Growing the Next Generation of Farmers

ERICA BLOOM, Assistant Director of Growing Hope and Contributor

Devon Wilson is proud of the food he grows on his farm in Battle Creek. After starting as an apprentice at Sprout Urban Farms, graduating from the MSU Student Organic Farm and recently buying land to start Sunlight Gardens, he’s proving that young farmers of color have a unique role in Southwest Michigan’s local food movement. “I am the person I would have looked up to when I was a little kid,” says Wilson.

Battle Creek has always been home for the 23 year-old. Now, with his new farm he’s determined to give back to his lifelong friends and neighbors. “If we’re growing food we’re instilling power back to the community,” he says. He describes Sunlight Gardens as not only a beautiful block of his neighborhood, but a model for building prosperity and abundance. Through selling organic produce to restaurants, farmers markets, and wholesale outlets, Wilson wants to train other aspiring farmers of all backgrounds how to be profitable for themselves and their communities.

On his own farm, Wilson is creating a business model that will include revenue from community-driven events where the hoophouses are used for workshops, concerts or farm-to-table dinners. He dreams of converting one of the sheds into a cafe style produce stand that accepts SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks currencies.

Through Sunlight Gardens Wilson is making the path more accessible for younger generations from all backgrounds. “It should be cool to provide food for your family and community and know the source of your food.”

SUNLIGHT GARDENS

245 N Kendall Street, Battle Creek, MI

info@sproutbc.org