Dear MIFFS Supporters,
Happy April! The rain is coming and it is exciting to see the crocus and tulips coming up through the still cold earth. Branches are budding and things are starting to look a bit like Spring (at least in the lower half of Michigan!).
Last month, we were excited to host the first ever virtual MI Family Farms Conference and it was no small feat! We are so grateful to all those that helped put on the conference- the planning team, the presenters, the tech support and also for al that participated on the other side of the screen. It was very different than the MFFC of the past and we hope to embrace the change and move forward for next year. It has been a tough couple of years without our "family reunion" but there is hope that we will all meet again soon. If you missed our conference or would like to rewatch a day or two, we have videos available currently on our youtube channel: www.youtube.com/user/mifoodfarmingsystems/videos and hope to have them connected to a dedicated website page soon. We will also be sending out a special acknowledgment of the awardees later on this month.
The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) is offering technical assistance for loan applications and other FSA loan programs. Young Farmers has a farmer on staff who can answer questions for BIPOC farmers about the loans and walk you through the application. USDA FSA Loans feature low interest rates (rates 2-3% as of February 2022), and do not use credit scores to determine eligibility. Read more about the assistance available through NYFC on the flyer in English here and in Spanish here.
Upcoming CSA Network Reconvening Meetings April 20 at 10am and 7pm! The original working group began with the vision of creating increased food access and farmer viability through CSA programs. This new version of a collective CSA network will hold true to that vision, and will also expand upon previous work, looking for ways to ensure CSAs continue to innovate and reach new audiences. We would like to invite you to participate in one of two Network Introductory meetings- both meetings will have the same content:
This work is being supported by a USDA Farm Market Promotion Program Grant Awarded to MSU Extension and Project Partners MIFFS and Taste the Local Difference. The continued development of a statewide network for CSA farmers and support organizations is a main objective of this grant; this will just serve as a preview of the work and engagement opportunities that lie ahead, including in-person meetings and a strategic planning session.
MIFFS se complace en promover el curso Farm Commons que ha sido traducido al español: Descubriendo la Resiliencia. El curso se ofrece como un recurso gratuito y es una excelente manera de analizar la resiliencia legal de su granja y cómo mejorar los problemas que pueden presentarse en su negocio (y cómo evitar que sucedan). Más información aquí
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:
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ELFCO Store Manager info here
- Tower Hill Farm in Sodus full-time interns: email for more info jnstudier@yahoo.com
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Titus Farms is seeking many positions! Learn more here
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MIFMA Programs Director info here
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MSU Student Organic Farm crew apply here
- Organic farmer in Saginaw: email Howard Szaroletta for info howszar@yahoo.com
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Feeding America West MI Volunteer Partnerships Coordinator info here
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Feeding America West MI Client Partnerships Specialist info here
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Feeding America West MI Community Partnerships Specialist info here
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Eastern Market Partnership Food & Health Fellows info here
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Bluestem Farms farm crew 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
