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. 
If I wanted to have a happy garden, I must ally myself with my soil; study and help it to the utmost, untiringly. Always, the soil must come first.  Marion Cran, If I Where Beginning Again
Exciting News to Share!

Greetings MIFFS supporters, we truly appreciate all you farmers and gardeners out there, increasing food access in our flourishing state. MIFFS continues to look forward to actively sharing all we can about food and farming systems here in beautiful Michigan.  

MIFFS is thrilled to announce that the Women In Agriculture (WIA) Farm Development Center at Genesys Health Park, in Grand Blanc, has been recognized by the State of Michigan with Verification under the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Farmstead and Cropping Systems. The WIA Farm is a collaborative endeavor between Genesys Hospital and the MIFFS Women in Ag Network. Learn more about this project at MIFFS.org

A New Partnership- MIFFS and National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), have a great opportunity for you. We are excited about this partnership 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. 
Farm Development Centers
 Women in Ag FDC

A special thanks to Jesse Raudenbush from Starr Valley Farms, and Amy Freeman, our Organics Maven- Composting Specialist and Women-in-Ag Liaison for guiding us through a large scale Vermicomposting system creation. Worms will be delivered soon. Learn more at Starr Valley Farms.

Educational Opportunities

As the season is in full swing, there will be no workshops scheduled for July. Stayed tuned as we have some exciting opportunities coming up in the Fall.  

Tilian FDC

Thanks to everyone for joining in the fun at the Farm Kick Off 2016 at Tilian FDC. What a great day to enjoy farm tours , light refreshments, & farmer games.
  Granting Resources
Read more about local and regional food systems through the USDA. Check out their Urban Farmer Toolkit.  

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants. Applications for this program are accepted year round at your  local office .  Who can answer questions? Contact your  State Rural Development Energy Coordinator.


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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Growing hope is hiring for several positions (paid and intern, part and full-time)  Check out more on their website .

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! 

The Community Farm of Ann Arbor is seeking a farmer or farmers to lead a team of co-workers on our member-owned, consensus-governed CSA devoted to Biodynamic agriculture, and to nourishing and sustaining the earth and each other.  The farm is located in Chelsea, Michigan. For more information about this opportunity, check out there website. 

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]