LMC Hosts 'Future of Farming' Roundtable on Sustainable Agriculture

Event to feature small growers from Berrien County exploring latest trends in environmentally-friendly farming

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:00pm

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Lake Michigan College is hosting a roundtable discussion next week focused on the future of sustainable agriculture in Southwest Michigan. Moderated by LMC's Wine and Viticulture Program Director Tim Godfrey, the event will feature five local growers representing a cross-section of the region's biodiverse farming community, including producers of organic produce, regenerative wine, and artisanal hard cider.

Why it matters

As consumer demand for locally-sourced, environmentally-conscious food continues to grow, this event aims to highlight the innovative farming practices taking root across Berrien County. By bringing together a diverse group of small producers, the discussion will explore how sustainable and value-added agriculture can help define the future of the region's agricultural heritage.

The details

The 'From Farm to Future: Sustainable Agriculture in Berrien County' event will cover topics like organic certification, regenerative farming techniques, agritourism, and value-added products. Panelists will share their personal experiences starting and growing their sustainable agriculture businesses, as well as the challenges and opportunities they see for the future. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and learn more about getting involved in the local food movement.

  • The roundtable is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
  • The event will take place on the LMC Benton Harbor campus in rooms L310-311.

The players

Tim Godfrey

Director of the Wine and Viticulture Program at Lake Michigan College, who will moderate the roundtable discussion.

Maxx Eichberg

Owner of Stranger Wine Company, a regenerative estate winery in Buchanan.

Paula Camp

Owner of Carriage House Ciders, a cidery crafting barrel-aged, European-style hard cider from locally sourced heritage apples in Benton Harbor.

Katie Burdett

Owner of Farmette, a sustainable farm marketplace and café in New Buffalo.

Paul Meulemans

Owner of Wild Coyote Organic Farm, a certified organic vegetable and livestock operation in Berrien Springs.

Brett Muchow

Owner of Verdant Hollow, a 225-acre regenerative farm and farmstead goat creamery in Buchanan.

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What they’re saying

“Michigan is the second most biodiverse state, only behind California. And then on top of that, our little corner of Southwest Michigan here is one of the most agriculturally biodiverse areas in the state.”

— Tim Godfrey, Director, Wine and Viticulture Program, Lake Michigan College

“What this event is specifically trying to do is reframe what agriculture could mean and what our place here in Southwest Michigan and what opportunities might exist for smaller farmers that are focused more on value-added agriculture, agritourism, sustainable farming and regenerative agriculture.”

— Tim Godfrey, Director, Wine and Viticulture Program, Lake Michigan College

“We believe that there is an opportunity for anybody with a few acres of land to participate in agriculture here in Southwest Michigan. And the folks that we chose specifically here are folks that have kind of started doing just that.”

— Tim Godfrey, Director, Wine and Viticulture Program, Lake Michigan College

What’s next

After the roundtable discussion, the panelists will be available to answer additional questions from attendees and provide guidance for those interested in getting involved in sustainable agriculture in the Berrien County region.

The takeaway

This event highlights how Southwest Michigan's rich agricultural heritage is evolving, with a new generation of small, values-driven producers leading the way in sustainable and regenerative farming practices. By bringing together this diverse group of local growers, the discussion aims to inspire others to explore the opportunities in value-added, eco-friendly agriculture.