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. 
We're starting to plan the 15th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference and we'd like to hear from potential presenters. If you have a great idea for a presentation or workshop, we'd love to hear it!

Fill out the proposal application here by July 31, 2017.
Farm Development Centers and Networks
Tilian FDC
The growing season is well underway at Tilian FDC and the farmers are busy. This month, Tilian farmers and volunteers gathered for a work day to spread out two large mounds of old compost in order to solarize it. They also discussed bird-proofing the barn and prepared for food safety upgrades that are in the works.

Stay up to date on what's happening at Tilian by connecting on Facebook.

Women in Ag Network
The Women in Ag Farm Development Center is in its second year of production. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about becoming an incubator farmer, please contact Dana Voorheis at (810) 247-8547.

Stay tuned from upcoming workshops and events with WIA by connecting on Facebook.

Vets in Ag Network
Veteran Product Guide
Are you a veteran? Register your farm now to be listed in the first edition Veteran Product Guide for consumers interested in supporting veteran-owned farms.  

MIFFS will be collecting farm profiles until September 2018, allowing for the guide to be printed in early 2019. 
Upcoming Events/ Workshops

Free Beginning Farmer Workshop: Farming For All - Programs, resources, and partners that can help your farm succeed
July 12th 9 am-2 pm at the Muskegon Farmers Market (Muskegon, MI)   

The event is free, but registration is required.

Small Farm Pest Management: Informed decisions and sustainable approaches
August 13th 8 am- 4 pm at Tilian Farm Development Center (Ann Arbor, MI).

The event is free, but registration is required.  
Farm Development Centers and Networks are at the core of MIFFS’ work and depend in part on member support. If you like the work we’re doing and would like to make a donation, please visit the link below.
In the News!
Incubator kitchens are helping small food businesses grow right here in Michigan. Read about it here.
Community Resources/Announcements
Let's Farm Michigan
Let's Farm Michigan is a collective calendar of farmer events held throughout the state. All events listed on this site must be organized for farmers and located in Michigan. 

Contact lacey@miffs.org for more information or to be added to the calendar.
MIFFS Land Chat is a Michigan-based online forum to connect with those who have land to lease or sell with those who need land to farm. It's that simple.

Post what you have or what you need and be as descriptive as possible.  
October 24-26, 2017

Calling all good food entrepreneurs in Flint! Michigan Good Food Fund is hosting a FREE Boot Camp to help you take your business to the next level. Applications are due by September 11.
July 19th, 9am-3pm at Sacred Heart Parish, Detroit.

Registration and details here. 
Farmer to Farmer, a farmlink website connecting farmers to land and jobs in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Manistee Counties is now live.
The  Michigan State University EnviroImpact Tool was recently launched. This is a new tool to help farmers look up local runoff risk and plan manure application accordingly, reducing problematic runoff. Learn more here.

Join us in supporting the many faces of farming
Become a member of MIFFS and help us support the many faces of farming.

Joint Membership between MIFFS and National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) is also available.

We greatly appreciate any and all donations.

Whether you’re giving to a specific program, project or our general fund, thank you! Donation options include Michigan Family Farms Conference, Women in Ag, Vets in Ag, or Tilian Farm Development Center.

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