Dear MIFFS Supporters,
As the months of 2020 continue to come to a close, we look back on the year that many of us will not ever forget. This year has been challenging but has also brought about opportunities to connect in a different light (via computer!). MIFFS has been working throughout the pandemic to connect resources to those in need and working with the community to make some pretty tough decisions. We announced earlier this week that the Michigan Family Farms Conference will not be held in 2021 as we take this time to slow down and reflect. MIFFS will be hosting the first of the listening sessions next week to gather information on what we are doing at the conference that is working and what is not. We are committed to hearing from those that have been a part of the conference over the years to make the changes that move the conference forward. Zoom info is below in the newsletter; registration is not required. We also welcome your feedback via email or phone if you prefer. We plan on holding a number of the sessions over the next couple of months, gathering information to create a more diverse, inclusive, and equity-focused conference with more community representation guiding the way.
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In other news, a number of grant awards were announced this week and we are happy to have received funding from SARE. Read the Press Release here along with the other SARE funded projects. We congratulate all the awardees! The next round of grants is slowly coming through and some of the opportunities are listed in the section below.
Until next month, stay safe and healthy!
The MIFFS Team
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Make Sure You Are Counted! Take the 2020 U.S. Census BY OCTOBER 5!
It is vital that Michiganders unite and encourage each other to complete the 2020 United States Census. When Michiganders are missing from the census, our existence and our struggles are erased from the story of America. Resources and political representation, meant to support our community and give us a voice, are assigned elsewhere. The census determines how money and your political representation are assigned by counting how many people there are to serve in each neighborhood, city, and state. Under counted groups are missed for several reasons such as language barriers, displacement, where they live, or fear over how data is stored and used. Completing the census will direct billions of dollars to local communities every year, for the next 10 years, for our local health programs, hospitals, our food assistance programs, schools, and affordable housing.
It is easier now than ever before to complete the census. You can do it by phone at 844-330-2020 or online at my2020Census.gov
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Coronavirus Food Assistance Program II (CFAP): |
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If you were eligible for a payment with the first CFAP program this year, you are more than likely eligible for a 2nd round of payments (CFAP 2) Signup began Monday, September 21 and will end December 11. CFAP 2 is a direct payment program for producers who have suffered price declines due to COVID-19. There are several commodities now eligible for the program.
Below are helpful links:
A call center is available for producers who would like additional one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process. Please call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. The call center can provide service to non-English speaking customers. Customers will select 1 for English and 2 to speak with a Spanish speaking employee. For other languages, customers select 1 and indicate their language to the Call Center staff.
CFAP Resources
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The first listening session for Michigan Family Farms Conference feedback will be held on Tuesday, October 6, at 10:00 am. This session is targeted at conference partners and resource providers. Stay tuned for announcements of future feedback opportunities and please let us know if you are interested in coordinating a community feedback session. There is not registration for the session, you can join us with the Zoom instructions below:
Tuesday, October 6
10:00 am ā 11:00 am
Meeting ID: 243 835 794
Password: 71295
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,243835794#,,#,712959# US
+13017158592,,243835794#,,#,712959# US
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A recording of the 2021 NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher grant writing webinar is now available online: https://youtu.be/Jbcy2w3yswYThis 2021 NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program grant webinar guided participants through the process of submitting a grant proposal to NCR-SAREās Farmer Rancher grant program. Joan Benjamin, NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program Coordinator, showed participants how to write a strong proposal and project budget and where to get help. Download the presentation slides used during the webinar either as a basic PDF or an editable PowerPoint presentation (PDF or PowerPoint).
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USDAās Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for eligible certification expenses paid between Oct. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2020, are due Nov. 2, 2020. Click here for more details.
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With many farmers suffering a loss in income, decreased profitability, and potentially the loss of benefits from an off-farm job, Farm Commons is hosting a webinar on buying health insurance for farmers. Open Enrollment 2020: Health Insurance Options for a Resilient Farm Business Health insurance can play a critical role in creating a legally resilient farm business. Join us for a webinar to help you plan ahead for your 2021 health insurance needs. Weāll cover health insurance options available during the upcoming Open Enrollment Period, including how to shop for plans and apply for coverage, how to understand the different types of health plans available and decide whatās best for you, and how to get help paying for the costs of health insurance. Weāll also talk about how to plan ahead to keep health insurance during life events and opportunities to enroll in coverage outside the Open Enrollment Period. Tuesday, October 6, 2020 3:30pm Eastern FREE Register Here
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Register for the 2020 Michigan Good Food Virtual Summit, which officially kicks off Monday, October 12th at 10:00 am with keynote speaker Dr. Ricardo Salvador, Director and Senior Scientist of the Food and Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Gary McDowell, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, will also give opening remarks. View the entire Summit schedule and register here.
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Complete el siguiente formulario https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0krUGbPz0Sk8dZH y le enviaremos una grabaciĆ³n del seminario virtual titulado "Seguridad de los productos en la granja para pequeƱos productores en la era de COVID-19". Por favor tenga en cuenta que solo su direcciĆ³n de correo electrĆ³nico es de carĆ”cter obligatorio. Usted puede proveer el resto de la informaciĆ³n de forma completamente voluntaria. Esta informaciĆ³n se usarĆ” estrictamente para reportar nĆŗmeros en cada categorĆa y no se vincularĆ”n a su correo electrĆ³nico.
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Did you know that Michigan produce growers enjoy more on-farm produce safety support than growers in other states? The Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety Team provides FREE educational programs and farm visits through a collaboration between the Michigan Produce Safety Technician Program and members of Michigan State University Extension. Click here for more info.
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The National Agricultural Law Center's next free webinar will be held on Wednesday, October 21st at noon EDT/11 a.m. CDT, and will discuss the laws and considerations necessary for opening and running a craft beer brewery. Opening a craft brewery, winery or similar business may be an exciting opportunity, but the process can be difficult to navigate legally. Join us as Candace L. Moon, The Craft Beer Attorney, provides an overview of legal considerations for opening this type of business, along with tips on how entrepreneurs and attorneys can navigate potential issues. For more information or to register for this webinar, click here.
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In response to a growing rural mental health crisis, National Farmers Union (NFU), Farm Credit, the American and Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) this week announced a free online training program to help farmers, their families and neighbors identify and cope with stress. Learn more about the training here.
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PSA Grower Training Courses Available During COVID-19 When measures to control COVID-19 went into effect across the United States and other countries, the PSA team moved quickly to ensure growers would have access to required produce safety training. The PSA team fast-tracked an Online PSA Grower Training course option and a Temporary Remote Delivery course option. Both successfully launched in April 2020. Now, in addition to in-person courses that continue to be available at some locations, fresh produce growers and packers have access to the course via the internet in two different formats. The Online option is best for those who need to work at their own pace, and that have more time to invest. The Online PSA Grower Training is text heavy and requires participants to write six discussions for evaluation by a PSA Trainer. The Remote Delivery option is best for those who have blocks of time available and prefer to listen to a PSA Trainer deliver the content as live presentations over the internet. Full details of these two course options are in the linked descriptions. Search our Upcoming Grower Trainings listing for a course that meets your training needs or talk to your local produce safety outreach team member about their plans to offer the course in the coming months.
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The 2020 Urban Food Systems Symposium: Nourishing Cities in a Changing Climate, hosted by the Kansas State University and K-State Research and Extension, has been modified to an online format scheduled for each Wednesday in October from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT. Live keynote speakers will be featured each Wednesday accompanied by breakout discussions and poster sessions.
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USDA announced the launch of a hub designed to assist local and regional food producers as USDA and its partners develop, share and assess resources on local and regional food system responses to COVID-19. The Local Food System Response to COVID Resource Hub was created through USDAās cooperative agreement with the University of Kentucky, Colorado State University and Pennsylvania State University. Local and regional farms and facilities tend to be more vulnerable to market disruptions as they are operated by smaller, new/beginning, historically underserved or low resourced producers and business owners. This searchable database contains insights and educational material from 16 partner organizations to help local and regional food producers and businesses adapt their market strategies in the current environment.
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AskFSA Transitioning to Ask USDA. AskFSA, the tool for FSA customers to ask questions about FSA programs, will be transitioning to Ask USDA on September 21, as part of our ongoing effort to improve and streamline customer service. Ask USDA, available at https://ask.usda.gov/, is similar to AskFSA, but provides information for all USDA programs. Moving to Ask USDA will allow all USDA customers to search for and read answers about FSA programs and services in the same location as they read about other USDA programs and services.
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Farmers and ranchers can use the Farm Loan Discovery Tool on farmers.gov to find information on USDA farm loans that may best fit their operations. USDAās Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers a variety of loan options to help farmers finance their operations. From buying land to financing the purchase of equipment, FSA loans can help. USDA conducted field research in eight states, gathering input from farmers and FSA farm loan staff to better understand their needs and challenges. Farmers can access the Farm Loan Discovery Tool by visiting farmers.gov/fund and clicking the āStartā button.
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Michigan farmers can now mediate a wide range of disputes at no cost through the Michigan Agricultural Mediation Program (MAMP). The 2018 Farm Bill enables the MAMP to mediate agricultural issues involving leases, farm transitions, organic certification, next-door neighbors and more. To request free mediation or for more information, call (800) 616-7863 or go online at www.agmediation.org. All calls are confidential.
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Michael Fields Agricultural Institute Farmers or rural entrepreneur in the Midwest are invited to use a free Grants Advising service of the Institute. Grants Advisers help you decide whether a grant would be the best way to achieve your goals. For more info click here
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Grants & Funding Opportunities: |
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USDA Rural Community Development Initiative Grants are awarded to help non-profit housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities and federally recognized tribes support housing, community facilities and community and economic development projects in rural areas. An application package can be downloaded from Grants.gov CFDA 10.446
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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. These microloans are especially helpful to beginning or underserved farmers, U.S. veterans looking for a career in farming, and those who have small and mid-sized farming operations. Now, microloans will be available to also help with farm land and building purchases, and soil and water conservation improvements. FSA designed the expanded program to simplify the application process, expand eligibility requirements and expedite smaller real estate loans to help farmers strengthen their operations. Microloans provide up to $50,000 to qualified producers and can be issued to the applicant directly from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). To learn more about the FSA microloan program visit www.fsa.usda.gov/microloans, or contact your local FSA office.
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Through the USDA-NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), the nationās leading competitive grants program for agricultural sciences, applicants who meet eligibility requirements as a New Investigator can apply for a seed grant or a New Investigator standard grant. To qualify for the program, applicants must meet prescribed criteria as a New Investigator. An individual who is beginning their career, does not have an extensive scientific publication record, and has fewer than five years postgraduate career-track experience (i.e., positions in which the individualās institution allows them to submit competitive grant applications as Project Director beyond a fellowship) can apply for a New Investigator Grant for research, education, and/or extension activities. Find out more about new AFRI funding opportunities.
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With the generous support of MEDC, Michigan-based foundations, corporate partners, individual donors, and in collaboration with the SBA, the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund. This fund is intended to assist geographically and demographically disadvantaged individuals. More info here
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The 2021 North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program Call for Proposals is now available online at Program.https://www.northcentralsare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant/Partnership-Grant. NCR-SAREās Partnership Grant program is intended to foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture. The deadline for Partnership Program proposals is October 22, 2020 at 4pm CDT
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The 2021 North Central Region - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) Youth Educator Grant Call for Proposals is now available. Youth Educator Grant projects provide opportunities for youth in the North Central Region to learn more about sustainable agriculture (farming and ranching that is ecologically sound, profitable, and socially responsible). Projects should help youth discover that sustainable farming and ranching is profitable; good for families, communities, and their quality of life; and good for the environment long term. The maximum amount for grants is $4,000, and a total of approximately $60,000 is available for this program. Interested applicants can find the call for proposals online as well as useful information for completing a proposal at https://www.northcentralsare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant/Youth-Educator-Grant.
Proposals are due by November 12, 2020 at 4pm CST.
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USDAās Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks potential conservation partners to submit project applications for federal funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will award up to $360 million dollars to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nationās water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. USDA is now accepting proposals for RCPP through the RCPP portal . Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 4, 2020. For more information, view the Application for Program Funding on grants.gov.
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Artist Emergency Fund The Crosshatch Artist Emergency Fund has raised and distributed $25,000 to northern Michigan artists since March 13. Thanks to the Urgent Needs funds at the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, this relief fund is expanding to include assistance for artists in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties. Apply or donate here: www.crosshatch.org/emergency.
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EIDL Loan Application Portal Opened to Agricultural Enterprises Only The Small Business Administration opened its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) portal on May 4, 2020, to agricultural enterprises only. The Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act provided additional funding for farmers and ranchers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. An Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000 is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid.
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The Washtenaw/Wayne County Farm Service Agency (FSA) office in Ann Arbor is hiring a temporary Program Technician (PT). The deadline to apply is October 14, 2020. Duties include general office activities supporting FSA programs administered at the field level. Successful applicants must be reliable, have a professional attitude and enjoy working with the public.If you are interested or know of someone who might be interested, please share this information with them. Contact Linda Rector by phone at 734-205-1222 or by e-mail at linda.rector@usda.gov to obtain an application, send your resume, or if you have specific questions regarding the position.
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Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) is hiring a full-time Program Director. Working in close collaboration with the other members of the SAFSF Program Team and with funder planning committees, the Program Director will play a critical role in developing timely and relevant content that brings value to our network of philanthropic and investment funders who support sustainable agriculture and food systems. More details about the position are available on the website here.
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Phone: 517.709.8271 Email: info@miffs.org |
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