Hello MIFFS Supporters,
As we navigate through this new world of social distancing and economic recovery, e-communications take on a whole new importance. To help in this effort, we have been working on a resource database that is housed on our website at
miffs.org/covid19resources
The database includes links to many different resources including finance, business health, food safety, social health, mini-grant opportunities and many others. We are continuing to build the database and if you would like to include your resource, please fill out the form
here
and we will update the database. Also, keep on the lookout for virtual listening sessions in your area. MIFFS will be posting on social media and on the website with updates and new sessions throughout the state; feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
Last month we were fortunate to co-host a very interactive and productive workshop about legal resiliency of farms with Farm Commons. Farm Commons has developed (and continues to build on) a
podcast series about COVID-19’s impacts on farm businesses
which you can access
here
(also on
iTunes
).
We are excited about our recent launch of the MIFFS blog. Take some time away from zoom and check it out! Every week we plan on posting a new article about MIFFS and agriculture related topics. Self care in this time is especially important and this is one way to take a few minutes away from your day. Mental health is as important as physical health; for more information about stress and coping connect to information from the CDC
here
.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our healthcare workers that are on the front line of this pandemic. The healthcare community (including all hospital workers and desk staff) are sacrificing so much to save so many. One way that we can best thank them and help in their efforts is to stay home and help save lives.
Stay Safe,
The MIFFS Team
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Farming is tough. From weather to equipment breakdowns, there are a lot of things that can cause stress. Researchers at Michigan State University Extension are conducting a research study to learn more about struggles Michigan farmers experience and what types of information may help. This study will take place online and via text message. Study participants may earn up to $60 in Amazon e-gift cards! To sign up, click on the link to complete a survey to determine if you are eligible to participate:
Farm Stress Eligibility Survey
.
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The NRCS-Michigan bimonthly newsletter includes producer success stories, conservation updates, local events and other conservation news. Check them out
here
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The National Center for Appropriate Technology, home of the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, is pleased to announce it is now providing all the technical resources on the ATTRA website at no cost. This means that you no longer need to pay an annual subscription fee or individual publication fee to access any of our digital publications, videos, podcasts, and other resources and materials at
https://attra.ncat.org/
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The Greater Lansing CSA Fair has gone virtual! See multiple CSA options at the same time, click through for information, and watch videos about the programs. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) functions as subscription programs to local farms - customers pay up front for regular boxes of local produce, meat, or other farm goods throughout a season. Customers benefit from weekly or monthly access to fresh seasonal produce, locally raised meats, or fresh flowers throughout the year. Farmers benefit by having up front funding for seeds, tools, and other inputs. It is more important now than ever to build sustainable local food systems. Check it out
here
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The State of Michigan is preparing for the 2020 Census. The census happens once every decade and is a critical tool for counting the U.S. population. The first census happened in 1790, shortly after George Washington was elected president. Today, the census remains a critically important civic duty that determines funding for local communities and essential services, shapes congressional representation, determines legislative districts and much more.
Click
here
for current events across the state check for updates on this page as we finalize any new dates, times, and locations. For questions or concerns about any events, please email
[email protected]
or call toll-free at 833-8CENSUS (or 833-823-6787).
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Food Literacy for All
features different guest speakers each week to address challenges and opportunities of diverse food systems. The course is designed to prioritize engaged scholarship that connects theory and practice. By bringing national and global leaders, we aim to ignite new conversations and deepen existing commitments to building more equitable, health-promoting, and ecologically sustainable food systems. More info
here
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Save Time: Call ahead and make an Appointment with FSA! Producers are encouraged to call their local FSA office to schedule an appointment to ensure maximum use of their time and to make sure FSA staff is available to tend to their important business needs. To find your local FSA office, visit:
http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
. En espagnol
aquí
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Michigan farmers can now mediate a wide range of disputes at no cost through the
Michigan Agricultural Mediation Program (MAMP)
. The 2018 Farm Bill enables the MAMP to mediate agricultural issues involving leases, farm transitions, organic certification, next-door neighbors and more. To request free mediation or for more information, call (800) 616-7863 or go online at www.agmediation.org. All calls are confidential.
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A new online tool
can help farmers and ranchers find information on USDA farm loans that best fit the needs of their operation. The tool is especially helpful to farmers who are new to farm loans and need help finding the right type of loan for their business needs
.
Answer a few simple questions
about what you’re looking to fund and how much money you need to borrow and you will receive information within minutes on which types of loans may best fit your needs.
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Michael Fields Agricultural Institute F
armers or rural entrepreneur in the Midwest are invited to use a free Grants Advising service of the Institute.
Grants Advisers help you decide whether a grant would be the best way to achieve your goals. For more info click
here
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NRCS-MI
is hiring! Let's work to fill the 21 NRCS-MI vacancies with folks from Michigan, working in underserved communities. Michigan's Natural Resources are vital for a resilient future and so are you! Let us know if you have questions. Positions available are:
Soil Conservation Technician (4)
click
here
to apply and
Soil Conservationist (17 locations)
click
here
to apply.
The applications for these positions will close on April 6.
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Eastern Market
is hiring around 30 individuals for our Food & Health Fellowship. These fellows will be running our Farm Stands around Metro-Detroit along with the operations of nutrition assistance programs at the Eastern Market. The application closes April 3, 2020. More info
here
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NSAC Grassroots Director: This role represents a unique opportunity to work with hundreds of sustainable food and agriculture community leaders nationwide on shared campaigns that build grassroots power, achieve NSAC’s federal policy goals, and advance racial equity in agriculture and food systems. Learn more about the position and apply
here
; application deadline is April 3.
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KBS
is seeking a Science Coordinator for the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) program (lter.kbs.msu.edu) at Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), an off-campus academic unit of Michigan State University (MSU). The Science Coordinator will support the LTER efforts to promote transformational science at the LTER. This is an annual (12 month) Academic Specialist appointment with competitive salary and benefits. More info
here
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Physical Address: 2438 Woodlake Circle, Suite 136, Okemos, MI 48864
Mailing Address: 480 Wilson Road, Room 172, East Lansing, MI 48824
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