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,

We are just days away from the virtual debut of the 18th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference March 16-19. There will be sessions in the afternoon and also in the evening for you to learn and enjoy. We have the FREE registration open here and will continue to post updates on our website about the event. We look forward to a dynamic and exciting conference, check out the tentative schedule below!

The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) is joining other agricultural justice organizations in launching the most inclusive survey of young and BIPOC farmers to date. Every five years NYFC surveys young farmers across the country to present an up-to-date picture of the challenges and promises of the next generation in agriculture. If you are a current or former farmer or farmworker, NYFC wants to hear from you! By taking the 2022 survey you can help inform and inspire the bold policy needed for an equitable farm future. Take the survey here. The Survey is one of the most powerful tools we have to advocate for a brighter, more just future for farmers.

There are a lot of jobs open around the state right now! Lots of farms and organizations across the state have reached out to us to get the word out about the many job opportunities:
  • Titus Farms is seeking many positions! Learn more here
  • MSU Student Organic Farm is hiring for full-time student crew positions. Apply here
  • Giving Tree Farm is looking for farm staff. Apply here
  • Farm Manager in Copper Harbor here, couples are invites to apply!
  • Organic farmer in Saginaw needed! Email Howard Szaroletta howszar@yahoo.com, 989-295-4132 for more info.
  • National Young Farmer Coalition Land Fellowship info here
  • Eastern Market Partnership Food & Health Fellows info here

One last note before you go: MIFFS is looking for new board members! If you are interested in learning more click over to the website page here
With Energy,
The MIFFS Team
  • 18th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference. March 16-19, 2022. The Michigan Family Farms Conference is an opportunity for historically underserved, underrepresented, beginning and aspiring farmers to share, network, learn from and celebrate rural and urban food producers with diverse production methods, cultures, and backgrounds. Topics this year focus on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, regenerative sustainability and anti-racist land access as we contend with the myriad challenges that face our communities’ access to healthy food systems. Register here

  • CED 101: Health Equity. March 8, 2022, 10am. In our last CED 101 webinar, we defined community health and explored community health impacts in Michigan. Join us March 8 from 10:00 - 11:30am EST for part two of this series as we build on what we learned to discuss health equity. We’ll discuss how demographics like income, education, race and ethnicity, and income level determine health outcomes, as well as the role the community development field can play in improving health outcomes for the communities they serve. Register here

  • Promoting Peace of Mind by Addressing Heirs’ Property and Implementing Effective Succession Planning Strategies. March 15, 12:00. Owning heirs’ property and experiencing the challenges that accompany this means of owning property can have a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of farmers and landowners. These impacts can be especially felt by individuals who make their living from the land. This webinar will help heirs’ property owners and the professionals who support them to understand the challenges that heirs’ property owners face, identify paths toward clearing title, and learn strategies for preventing the occurrence of heirs’ property in the future. Register here
COVID Vaccine & Resources
Phone: 517.709.8271 Email: info@miffs.org