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 March! Spring is just around the corner! This time of year brings new sprouts of hidden gems throughout the landscape. Crocus, snowdrops and daffodil are just starting to peek through the snow (and not a moment too soon!). Looking forward to a new season of growth and prosperity as we tackle challenges facing all of us. Also, please note USDA Service Centers in Michigan are currently closed to visitors because of the pandemic, but Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Call your Service Center to schedule an appointment. You can find contact information at farmers.gov/service-locator.

MIFFS is part of the Protect Michigan Commission which is working to protect the health and safety of Michigan residents by educating communities about the effectiveness of an approved COVID-19 vaccine to eradicate the spread of the coronavirus. If you are having difficulty finding access to the vaccine, please email us at info@miffs.org so we can try to connect you. We also have a form to document your difficulty here.

Information from michigan.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
MIFFS Newsletter top 5 Workshops/Webinars:

  • During the Midwest Women in Ag Community Education Series you have the opportunity to join us each Thursday in March, from 9-11 ET/ 8-10 CT, for a virtual, multi-state Women in Agriculture Educational Series. Each day will start with a health and wellness topic, followed by an educational session. Register for the Midwest Women in Ag Community Education Series at: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=n6hoz6wab&oeidk=a07ehjqz8xc2d791932

  • Film SEEDs is a series of 90-minute sessions built upon beautiful short instructional films, featuring experienced Certified Naturally Grown farmers. Soil Management: March 8th.The root of a farmer’s success lies in their soil. This session will cover what makes for healthy soil, how to improve soil organic matter, the impact of tilling and the soil food web. The featured film is on Mulching using several different biodegradable materials. Our Expert Exchange will feature experienced farmers discussing the methods they use to improve and maintain the particular soils on their farms. Bed Preparation: March 15th This session will cover different approaches to bed prep, what to consider when flipping a bed, and when determining your own method of bed preparation, including the benefits and drawbacks of till and no-till approaches. There will be two featured films for this session: Bed Preparation and Three Ways to Transplant. Our Expert Exchange farmers will talk about their different approaches to bed prep on their farms. More info and register here: https://www.cngfarming.org/filmseeds

  • 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 from The University of Michigan returns with Raj Patel and Ricardo Salvador on March 17th at noon! The session will feature Raj Patel and Ricardo Salvador and a discussion about the role of policy in the U.S. food system and visions for what it could be. The series is free and open to the community. Register here.

  • Virtual Armed to Farm: The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is now offering a virtual version of its popular sustainable agriculture training program for military veterans. NCAT is moving the training online to make it accessible during COVID-19 restrictions. Veterans who want to attend the Virtual Armed to Farm training, which will take place in six sessions during April and May, can apply online now here

For more workshops and webinars offered, click over to our website here (https://www.miffs.org/workshops)

For more grants & funding opportunities, click over to our website here (https://www.miffs.org/grants-funding-opportunities)
Phone: 517.709.8271 Email: info@miffs.org