Dear MIFFS Supporters,
It is finally summer: planting is in full swing, we are enjoying warm weather with longer days, and events are being planned! MIFFS planning team is gathering to continue planning for the next Family Farms Conference in 2022. See the conference section below to learn more and how to join the planning team meeting next Tuesday.
There has been a large increase in grant funding this past month, expanding with pandemic relief. Check out the Grants section of the newsletter today and check on the website https://www.miffs.org/grants-funding-opportunities for current opportunities that are updated daily with direct links to applications and information. If you would like assistance or have some questions, reach out to us and we can help or connect you to someone that can! Additionally, Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) is offering direct technical support for Farmers Markets applying for FMPP grants, more info here.
We continue to bring information on Farmer Assistance Programs. Information can be found at www.farmers.gov and you can contact MIFFS with additional questions. Some of the programs available are:
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The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA ) Section 1005 includes provisions for USDA to pay up to 120% of loan balances, as of January 1, 2021, for Farm Service Agency (FSA) Direct and Guaranteed Farm Loans and Farm Storage Facility Loans (FSFL) to any Socially Disadvantaged producer who has a qualifying loan with FSA. This includes producers who are one or more of the following: Black/African American, American. Go to www.farmers.gov/americanrescueplan for more info and reach out to MIFFS if you have questions. Farmers should contact their local USDA office to ensure they have a completed form AD 2047 on file to designate their race/ethnicity and status as a socially disadvantaged farmer. This is the single most important thing folks should communicate with farmers now as USDA will rely on these records to figure out which loans to forgive. The infographic below provides a quick look at the program and a timeline for distribution of funds.
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USDA’s Farm Service Agency is currently accepting new and modified CFAP 2 applications. More info and apply at www.farmers.gov/cfap/apply
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Pandemic Assistance funding has been made available to supplement The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) program for the remainder of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021. More info here
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Pandemic Assistance for Producers page https://www.farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance includes information on main components of USDA's COVID-19 aid plans.
Recursos e información en español
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Cosecha Mensual es un boletín de noticias dirigido a la comunidad Latina e hispanohablantes. Esta publicación trata diversos temas, recursos, actualidades y eventos de interés acerca de agricultura orgánica y sustentable. Nuestra meta en ATTRA es proporcionar información y enlaces de interés de calidad sobre agricultura orgánica y sustentable en español. Esperamos que Cosecha Mensual nos ayude a llevar esta información a una audiencia más amplia. Suscríbase a nuestro boletín electrónico gratis aqui
- Recursos gratuitos del Gobierno: https://www.usa.gov/espanol/novedades/quiere-aprender-ingles-descubra-estos-recursos-gratuitos-del-gobierno
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Las siguientes traducciónes de los reglamentos orgánicos del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés), la Ley de Producción de Alimentos Orgánicos (OFPA, por sus siglas en inglés) de los Estados Unidos, el Manual del Programa y varios otros recursos se proporcionan sólo con fines educativos. Mas informacion aqui
Lastly, MIFFS is excited to be a part of the Michigan Agriculture and Food System Workforce Advancement Initiative. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), in partnership with the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and others, has been awarded a $500,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to support the Michigan Agriculture and Food System Workforce Advancement Initiative. This new initiative will support Michigan’s food and agriculture industry by developing agriculture technology education and career pathways for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. This initiative will help to develop innovative educational programs in agriculture systems and technology, meet Michigan food business needs to remain viable with a more reliable supply of skilled workers, and support MSFWs who want more work stability and economic opportunity by developing the skills needed to advance. We will be sending out more info about the initiative soon!
Enjoy the sun, we'll see you soon!
Stay Safe.
With Energy,
The MIFFS Team
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Michigan Family Farms Conference |
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Help shape the 2022 Michigan Family Farms Conference!
Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) and the Michigan Family Farms Conference Planning Committee are looking for more people to join the dynamic and inclusive team to share their voices and represent communities from across Michigan.
The Planning Committee coordinates the annual event with the knowledge and participation of farmers, educators, state and local agencies, and other organizations. The full committee meets bi-weekly to brainstorm and make decisions around the conference theme, keynote, workshops and presenters, food, cultural activities, marketing, and general logistics. There are also opportunities to join sub-committees that meet less frequently to dive into things like workshop content, presenters, cultural competency, outreach, etc.
We welcome all to join in whatever way fits your interest, passion, and time! Want to learn more? Join our next planning meeting on Tuesday, June 8 at 10 am by Zoom here Password: MFFC
Have more questions or ideas? Reach out to our event coordinator Skadi at mffc@miffs.org
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For more workshops and webinars offered, click over to our website here
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Monday Fruit IPM Webinars Fruit integrated pest management (IPM) meetings are held for fruit growers in southwest Michigan nearly every Monday from early April through the end of June. Michigan State University Extension Educators Mark Longstroth, Bill Shane, and Mike Reinke will share their results from scouting orchards, vineyards and fields of small fruit with area growers to keep them up to date on emerging developments in the area. Faculty and specialists from MSU will provide timely information on selected fruit topics. Registration and more info here
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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.
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Food Literacy for All: Session #4 Join us for the final session of Food Literacy for All this year, featuring food journalists Patricia Escárcega and Leah Douglas in conversation with Lilly Fink Shapiro on Thursday June 10 at 12pm EST. Registration here
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2021 OEFFA Sustainable Farm Tour and Workshop Series Spread your wings this summer with workshops to help you start and grow your farm business, video replays which give you a taste of the OEFFA conference, and farm tours featuring Ohio’s community of inspiring, sustainable farmers! The 2021 OEFFA Sustainable Farm Tour and Workshop Series features 10 recorded presentations from the 2021 OEFFA conference, four on-farm tours, and two workshop series designed to help early career farmers build legal resilience and established farmers transfer their land. More info here
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For more grants & funding opportunities, click over to our website here
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For more jobs and other opportunities, click over to our website here
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COVID Vaccine & Resources |
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Additional Vaccine Sites (click on site for link):
COVID-19 Hotline: 888-535-6136 (press 1) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Phone: 517.709.8271 Email: info@miffs.org |
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