Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) is a statewide, non-profit organization connecting beginning and historically underserved farmers to each other and resource opportunities; ensuring social justice, environmental stewardship, and profitability. 

"To most people, dirt is just dirt. To a farmer, it's potential." 
W endell Berry

Greetings all you farmers or lovers of dirt. We here at MIFFS hope you are envisioning your fullest potential. The sun is shining and we have officially embarked upon spring. We continue to look forward to act ively sharing all we can about food and farming systems here in beautiful Michigan. 

Exciting News to Share!

A New PartnershipIn May, MIFFS partnered with National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) to establish a joint membership opportunity. We are excited about this partnership and we hope you will take advantage of the savings. Want to learn more or see the benefits of this joint membership? Check out our information page or join today. 

Educational Opportunities

Women in Ag (WIA)

Sun, Jun 5th 1 pm- 5 pm
Raising Sheep for Fiber & Food,
Location: Durand, MI.  Register here!

Mon, June 27th 10 am-4 pm Vermiculture Pit Design and Implementation, Location: Grand Blanc, MI. Registration opens soon. 

Mon, June 27th 5:30 pm- 8 PM
Plan on attending the Vermiculture Workshop? Join us after for good food, good community, and WIA Network development. Location Bonus...we meet across the street from The Local Grocer, a must see market serving Flint communities and beyond.    
Veterans

Look ahead...
Wed, July 15th 9 am- 3:30 pm Soil HealthLocation: USDA-NRCS Plant Materials Center in East Lansing. This event will offer military veterans, active duty personnel, and their families the opportunity to learn about the science and management behind good soil health, which is the first step in any successful and sustainable farming operation.

Preregistration is required for this free event and the event is only open to veterans, those currently serving in the military, or their family members. Space is limited!  Register here. 

Additional Veteran Opportunity
Michigan Post 9-11 Combat Vets Eligible to Win a Farm Truck from FVC-MI. More info found here. 
  Granting Resources
USDA Value Added Producer Grants for 2016- Applications due by July 1, 2016

Read more about local and regional food systems through the USDA. Check out their Urban Farmer Toolkit.  

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants. Applications for this program are accepted year round at your  local office Who can answer questions? Contact your  State Rural Development Energy Coordinator.


Michael Fields Agricultural Institute   provides free Grant Advising services with a focus on beginning farmers, limited resource farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers and/or military veterans, as well as young organizations working with these farmers For more information  and to be on the e-list, please contact MFAI’s  Grants Advisor , Deirdre Birmingham, deirdreb4@gmail.com    or (608) 219-4279.
Career Resources
Cherry Capital Foods is currently hiring for several positions. www.cherrycapitalfoods.com/careers
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DEADLINE APPROACHING!
BFRDP Matching
Funds Program
Through a USDA  Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Grant the MSU  Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS), Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) and MSU  Student Organic Farm will provide a limited number of $2,000 stipends to beginning farmers in Michigan. Each $2,000 stipend requires applicant matching savings of at least $1,000 intended for farm-related costs. The stipends are designed to help people in their first years of farming to develop and stabilize their farming business, increasing its long-term viability. Applications are due by June 27, 2016
Your contribution, in any capacity, is welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for playing a critical role in making Michigan farming an attractive and viable livelihood.

Sincerely,

MIFFS
  480 Wilson Road, Room 172, East Lansing, MI 48824
Ph: 517.432.0712 | Fx: 517.353.7961 | info@miffs.org