OU Organic Farmers Raising Funds Over Next 48 Hours for Hoop House

Oakland University's organic farmers are seeking help from the community to expand the farm's output and those who help won't even have to get their hands dirty. 

The Student Organic Farm at OU is launching a 48-hour crowdsourced fundraiser, beginning Thursday, with hopes of raising $5,000 toward a new Hoop House, a special type of greenhouse that will allow the student farmers to grow and sell their produce year-round.

"In Michigan we don't have a very long growing season so there's a huge need for them to be able to extend their growing season," Kelly Brault of Oakland University said. 

The farm, which has been at the university for about three years, began as a club and now serves in an educational capacity at the university, with classes interwoven into the farm, Brault said. 

"Our hope is as we continue to grow we'll be able to offer more things for the community," she said. 

Those wishing to donate can visit the fundraising website, or in-person just outside the Oakland Center on campus, where donations can be accepted via iPads. 

Brault said this is OU's first attempt at a crowd-funded campaign and hopes word of mouth can propel the farm toward its goal. With 125 donors giving $40, she said, the farm can reach its $5,000 goal. 

The hoop house will provide indoor production in the cool and cold seasons and allow the farm to start transplants outside earlier, for earlier spring crop production.

The campaign kicks off Thursday and runs through Saturday, Sept. 21.