Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) 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. 
Good farmers, who take seriously their duties as stewards of Creation and of their land's inheritors, contribute to the welfare of society in more ways than society usually acknowledges, or even knows. These farmers produce valuable goods, of course; but they also conserve soil, they conserve water, they conserve wildlife, they conserve open space, they conserve scenery.   Wendell Berry, Bringing it to the Table: On Farming and Food
Greetings MIFFS Supporters

We are always impressed and surprised at how resourceful and connected Michigan farmers are. We learn from you daily and appreciate your passion for feeding our beautiful state. The MIFFS team will continue to do all we can to support and encourage you along the way.

Are you planning to attend the Great Lakes EXPO this year, December 6-8, 2016 in Grand Rapids? Keep an eye an out for future information about MIFFS annual Meet The Buyers event and GLEXPO workshop.​
Farm Development Centers
Tilian FDC
 Women in Ag FDC

Educational Opportunities

The next WIA workshop is September 11th from 1 pm-5 pm. Come join WIA and Halleaux Farms for Raising Sheep for Fiber and Food. Register today to reserve your spot.
Other Community  Events/Opportunities

The Michigan Agritourism Association and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) have teamed up to offer six farm-based field days at locations across the state in August and September. Field days are supported by a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development  (MDARD) Specialty Crop Block Grant and are free to attend.  Reserve your spot - Register for one or more of the field days - click here!

Don't forget The Farmers Market at the Capital  August 25.

MSU Farmer Field School is comprised of intensive one and two day hands-on workshops. They are tailored to deliver in- depth, practical information  built upon the foundational work of the MSU Organic Farmer Training Program  and the wealth of knowledge in Michigan’s farming community.
  Granting Resources
Read more about local and regional food systems through the USDA. Check out their Urban Farmer Toolkit.  



Michael Fields Agricultural Institute   provides free Grant Advising services with a focus on beginning farmers, limited resource farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers and/or military veterans, as well as young organizations working with these farmers.  For more information  and to be on the e-list, please contact MFAI’s  Grants Advisor , Deirdre Birmingham, [email protected]    or (608) 219-4279.
Career  Resources
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The Organic Farmer Training Program offers nine months of intensive instruction in year-round organic farming. The program focuses on diversified production of vegetables, livestock, flowers, fruits, and herbs for local markets. For more information visit MSU Organic Farm. Scholarships available! 





A New Partnership- MIFFS and National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), have a great opportunity for you. We are excited about this p artnership and we hope you will take advantage of the savings. Want to learn more or see the benefits of this joint membership? Check out our  information page  or  join today .  
Your contribution, in any capacity, is welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for playing a critical role in making Michigan farming an attractive and viable livelihood.
Sincerely, MIFFS
  480 Wilson Road, Room 172, East Lansing, MI 48824
Ph: 517.432.0712 | Fx: 517.353.7961 | [email protected]