From locally grown peaches to a homegrown-cafe, Agricole, a local farm shop located in downtown Chelsea, has everything: and it is all locally sourced.
Melanie Zimmerman and Shana Weddington from Agricole share an inside look into how this Argus-inspired farm stop model thrives on the local community.
Open all year round, Argicole serves over 250 farms and small artisan businesses around Michigan, prioritizing locally grown products and small businesses, with the majority of products functioning under a consignment model that works as a 75/25% split with 75% of all sales going back to farmers, artisans and all local suppliers. In total, roughly $6.5 million has been paid back to the locals.
Now growing and expanding its community, Weddington and Zimmerman discussed how Agricole has been a community based project since before its doors even opened in 2019.
Before opening, Chelsea was lacking an indoor food hub where local food systems could rally and support the agriculturally rich landscape the local area provided. So, after over 4 years of back and forth, Agricole’s doors opened. It was able to fill the need of an indoor downtown market in Chelsea, while connecting the community to food growing right next to them. Agricole prides itself on its local support, describing how ¼ of farmers selling produce are within 10-15 miles, ranging from large generational farms, to one acre farms.
Addison Moore, Zoe Hammett and Melanie Zimmerman
pictured in front of “Wonderful Veggie Artistry” by Shelly and Dave Brenner.
Agricole builds community through a virtual newsletter that Zimmerman has been curating. It works as a bridge between customers, farmers, staff and community. She hopes that it will shape the voice of Agricole through its discussion of the store’s growth and involvement, local morale and personal stories from farmers and staff. Zimmerman shares the importance of humanizing the food system and the hard work that goes into the food we eat, encouraging readers to be intentional and appreciate the stories of the store and farmers, emphasizing that “to know your food is to know who grew it.”
Agricole is easily accessible to the flow of residents and downtown visitors. Located right on the highway, near a wedding destination, biking trails and medical resources, they describe how everyone who comes in, local or not, finds their place in Agricole. This sets Agricole apart, making it more than just a grocery store, but something that has become such a special part of a routine.
Weddington describes Chelsea as a “town that seems like it wants to support local businesses.” Chelsea provides a good structure of local business support built into the community, and “Agricole is a good reflection of how each local business supports another local business.” Whether it be the relationship between farmers and buyers or traveling tourists getting a local experience, Agricole has something for everyone and “an awareness that we are all taking up space together.”
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Accessible food
Starting in June, they became a member of the Double Up Food Bucks program through EBT, where EBT card carriers double the amount they can spend on fresh produce. So, while this small local store may seem “high end” from the outside, local food that lasts longer and is higher in nutrients, is now more accessible too.
This program contributes to “a nice supporting circle that doesn’t compromise anyone’s needs and really supports everyone involved,” Zimmerman said.
So next time you are in Chelsea, venture to Agricole and see what they have to offer. —whether you are a potential supplier, one time customer, or a new regular, there is something for everyone. This shop is valued, appreciated and intentional, and amidst the constant flow of exciting new produce and products, they encourage you to slow down so as to not “miss the magic of this place.”
Agricole Farm Stop. 118 North Main Street, Chelsea. agricolefarmstop.com.
