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 May! This year is going by fast and we have many programs and resources to get out this month. There are new announcements around TEPFAP as well as huge increases in The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) funding. On another note, there is an important update concerning the American Rescue Plan Debt Payments: 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. As Always, reach out to us for more information or if you need assistance. Here' what else is going on:

National Young Farmers Coalition and MIFFS events:

  • Farmer Survey: Ware are hosting a survey to better understand your experiences finding support and services for your farm. The survey (click here) takes 5-10 minutes to complete, and all questions are optional. Your feedback will guide future projects and educational programs to support farmers in MI, and we'll anonymously share the results with farm service providers. If you have questions or are interested in being part of a listening session or short interview, please contact Payge at payge@youngfarmers.org. She is the MI Technical Assistance Navigator, and can refer you to resources in MI to support your farms needs as well. 
  • Funding Your Farm Through Alternative Lending: on May 20th to learn about farm funding options outside of those offered by traditional lenders. Folks with unique financial situations who are barred from traditional loans, this event is for you. Learn about the Michigan Good Food Fund, a "crowdfarming" platform called Steward, and get one-on-one time with a service provider chosen specifically based on your needs. Click here to register

COVID Farmer Assistance Programs:

  • USDA will reopen sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has committed at least $2.5 million to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will establish partnerships with organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process. More information at https://www.farmers.gov/
  • 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
  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) new deadline to sign up for PPP is now May 31. Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Inc. (FLAG) has released a new publication, Farmers’ Guide that explains the important recent changes to PPP that affect farmers and explains how farmers can go about getting PPP loans forgiven, and how to go forward if a loan is denied or if loan forgiveness is denied. Find it online here and feel free to share this free resource widely using this link: http://www.flaginc.org/covid-19-guide/.
  • USDA has unveiled a new PAP landing page here: https://www.farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance This umbrella page includes information on main components of USDA's COVID-19 aid plans

Recursos e información en español

  • 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
  • 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

One last push: "For the Love of the Land" campaign at Keep Growing Detroit will be ending in 2 days!! They are so close to meeting the $60,000 goal to purchase the land. For more info and to donate, check it out here!!

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
For more workshops and webinars offered, click over to our website here
  • 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. May 10, 5:30PM Register and more info here

  • 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 Please join us for a virtual Food Literacy for All series with returning speakers! Themed around the Politics on our Plate, speakers throughout the series will discuss their vision for our food system, the role of grassroots organizing, the impact of policy, and the responsibility of the media. The third session will feature Shirley Sherrod and Samina Raja in conversation with Devita Davison about how the to "Enact" to create more just, sustainable, economically-viable, and healthy food system. Learn more and register here.
For more grants & funding opportunities, click over to our website here
For more jobs and other opportunities, click over to our website here

COVID Resources & Vaccination Sites
Get your COVID-19 vaccine at Ford Field before the clinic closes May 17. You can now choose between a single dose of Johnson & Johnson or your first dose of Pfizer. You can also get your second dose of Pfizer no matter where the first was received. Patients getting a first dose will be able to finish the series at the nearest Meijer. Schedule an appointment or walk-in any day. Text EndCOVID to 75049. Walk-ins are available 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. while supply lasts.


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.
Phone: 517.709.8271 Email: info@miffs.org