Michigan Food & Farming Systems 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. 
Dear MIFFS Supporters,

Happy April! The showers look like they will be coming soon along with some nice warm sunny weather. We have a lot of info to bring you this month including some workshops with NYFC, update on CFAP, COVID Vaccine links and much more! As Always, reach out to us for more information or if you need assistance. Here are some things that are going on:

  • National Young Farmers Coalition and MIFFS events:
  • Farmer Survey: Ware are hosting a survey to better understand your experiences finding support and services for your farm. The survey (click here) takes 5-10 minutes to complete, and all questions are optional. Your feedback will guide future projects and educational programs to support farmers in MI, and we'll anonymously share the results with farm service providers. If you have questions or are interested in being part of a listening session or short interview, please contact Payge at payge@youngfarmers.org. She is the MI Technical Assistance Navigator, and can refer you to resources in MI to support your farms needs as well. 
  • Cooperative Farming Event, on May 6th to learn about farm coop models, navigating interpersonal relationships, and some Q&A with coop farmers in Michigan. Click here to register
  • Alternative Lending Event, on May 20th to learn about farm funding options outside of those offered by traditional lenders. Folks with unique financial situations who are barred from traditional loans, this event is for you. Learn about the Michigan Good Food Fund, a "crowdfarming" platform called Steward, and get one-on-one time with a service provider chosen specifically based on your needs. Click here to register

  • CFAP Update:
  • Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others. Existing programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will fall within the new initiative and, where statutory authority allows, will be refined to better address the needs of producers. 
  • USDA will reopen sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has committed at least $2.5 million to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will establish partnerships with organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process. More information at https://www.farmers.gov/


Thank you all for your support. This is a difficult time; remember to take time out to rest, relax, reflect, and most importantly reenergize!

Stay Safe.
With Energy,
The MIFFS Team
For more workshops and webinars offered, click over to our website here
  • Starting a CSA- Making the jump from the corporate 9-5 to full time farming 24/7 with Fort Baptist Farm. April 14 6pm. The Baptist Family enjoys the outdoors and farming is the ultimate outdoor endeavor. Fort Baptist Farm values people over profit- and community and connectivity are ingrained in our practice of food sovereignty. Lean more and register here

  • Discovering Resilience: A Legal Workshop for Farmers and Ranchers, April Tuesdays 2021. Discovering Resilience is a legal workshop designed just for you. The workshop empowers farmers and ranchers with the legal knowledge and skills they need to resolve legal vulnerabilities, and we are excited to co-host this offering in partnership with The Land Connection and Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture. More info here.

  • 2022 Census of Agriculture Content Test - The Content Test collects data directly from approximately 36,000 producers to determine the effectiveness of the questionnaire and associated materials to help ensure that future census data are as accurate as possible. The survey runs through Spring. Anyone with agricultural activity can sign up to be counted in the Census of Agriculture here.

  • Food Literacy for All Please join us for a virtual Food Literacy for All series with returning speakers! Themed around the Politics on our Plate, speakers throughout the series will discuss their vision for our food system, the role of grassroots organizing, the impact of policy, and the responsibility of the media. The series is free and open to the community. The second session, featuring Mónica Ramírez and Navina Khanna will be moderated by Devita Davison about the role of organizing in our food system. Join us on Wednesday April 14 at 12 pm EST. Register here.

  • How to Put Together a Balance Sheet April 19, 10 - 11 a.m. There are three main reasons to put together a farm balance sheet: Financing, Taxes, and Management. The IRS and your lender will require a balance sheet from you, unless you are a hobby farmer and you are not seeking any financing. It is also one of the most important tools to track your business performance over time, along with tracking your income and expenses. More info and register here
For more grants & funding opportunities, click over to our website here
For more jobs and other opportunities, click over to our website here

Phone: 517.709.8271 Email: info@miffs.org