Elizabeth Visser

My name is Elizabeth, though I go by Liz. I am not the first person in my family to farm, though I am the only person in my family who is farming as a profession currently. I manage the Blandford Nature Center Farm in Grand Rapids, and have been working there since 2016.

I received a B.A. from Grand Valley State University with an emphasis in Illustration. The more I learn, whether it’s about soil management, a new knitting technique, or making connections in the community, the more I see how everything is interconnected. I believe in reciprocity, and that the creation of an equitable food system benefits everyone.

Takidia Jenkins-Smith

Takidia Jenkins-Smith, an urban grower by chance, began her journey in 2009 in response to challenges brought on by the 2008 economic recession. To supplement her family’s food bill, she turned to the earth, sowing a small vegetable garden and building an urban homestead with her husband and four children. Then, in 2017, with a little over $3,000, vegetable seed, and a PDF copy of hoophouse plans, Takidia founded Fresh Beets Urban Farm—currently the only for-profit urban farm in Grand Rapids, MI, that is 100% owned and operated by an African American woman.

She launched the farm in implicit partnership with the food justice movement in Kent County with the aim of answering two crucial questions: how much food can the average lot in Kent county produce and how much land does an urban grower need to operate a profitable urban farm. Her passion for empowering others and making a positive impact on the community drives her vision to create a thriving community of urban growers with the means to access the land they require to foster a robust and diverse local food system in Grand Rapids, MI.

Alita Kelly

Alita is a serial entrepreneur with several food related businesses under her belt. She has worked on local and national policy campaigns around sustainable agriculture. Alita has served on several boards, many in leadership positions including Chair for the Grand Rapids Urban Agriculture Committee. She’s currently chair of the West Michigan Chapter of the National Young Farmer Coalition, Lead Alchemist of Jade Rabbit, a strategic planning and urban agriculture development firm, and revitalizing a 10 acre apple orchard in Northern Michigan.

Angela Haan

My name is Angela. I received a B.A. from Grand Valley State University in Environmental & Sustainability Studies and Anthropology. I love working with communities to build equitable and sustainable food systems. I want to offer access to food that celebrates the culture of that community.

My passion led me to work at the South East Market in its early stage, become the manager and contribute to its growth. I am now working at Blandford Nature Center Farm, which is teaching me the skills and knowledge to more intentionally aid the growth of a resilient food system here in West Michigan.

Change has to happen on the ground, with reciprocity and care at its center. I believe that sharing knowledge and offering opportunities for the communities facing systemic barriers can lead to a more equitable and resilient food system. I am motivated by the curiosity of children and the drive community members have to build their relationship with the land. We have lots of work to do together, but there is so much beauty on the other side.

Payge Solidago

Payge has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Michigan, where she also studied sustainable food systems, gender, and public health. She is a first generation, young, and queer farmer and faciliator from southeast Michigan. She created an urban farm last year for a nonprofit and led education programs for K-10 students, which fueled her passion for liberating our food. Payge is the Michigan Organizer for the National Young Farmers Coalition, where she uplifts farmers’ work and voices into policy conversations, while facilitating community building between farmers across the Midwest.

Mikayla Rowden

My name is Mik (she/they). I am a first generation, queer, young farmer in the West Michigan area. Two seasons ago I started a small farm called Stillwind, which is now a 1/2 acre, low till, Certified Naturally Grown operation. I also work full time at Full Hollow Farm & volunteer on both the West MI Young Farmers Chapter & West MI Growers Group boards. I find joy & rest while enjoying meals with others, reading, & spending time outside!

With plentiful barriers to entry & systematic issues, I find it is inspiring to work alongside local farmers, community members, & leaders to hopefully cultivate a more equitable food system & industry for young, BIPOC, queer, aspiring growers.