According to the CDC, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis—and all its nasty symptoms—have been linked to imported produce, most commonly coming from tropical and subtropical regions.

Thankfully, it’s summertime and you don’t have to drive too far before you find a farmers market or a stand alongside the road loaded with beautiful fruits and vegetables picked that very day. No middleman. No grocery label codes to decipher. The farmer whose hands worked the ground, grew the plants, and picked the produce usually is right there to answer your every question.

Such is the case with Crisp Country Acres on the northeast side of Holland. The land has been in the Visser family since they settled there in the late 1800s. Farming runs deep in this family. The first generation was from The Netherlands, and when the next generation takes over, it will be the sixth generation to farm the land. In 2013, the family began growing produce, opened Crisp Country Acres, and now has 200 acres of vegetables.

Farmer Lindsey Visser shared that many of her customers have had concerns about the recent cyclosporiasis outbreak and whether it will affect the farm. She said it makes her sad when people say they’re afraid to eat produce for fear of getting the parasite.

Visser’s response to the concerns? “You don't have to go without fruits and vegetables, especially this time of year in Michigan—which is the best. Don't miss out on all of the good food that we have right now!”

And if you’re worried, the easiest way to find out how the food was grown and handled is to just ask the farmer. Ask what the farm’s water sources are, if surface water is used, and how often it’s tested. She added that she personally would feel safe with our local farms.

Because Visser has gotten so many questions on the topic, she posted some of the following reassurances on the Facebook page.

‍Crisp Country Acres practices
• Irrigation is done by drip tape—the water goes straight to the roots of the plants.

• The water used for growing and washing the produce is from the well, the same water the Visser family uses at home.

• Nothing is outsourced—from planting to delivery, every step is done by the farm’s team.

• The produce goes through safety inspection by FSMA, where water, soil, and harvest practices are routinely checked.

• The Visser family eats from the same fields as the customers.

Visser further explained that the lettuce—where most of the nationwide concern is focused—by being watered with drip irrigation, is a safe way to go. A piece of tubing goes just under the soil, and thus the water never actually touches the lettuce leaves. And no surface water is used, only well water. The wells are the same wells that the family drinks out of every day. Visser feels confident in saying that the farm’s food is safe—and the lettuce is safe.
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The farm's produce is washed. But just like with any produce it’s always recommended to wash it again once you bring it home, whether with baking soda, vinegar, or whatever you prefer—though Visser said she would think nothing of eating a piece of lettuce right out of the field.

And if all that Visser shared wasn’t enough, she added that Crisp Country Acres uses “absolutely no Roundup or any of that bad stuff” and only uses non-GMO seeds.

“Healthy growing is what we are obsessed with,” Visser said.

And they don’t just have lettuce. Some of the many offerings this July include potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, lettuce, kale, green onions, radishes, tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, broccoli, cucumbers, pickles, cabbage, celery, sweet bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, beans, blueberries, peaches, cherries, and sweet corn. That’s just the list of fruits and vegetables. Visit the website to learn about the meat, cheese, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, eggs, and more!

Also, the farm offers u-pick flowers and vegetables. For the kids, there is a playground plus farm animals they can feed.

Where to find them:

Crisp Country Acres produce can be found at the farm store, Muskegon and Kalamazoo Farmers Markets, and in area restaurants. The farm also provides food for kids in Kalamazoo for the Meet Up & Eat Up program.

Getting to the farm store currently involves a detour as the corner of Port Sheldon and 120th Ave currently is closed. So, be sure to plan accordingly. The route may be less direct, but the destination will be worth the journey.

• Crisp Farm Store (5888 120th Ave, Holland): Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm & Saturday, 8am–5pm.

• Muskegon Farmers Market: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 8am–2pm.

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