Dear MIFFS Supporters,
It is almost December but we could not wait to get the latest news and updates to all of you. We are excited to bring some great opportunities for workshops, a gift guide featuring Michigan businesses, and a new program with National Young Farmers. This holiday season will be quite different than any other and the virtual connections will be more important than ever!
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CFAP2 application deadline is coming up quick! December 11 will be the last day to apply for assistance. See more information on our website here and find the application here. You may choose to apply online or work with your local FSA staff to complete your application and find the USDA options that best meet your business needs. FSA will accept CFAP 2 applications through December 11, 2020. Learn more at farmers.gov/cfap or call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance.
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Taste the Local Difference (TLD), serving communities in Michigan with Guides to Local Food and other marketing tools, has released the 2020 gift guide! The guide features products from Michigan producers in addition to recipes and great gift ideas. See the guide at https://www.michiganlocalgiftguide.com
- MIFFS continues to host listening sessions for the Michigan Family Farms Conference in lieu of hosting our in person event in 2021. We are committed to hearing from those that have been a part of the conference over the years to help inform changes that move the conference forward. We will use this information to create a more diverse, inclusive, and equity-focused conference with more community representation guiding the way. If you are interested in coordinating a community feedback session via email at info@miffs.org or call us at (517)-709-8271.
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Breyers & National Young Farmers Coalition are joining together for a new program that is looking for farmers to tell their story! The project is looking for farmers who are passionate about agriculture and who also face very real societal and economic barriers. The stories will be collected through a series of interviews and topics may include how you got into farming, near and long-term challenges or barriers you’re up against today, how you think the National Navigators Program, and can help you and your peers. Compensation for the interviews and photo/video collection, will be in the form of a $200 stipend. For more information see the call for stories info sheet here and contact payge@youngfarmers.org
And lastly, on December 1, 2020, MIFFS will be joining nonprofit organizations around the world to participate in Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving. Be sure to follow along to learn more about MIFFS' work and impact, and how your support can help us promote an equitable food system and meet the needs of beginning and underserved farmers. Click on the logo below to donate!
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MIFFS Newsletter top 5 Workshops/Webinars:
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CFAP 101. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) has been working to compile resources to help those who work with farmers understand how to advise and support farmers interested in applying for direct aid. NSAC co-hosted a webinar covering details on how the program works, including the different payment structures and expanded crops that are included in this program, as well as documentation that may be needed for the application process. Updated CFAP 101 for Producers page here
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Produce Safety Training Course. MSU Extension recently announced a FREE, three-week produce safety training course designed specifically for farm supervisors. Offered in January here and in February here. The Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety team will offer six FREE Online Produce Safety Rule Grower Trainings this fall and winter. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Register here
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Soil, Conservation, and Place Conversation: Economics, Justice, and Systems Thinking from the Soil Up. Dec 1, 2020 11:00 AM. a conversation on soil health, economic justice, transition planning, and systems thinking with Ira Wallace of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Robert Spiers of Spiers Farm, LLC., and Mike Phillips of Valley View Farms. Register here
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Loan Preparation for New and Beginning Farmers-Online Series. December 7, 2020, 12:00:00 PM. The program will share the why, what, and how’s of being ready for financing. The lender panel, featuring GreenStone Farm Credit Services, US Farm Service Agency, and Northern Initiatives, will provide answers to questions about lending. In January, February, and March, the lenders will provide additional details on financing a farm. This series is offered at no-cost through the Michigan Good Food Fund, MSU Product Center, MSU Extension, and partners. More info here
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Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo (GLEXPO). December 8, 2020, 9:00:00 AM. For the past 19 years GLEXPO has been held in in Grand Rapids; because of this year’s unprecedented circumstances the event will be online! The education program includes many topic sessions and there will also be a virtual tradeshow. Registration and more info here
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For more grants & funding opportunities, click over to our website here (https://www.miffs.org/grants-funding-opportunities)
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For more jobs and other opportunities, click over to our website here (https://www.miffs.org/jobs)
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Phone: 517.709.8271 Email: info@miffs.org |
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