youth to realize that agriculture is not one-dimensional. There is so many facets in agriculture that kids can find an interesting career in. I’m hoping that this will expose them to different types of food production and some technology that they wouldn’t normally see.”
Schaar wants to provide the next generation’s future workforce to experience agriculture firsthand. He hopes to inspire them, foster creativity, and show them that opportunities like this exist right in their own backyard. “They don’t have to leave home, “Schaar explains. “There’s so much to learn from nature, and opportunities in your local community to do something you’re passionate about.”
The SBSH program provided Lac Vieux Desert Agricultural Holdings with more than just the tools to scale. It helped the organization provide food for an entire community, bring people together through shared meals, and develop a space that fosters creativity for today’s youth. These efforts are strengthening food independence in Watersmeet and the entire Western U.P.
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About MTEC SmartZone
Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation (MTEC) SmartZone is one of 21 SmartZone Incubators in the State of Michigan. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization directed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), their mission is to accelerate high-tech business growth in the region. Since 2003, MTEC SmartZone has provided mentoring, technical support, and other services to local companies that have led to the creation of over 800 high-tech jobs in the Houghton/Hancock area. For more information, visit mtecsz.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook, and email mtec@mtecsz.com.
About the Small Business Support Hub Program
The Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) Program supports small businesses by connecting them with the proper resources to strengthen the regional business ecosystem. Through collaboration with local partners, the program works to help businesses grow and prosper. The program is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and reflects a continued investment in small business development and economic growth throughout Michigan.
About the MEDC
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state. MEDC’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation initiative establishes Michigan as the place to create and grow a business by providing high-tech start-up companies with access to a variety of critical resources, such as funding and expert counsel, from ideation to maturation. For more on MEDC Entrepreneurship & Innovation, visit michiganbusiness.org/entrepreneurship.