February 4, 2025

Farming, Grant Funding

Seed Award Spotlight: Emery Foods

Emery Foods is committed to cultivating and distributing a diverse array of fruits and vegetables,

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In our “Seed Award Spotlight” series, we asked the Fall 2024 Seed Award winners about their experience as a food or farm entrepreneur, including the passion behind their business, and their vision for positive change in their community. This January, 18 Seed Award winners were chosen to receive seed funding totaling almost $250,000. These grants represent not just financial investment, but an acknowledgment of the vital role farms and food distributors play in advancing Michigan’s food value chain.

Among the distinguished recipients is Emery Foods, a family-owned business based in Battle Creek, Michigan. Founded by Filiberto Villa Gomez, Emery Foods has committed itself to cultivating, processing, and marketing a diverse array of fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, asparagus, and apples, all harvested from the fertile fields of Southwest Michigan. The company stands out for its dedication to supporting small local farmers by helping them sell and process their produce in manageable quantities, thereby bolstering the regional food economy and enhancing community well-being.

Keep reading to learn more about Emery Foods LLC and how their dedication to quality and community collaboration is nurturing the growth of Michigan’s agricultural sector.

Name: Filiberto V. Gomez
Business Name: Emery Foods LLC.

What does being selected as a Seed Award winner mean to you personally, and how does it reflect on the journey of your business so far?               

It is very motivating to have received this award because it will help to increase production capacity and maintain and expand the market for vegetables and fruits. It will also increase the support given to other producers through the acquisition and distribution of their products.

In what ways will the Seed Award funding support your immediate and long-term business goals?

In the short term, it will help to obtain some promotional materials, as well as packaging materials and small equipment that will help to obtain a better presentation and quality of the product.

In the long term, we hope to increase the production of traditional crops and participation with other producers who for some reason have limitations to place their products in the markets. Likewise, grow a business incorporated into the food production chain and provide a quality service that is reflected in the health of consumers.

Can you share your vision for the positive changes this award will enable you to make in your business and the broader community?               

In addition to growing crops, continuing to work hand in hand with other producers that at the same time allows them to increase their knowledge in quality and production management as well as their knowledge in crop diversification and adaptation to market needs, and involving producers in production through natural and transitional practices for those who want to change to organic production.

What led you to start your business? What motivates you to do what you do?

The establishment of a highly technical production system does not allow many small and medium producers to have access, but the conditions and limitations of many turn them into part-time producers; for this reason, many of them do not have enough time to serve the markets with all their products and sometimes have to leave them in the field. In this project, in addition to producing our own crops, we also guide and motivate producers to participate and attend educational programs as well as to educate themselves in agricultural support programs.

 

Want to try fresh fruits and veggies from Emery Foods? Visit their website to find their Battle Creek location or view online ordering options.

 

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