Our Story: Creating a New Industry

I first became involved in the Saskatoon berry after a phone conversation with my dad. A hard working contractor his whole life, he was facing failing knees and a slumping economy and worrying about how he could afford to retire. The tail end of our conversation turned to our shared passion: the garden. 

My dad had me starting vegetable plants from seeds in our basement before I was three and we have shared a passion for gardening since. This particular garden talk had to do with his new “hobby” garden—around 13 acres of land that he had already lined with pine trees and birdhouses. This was the first time I had heard of the new land and I was curious about his plans. He mentioned the Saskatoon berry.

He began telling me about a fruit I had never heard of—and it sounded promising. The Saskatoon berry is unbelievably nutritious, contains high levels of anti-oxidants, and a heartiness and resistance to sometimes-harsh Michigan winters. Furthermore, there is a market for the berries and the small numbers of Saskatoon farmers cannot keep up with demand. He claimed the fruit was delicious and that Michigan’s climate was ideal for growth. How  I had never heard of this fruit—and why in the world Michigan was not cultivating the them--remains a mystery.

I told my dad that unless this berry was too good to be true, it presented a real opportunity. The demand for health food products has grown for the past two decades and consumers have been more actively seeking healthy foods. I was certain my dad could take this mysterious, antioxidant powerhouse and help change Michigan's economy…. with my help of course. 

I began studying the Saskatoon. There is opportunity in this industry, for individual farmers, propagators and those employed with jobs a burgeoning Saskatoon industry could create. The berry is promising as a growth industry for a state in which they are all too rare. My father and I have taken our first steps toward turning this amazing plant into a new industry for Michigan.

It is my greatest hope that our efforts with the Midwest Saskatoon Project inspire others to do the same; for a hobby, for supplemental income or for an entirely new career. 

We look forward to sharing my passion for the Saskatoon industry and its berry with you.

From my garden to yours.--Sarah Lutz, Berry enthusiast.