Chelsea will become home to a year-round indoor farmers market and community café with the help of a new crowdfunding campaign, Agricole, L3C and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The campaign is being offered through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by April 7, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program.
For project details and to donate, please visit: www.patronicity.com/agricole.
“Funds raised through the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program will enable us to build out our business and community space in the renovated historic Mack Building located on the corner of Main and Jackson Streets, downtown Chelsea,” said Patrick Zieske, one of the managing members of Agricole.
“Specifically, we plan to use the funds for design, engineering, plumbing, lighting, refrigeration, freezers, cafe equipment, furniture and signage.” Agricole was founded by 4 local, passionate people who are committed to improving access to quality, locally grown produce. The managing members are Abby Hurst, Kathy Kennedy, Sharon Norton and Patrick Zieske, in a press release. “We are bringing to life our vision of a local food market for the community as we approach completion and launch in June 2019.”
Agricole conveniently brings the region’s best locally grown produce, meat, dairy, dry goods and expertly prepared whole foods to Chelsea. Consumers will be able to directly connect with area farmers and have access to fresh, healthy and local food.
Over the next 15 years Agricole expects to contribute $6M to the local food economy. Agricole will serve as a center for connection, community space and conscientious citizens. “We want to cultivate meaningful relationships with our staff, patrons, farmers and educators,” said Hurst in a press release.
Agricole Farm Stop plans to have more than 100 local farms and producers selling their products through this convenient single point of sale by early summer. Agricole will accept cash, credit and SNAP, and will participate in Double Up Food Bucks to maximize accessibility. Their model, which has successfully been in operation at Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor for the last 5 years, will give 75 cents of every dollar back to the local farmer or producer.
“The Agricole Farm Stop is an innovative and productive way to keep our community and local food systems connected year-round,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Katharine Czarnecki. “We are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”
“Creating engaging public spaces is key to great placemaking,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League.”
He said, “Agricole Farm Stop has the added advantage of supporting the community and local farmers by providing easy access to locally grown and produced products.”
About Agricole
Agricole, L3C (low profit liability company) is a mission-driven company, which means social benefit comes before profit. It is more than a local community market, it’s also a coffee shop and a social space.
Visit www.agricolefarmstop.com to learn more and to follow its progress.
Support of Agricole will result in growing a local food economy and building a more vibrant community.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy.
For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org.
For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org.
