Our Mission
Your Route to Freshness
Michigan Harvest Lane is committed to cultivating a vibrant community hub, connecting residents and visitors to local growers and promoting the best of what they have to offer. Our focus is on providing convenient access to a diverse selection of the freshest, highest-quality produce and artisanal goods, fostering sustainable agricultural practices, and enriching the health and well-being of our community.
Founder's Story
About Thomas Owens
For Tom, farming isn’t just a new business—it’s a return to the land that shaped him. Growing up just north of Charlotte, Michigan, where the Little Thornapple River meets its tributaries, he learned early on that the earth provides for those who care for it. Alongside his five siblings and parents, he spent his youth working local farms and tending to massive family gardens that served as their primary source of food. These early years ingrained in him a deep respect for the harvest and a lifelong commitment to land stewardship.
Bridging Two Worlds
While Thomas spent the last 30 years in the construction industry, his heart never left the field. Whether visiting local farm markets during his lunch hour or taking long, early morning drives on the weekends to explore regional stands, he was always planning his "return to his roots." This unique combination of a builder’s discipline and a farmer’s soul is the foundation of his new venture.
A Long-Awaited Vision
In late 2025, Thomas officially filed his new LLC with the State of Michigan, marking the transition from dreamer to founder. Since then, he has been working tirelessly to build a community following and secure critical support—including pursuing federal and state grants like the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant and MDARD specialty crop funding—to ensure this market is a permanent fixture in the community.
A Sincere Thank You
This journey has been years in the making, and Thomas would be remiss not to thank the family, friends and early supporters who have shown such patience and encouragement during the rollout. He invites you to join him as he builds more than just a market—he is building a legacy of fresh, local food and community connection right here in the heart of Michigan.