Chivle launches zero-commission founding grower program for Michigan farms

Chivle, Inc. is opening a Founding Grower Program that gives the first 50 Michigan farms zero platform commission for one year on its farm-to-table marketplace. The move is meant to help local growers reach nearby buyers without upfront listing costs or exclusivity requirements.

Why it matters: - The program gives Michigan farms a low-risk way to test direct online sales without paying commission in year one. - Chivle is targeting small and mid-size growers that want to reach nearby buyers without giving up existing channels or customer relationships. - The offer could help more local produce move through direct-to-consumer sales across Michigan.

What happened: - Chivle, Inc. announced its Founding Grower Program for Michigan farms. - The first 50 farms to join will pay zero platform commission for their first year on the marketplace. - The marketplace connects local growers with nearby buyers and is headquartered in Clinton Township, Michigan. - The program is open now to growers across Michigan, with a focus on farms using regenerative growing practices.

The details: - Farms can list their harvest online for free with no setup fee and no monthly cost. - Chivle matches growers with buyers searching for what they grow. - Payouts go directly to the farm’s bank account. - Farms set their own prices. - Farms are not required to sell exclusively through Chivle. - Farms can keep selling through farmers markets, CSAs and other existing channels. - Standard pricing after the founding year is 10% commission. - Farms on the optional Grower Pro plan pay 7% commission and $39 per month. - Grower Pro includes pricing guidance, a harvest calendar and a weekly market report. - Farms can choose pickup, self-delivery or on-demand courier dispatch where available. - Interested farms can apply at the grower application. - More information is available at Chivle’s website.

Between the lines: - Founder Elvis S. framed the launch as a way to give farmers access to nearby buyers without needing a marketing budget or tech team. - The zero-commission year is a clear incentive designed to lower the barrier to joining early. - The emphasis on regenerative practices suggests Chivle wants to build a farmer base aligned with its brand and buyer audience.

What's next: - Chivle will accept applications from Michigan farms until the 50 founding slots are filled. - After the first year, participating farms will move to Chivle’s standard commission structure unless they choose the Grower Pro plan. - The company will likely use the founding cohort to test demand, logistics and buyer matching across Michigan.

The bottom line: - Chivle is betting that free onboarding and direct payouts will pull Michigan farms onto its marketplace and help it build a local supply network fast.