Seward Co-op’s annual Know Our Grower program hosts local farmers who supply our stores and kitchen with produce grown using sustainable practices, soil restoration, organic pest control methods, and more. In addition to those farms growing during temperate months, we also work with growers that push the limits of our northern growing season by using hydroponic systems and greenhouses. Visit our Classes and Events calendar often this summer to read about our featured Know Our Grower producers. We’ll have lots of opportunities to meet farmers in the stores, sample unique and delicious recipes using their produce, and get great sale prices on selected items.

The first farm we’re featuring is Keewaydin Farms out of Viola, Wisconsin. Rufus Haucke from Keewaydin will be sampling on Thursday, May 17 at the Franklin store from noon-2 p.m. and at the Friendship store from 3-5 p.m. Check out the Eating Wild class Rufus is hosting that evening from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Friendship classroom.

About Keewaydin Farms

At the end of Haucke Lane in southwestern Wisconsin, you’ll find Keewaydin Farms, home to 15 acres of organically certified market garden produce, maple sugaring operations, a 40-cow dairy, grass-fed chickens, and a herd of swine. Founded in 1976 by Richard and Mary Haucke, Keewaydin Farms is second-generation owned and operated by Richard and Mary’s children, Jacob, Rufus and Jessica Haucke. In 2008, Keewaydin Farms began reaching out to neighboring certified organic farms. Jason and Jennelle Thimmesch grow Swiss chard, parsley, and cilantro on Thimmesch Farm. EZ Farming is a collaboration between Brian Wickert and his sons Zach and Ethen, who grow summer squash, beets, shallots, cabbage and winter squash. Tilth Farm grows around 20 acres of certified organic asparagus. Keewaydin Farms is honored to work with neighbors to provide fresh organic produce to stores like Seward Co-op. They believe farming is about community, that cooperation and sharing of markets makes us all stronger in the long run.

Internationally, there are an estimated 750,000 cooperatives that serve 730 million members. And throughout this year, we have an extraordinary opportunity to inform people around the world of the robust, human-scale, cooperative business model. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has proclaimed 2012 the International Year of Cooperatives. Yearlong observances such as this have been regularly declared by the UN to promote awareness of important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. The 2012 resolution, titled “Cooperatives in Social Development,” recognizes the diversity of the cooperative movement around the world and the role cooperative businesses play in achieving economic stability, while also contributing social and community benefits.

At Seward and other food co-ops across the United States, we’ll be highlighting the economic and social benefits of co-op grocers in a variety of ways. Throughout the year, expect special events and activities to raise awareness of co-ops and celebrate the mutual commitment consumers and their local co-op grocers have demonstrated to each other.

One of these activities is an online video series hosted by Kevin Gillespie, co-owner and executive chef at the Woodfire Grill Restaurant in Atlanta and sixth season finalist on the Bravo TV series “Top Chef.” Gillespie takes viewers through farm fields and grocery aisles nationwide showing the unique role co-ops have in building local food systems and their impact in their communities. In late January, we hosted a group of cooperators in Seward Co-op’s classroom to view the first episodes — one of which featured our co-op. Subsequent videos will be released throughout the year and can be viewed at www.strongertogether.coop.

Throughout 2012, we’ll have demos and samples from P6 co-op producers, displays of co-op products, and information in the store about the International Year of Cooperatives.