Shares Available for Organic Produce

Fresh, local, organic produce is available to the public through the purchase of a share in the organic garden, Mdewakanton Wozupi.  

The SMSC operates a TSA (Tribally Supported Agriculture) program based on the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model which has grown in popularity across the United States in recent years.

Under the tribe’s program, for 18 weeks, TSA members receive a box filled with organic produce grown at the Wozupi. Purchasing a share also includes cooking classes, recipes, and a weekly newsletter as well as educational and volunteer opportunities.

The TSA will begin the second week of June and will continue for 18 weeks; shares are still available for $550 for the season. In the 2011 growing season, the TSA operated with 50 members. This year the number of available shares has increased to 75.

Shares in the garden are available for pick up each week at one of two locations: the garden site at 2041 140^th St. NW, Prior Lake, or at .

Mdewakanton Wozupi is located on County Road 42 near its intersection with County Road 83. Wozupi manages a 5.5-acre certified organic garden, a 3-acre orchard, bee hives, and a honey production facility as well as a sugar bush (maple syrup) production facility.

Like last year, more than 150 varieties of vegetables were planted in the garden including heirloom and hybrid plant varieties. Some new vegetables this year will be planted including sunchokes, rhubarb, horseradish, pea shoots, and sunflower sprouts.

Wozpui saves seed including heritage corn, squash ,and bean seeds that are grown in a Three Sister’s Garden. These seeds are replanted each year as well as shared with other Native American communities and organizations.

Community Education Classes

New this year will be community education classes open to the general public. Classes will be offered at Mazopiya and at the Mdewakanton Wozupi garden on such topics as beekeeping, backyard composting, organic vegetable gardening, vegetable garden clinic (using organic methods to address common garden issues), and food preservation (like drying and canning).

Native wild food foraging walks will be held on the reservation to harvest foods like chokecherries, wild plums, and blackberries.

To purchase a TSA share or for more information, including a complete list of classes, go to www.smscwozupi.org or the facebook page. The Wozupi can also be reached at 952-496-2267.

Editor's note: Information provided by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.