Go Green Wilmette Explores the Wilmette Farmer’s Market

Many of Go Green Wilmette’s members shop at the Wilmette Farmer’s Market and appreciate the opportunity to purchase fresh, flavorful produce, which is frequently organic, in their own backyard.  GGW was interested in learning more about the vendors who bring the “fruits of their labor” to Wilmette.

I spoke with a representative of three of the vendors, LaVanway, First Orchards & Greenhouses and Klug Orchards Green Organic. All of these farms are located in Michigan, and each of them drives about two and a half hours, leaving their farms at about 3 a.m. after arising in time to load the produce before leaving, about 1 a.m.

Karen from First Orchards & Greenhouses was very informative.  She said that this farm has been selling produce in Wilmette for 21 years from Dowagiac, MI. The farm goes back five generations and now four generations, 10 family members run the farm.  She said their most popular items are peaches and apples. They raise tomatoes under hoops and use greenhouses for flowers and tomatoes. She sighed as she said that farming life is getting harder.

(Earlier: VIDEO: Wilmette's French Market Opens for the Summer )

Klug Orchards Green Organic has been bringing items to Wilmette for 15 years. They have been farming for three generations. They also grow tomatoes under hoops and use greenhouses for vegetable seedlings and raspberries. Their best sellers are peaches, blueberries and honeycrisp apples.

LaVanway Farms has been bringing produce to Wilmette for 10 years from Berrien Center, MI.  There are about 22 family members who work on the farm. They use hoops for fruit and greenhouses for tomatoes.  And, surprise, peaches are their best seller.

Next time you are at the Farmer’s Market, you may see the items before you in a new light.  You may also have your own questions for these hard working individuals who provide us with the opportunity to enjoy top quality, fresh produce.