Ginger Gets A Green Light

By Brianne McLennan

Sue Gerlach and Allen Freiermuth, the dedicated owners of Good Root Growers, are ready to dig deep and gingerly expand their greenhouse in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin. Thanks to a generous grant from the Menomonie Market Food Co-op’s Fund Our Foodshed Grant program, ginger beds will soon flourish at their organic farm. As one of four local businesses awarded funding this year, Good Root Growers is poised to increase production of high-quality, heirloom, organic produce, thereby strengthening the local foodshed and delighting customers with sustainable offerings.

The Menomonie Market Food Co-op (MMFC) announced the grant recipients, highlighting the program’s role in nurturing regional agriculture.

“Funded through customer contributions at the registers and additional support from the co-op itself, this initiative aligns with the co-op’s mission of fostering a healthy foodshed by empowering regional farmers and food producers,” MMFC stated. “This year, MMFC is proud to distribute $19,000 in grants. The Fund Our Foodshed Grant Program not only revitalizes our rural community but also provides critical support to local farming operations. By investing in projects that strengthen operational infrastructure and increase food production, MMFC reinforces the essential role small farms and producers play in sustaining rural economies, preserving valuable ecosystems, and creating new business opportunities.”

For Good Root Growers, this grant is a transformative boost in an industry where resources are often scarce.

Sue and Allen share that they are thrilled to bring their vision to life. Sue has long dreamed of growing ginger, a crop prized for its bold flavor and finicky nature. The grant will fund new ginger beds — 4 feet by 48 feet and 4 feet by 3 feet — and a state-of-the-art drip irrigation system, optimizing their greenhouse for this spicy root. They emphasize that the automated watering system will be a game-changer, delivering precise irrigation to ensure vibrant, organic produce thrives through Wisconsin’s unpredictable seasons while minimizing water waste.

Ginger’s appeal extends beyond its zesty taste, offering health benefits that make it a valuable addition to Good Root Growers’ crops. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger aids digestion, soothes upset stomachs, and provides antioxidants that may boost immunity. 

For Prairie Farm residents, fresh, locally grown ginger from Good Root Growers offers a natural remedy for colds and a flavorful way to support wellness. By cultivating ginger locally, Good Root Growers will provide a sustainable and fresher alternative to imported roots, thereby reducing environmental impact.

Good Root Growers has deep ties to the Menomonie Market Food Co-op community. For more than a decade, Sue and Allen have been active members, supporting the co-op and selling their meticulously grown heirloom vegetables at its market. Their produce is highly sought after by local shoppers who prioritize organic, locally sourced food. The couple’s commitment to sustainable farming practices aligns closely with the co-op’s mission, making them ideal recipients of the grant. They share that being part of the co-op feels like a partnership with their neighbors, and this grant reinforces that sense of community support.

The addition of ginger beds represents a step toward diversifying their offerings and meeting growing demand for unique, health-focused produce. The new beds and irrigation system will also enhance the farm’s overall efficiency, allowing Sue and Allen to focus on nurturing the land and providing healthy options to feed their community.

In Prairie Farm, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, the grant’s impact reaches beyond Good Root Growers.

By supporting small farms, MMFC’s Fund Our Foodshed program helps strengthen the region’s rural heritage and builds resilience against the challenges posed by industrial agriculture. As Sue and Allen prepare to establish their ginger beds, they’re cultivating a healthier, more connected community.

Sue and Allen warmly invite you to visit Good Root Growers’ greenhouse to explore their vibrant selection of organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers, starting May 2, 2025. Extend your stay at their beautifully restored 1894 Norwegian cabin, available through Airbnb, or choose one of five unique campsites nestled among rolling hills and a pollinator habitat. These sites offer stunning views of the Hay River landscape, with trails winding through prairies and woods. Whether picking up fresh produce or savoring Prairie Farm’s serenity, Good Root Growers offers a refreshing taste of rural Wisconsin.