Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) is a statewide, non-profit organization c onnecting beginning and historically underserved farmers to each other and resource opportunities; ensuring social justice, environmental stewardship, and profitability. 
The summer is almost over! This has been quite a challenging season for growers and producers in the state. We would like to recognize the challenges and offer some resources with this month's newsletter. The list in the next section is a sampling of aid that is available from various organizations and government agencies. Farming is tough and we want to be here to support the many faces of farming so be sure to reach out if you are in need of assistance.
Do you shop at Amazon? You can automatically donate 0.5% of your purchase to MIFFS when you register us as your charity of choice. Follow the smile to sign in and make each dollar count!
Farm Crisis Resources
This has been an especially hard year for farming. If you need assistance, please use the resources listed below. We understand the difficulties of farming and are here if you need help navigating services. We are available by phone 517.709.8271 or email info@miffs.org
The following list is a portion of what is available to farmers in need of help:

1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) M-F 9am-5pm
Farm Crisis Support Resource Guide ( Farm Aide) Farm life isn't easy. This guide will give you resources to help you during the toughest times of farming crisis.  

If you are a family farmer who needs help, we are here to support you. Fill out this form to get in touch with a Farm Advocate who can will assist you.

The Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund—named to honor founding CCOF member Barney Bricmont—is the only fund that provides direct financial assistance exclusively to organic producers who suffer losses due to extreme hardship. Since 2007, CCOF has distributed hardship assistance funds* to members of the organic community who are in need. Between 2014 and 2017 the CCOF Foundation provided nearly $160,000 in assistance to 171 organic producers. Applications must be received by the CCOF Foundation no later than December 3, 2018. Applications received after this date will not be considered. 

FLAG is a nonprofit law center dedicated to providing legal services and support to family farmers and their communities in order to help keep family farmers on the land. FLAG is dedicated to helping farmers understand their rights and has a long list of legal resources for farmers and ranchers facing anything from financial or natural disasters to land succession to tough situations with contracts. Learn more about how FLAG can help here

When disaster strikes, USDA Disaster Resource Center can help you find information about specific disasters and emergencies and connect with state and local help. You can even view, print, and download a quick reference guide to  USDA Disaster Resources for Farmers, Ranchers, and Communities .

Michigan Women Veterans Empowerment (MIWVE)
MIWVE is launching their new program Dirt Therapy: Veterans Agriculture Bootcamp Series starting November 2018 until September 2019. They are seeking experienced agricultural professionals to present on various topics in the field of agriculture to the SE Michigan/Downriver Area Veteran Community. Interested in empowering those that have served? If so, contact Sgt. Shannon at MIWVEC@yahoo.com (810) 373-5744 
Go to www.empowermiwomenvets.com for more information. 
“What empowers you, lets pass it on.” 
Community Resources/Announcements/Events
Presque Isle Farm invites you to a hands-on field day to discuss and learn about winter hoophouse production methods, small scale mechanized potato production, and all things organic farming. We will be cultivating and harvesting potatoes, seeding and transplanting fall and winter hoophouse crops, as well as touring the farm as a whole. MSU Extension agent Collin Thompson will also be at the farm to offer insight and information about how he approaches organic production at the MSU North Farm. Please RSVP here
Monday, August 13th 12pm-4pm 
Presque Isle Farm
11386 Bolton Rd. 
Posen, MI 49776
Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is an invasive beetle native to China and the Korean peninsula. Thought to have arrived in the U.S. through wood packaging material, this beetle loves to feed on maple trees, among other tree species. ALB is a Michigan Watch List invasive species. Although ALB has not been confirmed in Michigan, it has been found in neighboring Ohio, so we should be on the lookout to catch ALB at its first signs. ALB is a distinct beetle with a body 0.75 to 1.5 inches long and is shiny black with white spots. Its long antennae are black and white striped. August is Tree Check Month because it is the time of year the beetle is most active. Other signs of an ALB infestation are round, dime-sized exit holes, egg sites, and frass (sawdust-like material) on trees, as well as sap flowing from tree wounds, tree leaves turning yellow before the fall season, and dying and dropping branches. Let’s protect our Michigan trees... Get out and check your trees! If you think you found ALB, please follow the instructions from the State of Michigan at www.michigan.gov/invasives
Join us for this event to better understand the management challenges and solutions of organic farming.  View the agenda and register here
September 19, 2018
8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Kellogg Biological Station
9701 N 40th St
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Contact: Marisa Benzle, 919-222-7219,  benzlema@msu.edu
The 2018 MGFS creates a space for all people interested in advancing a thriving economy, equity and sustainability through Michigan food systems to connect, learn and collaborate across sectors. The theme "Amplifying Voices for Equality" reflects a focus on programming that addresses equity issues throughout the food system, and especially equity issues affecting under-represented groups and communities. The day-long event will celebrate state and local successes, share tools and resources to catalyze progress towards a good food system in Michigan, and provide an opportunity to network with others from around the state and across the food system.
Register here for the fifth biennial Michigan Good Food Summit to be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center at MSU.
A number food system organizations across the country have been supported with small grants, many over several years. Note that there are strict eligibility requirements (for example, individuals are not eligible) and non-fundable program activities. Applications are reviewed three times yearly. The next due date is Monday, October 1st, 11:59 PM EST. The website has an extensive list, by state, of previously funded organizations. Learn more here
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), operating through the Risk Management Agency (RMA), announces its intent to award up to $4.16 million to fund the Risk Management Education Partnership Program. The purpose of this competitive program is to deliver crop insurance education and risk management training to U.S. agricultural producers to assist them in identifying and managing production, marketing, legal, financial, and human risk. More info here .
The National Young Farmers Coalition recently launched their Finding Farmland Calculator. Use this calculator to build scenarios for purchasing farmland. You can compare detailed estimates of total costs, monthly payments and affordability metrics, then download the results to have on hand when meeting with a loan officer.
2018 is a Farm Bill year that has many potential changes. The National Farmers Union site, 2018farmbill.org/ has good information about the farm bill in general along with updates on a regular basis. The NSAC site sustainableagriculture.net/ has a blog that updates frequently on changes as well as a weekly roundup each Friday. Additionally, o n Wednesday, July 18, the House voted to form a farm bill Conference Committee, officially kicking off the process of negotiating the two bills. Each member of the Conference Committee will have some influence over what goes into the final farm bill; however, the main drivers of the negotiations will be the chairs and ranking members of the Agriculture Committees. Read more here
MIFFS Land Chat is a Michigan-based online forum to connect those who have land to lease or sell with those who need land to farm. It's that simple. Post what you have or what you need and be as descriptive as possible.  
Get Free Help with USDA Paperwork
MIFFS has field staff available to help navigate USDA programs and paperwork, a service that is provided free of charge through our farmer networks. All producers interested in applying for EQIP funding or High Tunnel initiatives should contact local USDA offices and Conservation Districts to request a Conservation Plan as soon as possible. Co ntact Jen Silveri at jen@miffs.org for more information.
Looking for free resources on important legal issues? You can find information on workers, business structures, land matters, food safety, sales & contracts, value-added tourism, and insurance.
Jobs!
NSAC is hiring! Please click the links below to see the description for each position and instructions on how to apply:

Growing Hope is hiring a full time MarketPlace Manager to oversee all events, programs and facilities at the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace and incubator licensed kitchen. Growing Hope is dedicated to helping people improve their lives and communities through gardening and increasing access to healthy food. Growing Hope operates two Ypsilanti Farmers Markets, the downtown location held at the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace. The MarketPlace includes the Robert C. Barnes Sr. MarketPlace Hall and licensed incubator kitchen. In addition to hosting the indoor Farmers Market, MarketPlace Hall acts as a rental space for events, meetings, and community activities. We are seeking a highly organized, self-motivated person with exceptional sales and marketing skills to manage all aspects of the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace including the incubator kitchen. This person will promote and book rentals of the Robert C. Barnes Sr. MarketPlace Hall and kitchen and ensure all facilities are up-to-date with SOPs that include cleaning and maintenance. This person will also support some operations of the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets. This person will report directly to the Executive Director with offices located in the new Farmers MarketPlace Welcome Center. To apply, Submit resume & 1 page cover letter, complete with reference contact information, to apply@growinghope.net by August 10, 2018. 

Fair Food Network is currently hiring a Double Up Food Bucks Program Coordinator to be based in either our Ann Arbor or Detroit office. Applications are rolling with a 8/12 deadline.
The Double Up Food Bucks Program Coordinator will be responsible for providing general program support to the Double Up Food Bucks program team. This is an entry level role and is a great opportunity for candidates early in their careers looking to learn and grow!
For more information about the position and the hiring process, visit this link . To apply, please complete the following brief application form . Candidates are able to display interest on an ongoing basis but please do so by Midnight EST on Sunday, August 12th at the latest.
If you have any questions about the role, please feel free to email jobs@fairfoodnetwork.org.

FamilyFarmed , a Chicago-based nonprofit, is requesting applications for the full-time position of Farmer Training Manager. This position is responsible for managing our Farmer Training Program and related initiatives with an emphasis on Wholesale Success, Direct Market Success and On Farm Food Safety. The Farmer Training Manager may supervise and manage staff, consultants and volunteers. Learn more here

King's Hill Farm in Mineral Point, Wisconsin is seeking new tenants to farm its 40 acres of highly productive vegetable and fruit land beginning in the 2019 growing season. Farming acreage is served fully by irrigation, water well and pumps. Contiguous to the farm are several hundred acres that consist of woodlands, ponds, conservation reserve land and separately leased farmland for organic crops (corn, soybeans, hay, cover crops, etc.) The farm, located in southwest Wisconsin, currently serves 225 CSA customers in the Madison and Chicago areas. For more information, visit  kingshillfarm.com   
Support the many faces of farming:
Become a member of MIFFS and help us support the many faces of farming.

Joint Membership be tween MIFFS and National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) is also available.
We greatly appreciate any and all donations. Whether you’re giving to a specific program, project or our general fund, thank you! Donation options include Michigan Family Farms Conference, Women in Ag, Vets in Ag, or Tilian Farm Development Center.
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
Physical Address: 2465 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, MI 48864
Mailing Address: 480 Wilson Road, Room 172, East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: 517.709.8271 Email: info@miffs.org