Dear MIFFS Supporters,
August is upon us and the tomatoes are starting to turn, cucumbers are being soaked in brine, and summer slowly turning to fall. August is a birthday filled month in the MIFFS office; 3 staff members celebrate another trip around the sun. August is also a time to ready for the fall harvest and focus on processes that keep us all safe. We have a lot of information in the newsletter this month! MIFFS and partners will be hosting the second part of the webinar series focusing on moving sales online. Join us on August 27th for the next part: The Wide-World of Web-Based Platforms.
Multiple grant applications, jobs, resources, and other opportunities are listed in the sections below. If you have any questions about how to navigate, please reach out and we will do the best we can to help you through it.
Stay Safe!
The MIFFS Team
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Make Sure You Are Counted! Take the 2020 U.S. Census Today!
It is vital that Michiganders unite and encourage each other to complete the 2020 United States Census. When Michiganders are missing from the census, our existence and our struggles are erased from the story of America. Resources and political representation, meant to support our community and give us a voice, are assigned elsewhere. The census determines how money and your political representation are assigned by counting how many people there are to serve in each neighborhood, city, and state. Yet time and time again the census has missed millions of people — including communities of color, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, migrant workers, immigrants and refugees, people experiencing homelessness, and young children. These groups are missed for several reasons such as language barriers, displacement, where they live, or fear over how data is stored and used. Completing the census will direct billions of dollars to local communities every year, for the next 10 years, for our local health programs, hospitals, our food assistance programs, schools, and affordable housing, all of which contributes to a healthier Michigan.
The census asks nine basic questions: name, age, gender, ethnicity, race, number of people in the household, anyone additional in your house as of April 1, if you own or rent your home and phone number. The census does not ask for your citizenship status.It takes less than 10 minutes to complete the census – but those 10 minutes can help all Michigan residents for the next 10 years. Take the census today. #BeCounted
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Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP): |
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Producers can now apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which provides direct payments to farmers and ranchers to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020.
The application form and a payment calculator are available on farmers.gov/cfap. and a call center (877-508-8364) is set up to help you with your questions from 7:30am – 8:00 pm ET to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance.
USDA knows producers are facing a tough time now, and they are making every effort to provide much needed support as quickly as possible. Producers of all eligible commodities can apply through their local FSA office. FSA is available over the phone and virtually to walk you through the application process, whether it’s the first time you’ve worked with us, or if you know us quite well.
Changes to CFAP include:
- Adding the following commodities: alfalfa sprouts, anise, arugula, basil, bean sprouts, beets, blackberries, Brussels sprouts, celeriac (celery root), chives, cilantro, coconuts, collard greens, dandelion greens, greens (others not listed separately), guava, kale greens, lettuce – including Boston, green leaf, Lolla Rossa, oak leaf green, oak leaf red and red leaf – marjoram, mint, mustard, okra, oregano, parsnips, passion fruit, peas (green), pineapple, pistachios, radicchio, rosemary, sage, savory, sorrel, fresh sugarcane, Swiss chard, thyme and turnip top greens.
- Expanding for seven currently eligible commodities – apples, blueberries, garlic, potatoes, raspberries, tangerines and taro – CARES Act funding for sales losses because USDA found these commodities had a 5 percent or greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, these commodities were only eligible for marketing adjustments.
- Determining that peaches and rhubarb no longer qualify for payment under the CARES Act sales loss category.
- Correcting payment rates for apples, artichokes, asparagus, blueberries, cantaloupes, cucumbers, garlic, kiwifruit, mushrooms, papaya, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, rhubarb, tangerines and taro.
Other CFAP resources available:
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Join MIFFS, TLD and MSU-Extension for Part 2 of the webinar series Moving to Online Sales: The Wide-World of Web-Based Platforms on August 27 at 7pm. Get a breakdown of online platforms for food products including pros, cons and what ones work best for what, as well as some steps to take to help make going online more approachable for your business.
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The 2020 Michigan Good Food Virtual Summit will celebrate achievements, explore new directions, and launch a renewed effort to advance a good food system in Michigan that promotes equity, sustainability, and thriving economies.Detailed submission guidelines and instructions on how to submit your proposal can be found at: https://bit.ly/2020CFPGuidelines
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Save the Date September 21-25: National Farm Safety and Health Week Free Webinars to help us keep farmers and ranchers working safely. Find out more here. Presented by AgriSafe: formed in 2003 by rural nurses who believed that together they could improve the health and safety of farmers and ranchers. Today, AgriSafe builds the competency of health and safety professionals to deliver exceptional occupational agricultural health care.
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Complete el siguiente formulario https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0krUGbPz0Sk8dZH y le enviaremos una grabación del seminario virtual titulado "Seguridad de los productos en la granja para pequeños productores en la era de COVID-19". Por favor tenga en cuenta que solo su dirección de correo electrónico es de carácter obligatorio. Usted puede proveer el resto de la información de forma completamente voluntaria. Esta información se usará estrictamente para reportar números en cada categoría y no se vincularán a su correo electrónico.
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Did you know that Michigan produce growers enjoy more on-farm produce safety support than growers in other states? The Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety Team provides FREE educational programs and farm visits through a collaboration between the Michigan Produce Safety Technician Program and members of Michigan State University Extension. Click here for more info.
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Do you purchase fresh produce for an institution or know someone that does? Please consider taking and/or sharing a survey about food safety requirements for suppliers at the following link: https://bit.ly/2IFB3Xl All of the questions are in multiple choice format and the survey will take an estimated time of 7 minutes to complete. Responses are anonymous and participation is completely voluntary. The survey will be open through August 31, 2020. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the survey, feel free to contact Mariel Borgman from MSU Extension at [email protected].
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MSU Extension specialists and educators are teaming up to bring agribusiness professionals and farmers a series of “Virtual Breakfast” meetings. This week’s discussion will focus on transitioning to organic and production and possible market opportunities for Michigan grains and beans. These free, 30-minute online meetings offer a discussion of current field and weather conditions, timely crop production tips and the latest information on emerging issues likely to affect growers across the state. The live, online meetings run 7–7:30 a.m. every Thursday via Zoom during the growing season from April 16 to Sept. 10, 2020. More information is at https://www.canr.msu.edu/field_crops/virtual-breakfast/
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In response to a growing rural mental health crisis, National Farmers Union (NFU), Farm Credit, the American and Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) this week announced a free online training program to help farmers, their families and neighbors identify and cope with stress. Learn more about the training here.
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We are all stronger when we work together. When farmers and attorneys share knowledge, the entire local food system moves forward. Farm Commons fosters the discussions and connections that build a strong legal backbone for our community. Sign up for the farm commons newsletter at this link.
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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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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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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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Grants & Funding Opportunities: |
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The MEDC Small Farm Safety Grant program will award $1.25 million in grants to farms with less than 10 employees to fund COVID-19 mitigation costs. These include but are not limited to testing costs, personal protection equipment, facility needs, increased sanitation costs, employee training, and upgraded safety procedures for farm-provided housing. Grants will be limited to $1,000 per employee, and the program will cover costs incurred from June 1, 2020 through Sept. 15, 2020. Eligible applicants will be able to apply for funding starting Tuesday, July 21, at 9 a.m. EST at michiganbusiness.org/agsafety. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until all funding has been awarded.
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Applications are now open for the Huhtamaki Circular Economy Startup Program by Food System 6; designed to support the development of young and promising companies that are working to create a better, more sustainable food future. The program is focused on supporting solutions for a circular economy, and accelerating the transition of our food system to one that rethinks waste, decreases pollution, and regenerates our natural resources. If you or anyone you know is solving for waste utilization, building upon regenerative production models, or optimizing material use, learn more at www.foodsystem6.org and apply today! Applications are open until August 15th, 2020.
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USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program) overall goal is to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers with owning and operating farms and ranches and in participating equitably in the full range of agricultural, forestry, and related programs offered by USDA. In partnership with the OPPE, eligible entities may compete for funding on projects that provide education and training in agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, agriculturally related services, and USDA programs and to conduct outreach initiatives designed to accomplish those goals. Proposals must be submitted through http://www.grants.gov and received by August 26, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
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USDA Rural Community Development Initiative Grants are awarded to help non-profit housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities and federally recognized tribes support housing, community facilities and community and economic development projects in rural areas. An application package can be downloaded from Grants.gov CFDA 10.446
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. These microloans are especially helpful to beginning or underserved farmers, U.S. veterans looking for a career in farming, and those who have small and mid-sized farming operations. Now, microloans will be available to also help with farm land and building purchases, and soil and water conservation improvements. FSA designed the expanded program to simplify the application process, expand eligibility requirements and expedite smaller real estate loans to help farmers strengthen their operations. Microloans provide up to $50,000 to qualified producers and can be issued to the applicant directly from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). To learn more about the FSA microloan program visit www.fsa.usda.gov/microloans, or contact your local FSA office.
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Through the USDA-NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), the nation’s leading competitive grants program for agricultural sciences, applicants who meet eligibility requirements as a New Investigator can apply for a seed grant or a New Investigator standard grant. To qualify for the program, applicants must meet prescribed criteria as a New Investigator. An individual who is beginning their career, does not have an extensive scientific publication record, and has fewer than five years postgraduate career-track experience (i.e., positions in which the individual’s institution allows them to submit competitive grant applications as Project Director beyond a fellowship) can apply for a New Investigator Grant for research, education, and/or extension activities. Find out more about new AFRI funding opportunities.
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With the generous support of MEDC, Michigan-based foundations, corporate partners, individual donors, and in collaboration with the SBA, the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund. This fund is intended to assist geographically and demographically disadvantaged individuals. More info here
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The 2021 North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program Call for Proposals is now available online at Program.https://www.northcentralsare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant/Partnership-Grant. NCR-SARE’s Partnership Grant program is intended to foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture. The deadline for Partnership Program proposals is October 22, 2020 at 4pm CDT
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The 2021 North Central Region - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) Youth Educator Grant Call for Proposals is now available. Youth Educator Grant projects provide opportunities for youth in the North Central Region to learn more about sustainable agriculture (farming and ranching that is ecologically sound, profitable, and socially responsible). Projects should help youth discover that sustainable farming and ranching is profitable; good for families, communities, and their quality of life; and good for the environment long term. The maximum amount for grants is $4,000, and a total of approximately $60,000 is available for this program. Interested applicants can find the call for proposals online as well as useful information for completing a proposal at https://www.northcentralsare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant/Youth-Educator-Grant.
Proposals are due by November 12, 2020 at 4pm CST.
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USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks potential conservation partners to submit project applications for federal funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will award up to $360 million dollars to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. USDA is now accepting proposals for RCPP through the RCPP portal . Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 4, 2020. For more information, view the Application for Program Funding on grants.gov.
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Artist Emergency Fund The Crosshatch Artist Emergency Fund has raised and distributed $25,000 to northern Michigan artists since March 13. Thanks to the Urgent Needs funds at the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, this relief fund is expanding to include assistance for artists in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties. Apply or donate here: www.crosshatch.org/emergency.
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TCF Bank will commit $1 billion in loans to minority communities and minority- and women-owned small businesses, as well as a $10 million grant program to assist low-to-moderate income home buyers. The small business loans of up to $1 million each will be available across TCF’s footprint and nationally. The bank will focus its efforts in Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago, Cleveland, Grand Rapids, and other cities in its markets. Read the full announcement here.
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EIDL Loan Application Portal Opened to Agricultural Enterprises Only The Small Business Administration opened its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) portal on May 4, 2020, to agricultural enterprises only. The Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act provided additional funding for farmers and ranchers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. An Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000 is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid.
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The Student Organic Farm is hiring for 2 full-time student crew positions (M-F 7am-3:30pm) to begin as soon as possible! The Crew Member position at SOF is an immersive, hands-on working and learning experience in diverse organic vegetable production. Crew Members perform all necessary farm labor tasks, including seeding, transplanting, irrigation, weeding, harvest and more. Leadership opportunities in the various areas of the farm are available to those who show initiative and interest. To make this position an Academic Internship, students can pursue a project of interest (and of use to the farm) agreed upon by managers at the start of the season. We are looking for hard working, dependable students who take on new skills and tasks with enthusiasm and a desire to learn. Application form here.
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The Midland & Gladwin County Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices in Town are hiring a full time/part-time temporary Program Technician (PT). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Duties include general office activities supporting FSA programs administered at the field level. Successful applicants must be reliable, have a professional attitude and enjoy working with the public. If you are interested or know of someone who might be interested, please share this information with them. To apply, please e-mail your resume to tara.clapp@usda.gov. Contact Tara Clapp at 989-426-9461 for Gladwin applicants and 989-832-3651 for the Midland office if you have specific questions regarding the position.
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The application portal for a 2020-2021 FoodCorps AmeriCorps Service Member to serve with Muskegon Public Schools. The candidate must, at a minimum, serve 1,700 allowable hours between August 2020 and July 2021. Contact FoodCorps Michigan Program Coordinator Quan Blunt: - [email protected] Apply Today!
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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.
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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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