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.

Happy Holidays from Michigan Food & Farming Systems! As 2018 comes to an end, we reflect back on what MIFFS has been up to for the last 12 months. Here are a few of the highlights: 15th annual Michigan Family Farms Conference at new venue, Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Be sure to join us this year too! Held a community college course for Spanish speaking farmers covering farming and production topics. Be on the lookout for future events in Spanish. Helped coordinate the annual WISEWOMAN conference and connected WISEWOMAN participants to farmer mentors across the state. Worked with National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition to advocate for a 2018 Farm Bill to include essential support for beginning and historically underserved farmers Hosted our first incubator farmer at the Women In Ag Farm Development Center, a Flint native who sold her produce at farmers markets, corner stores, and through MIFFS partner programs. Mapped water assets and completed a social network analysis in partnership with the expertise of MPHI. Vets In Ag events throughout the year along with a wonderful article in the Taste the Local Difference publication Many new publications were created in 2018. Here are a few: How Can Community Supported Agriculture Improve Wellness? An Exploration of Physical, Social, and Economical Health Beyond Grants: Entrepreneurial Strategies for Funding Beginning Farmer Initiatives A brand new website! Check it out here! We are so proud of the work we are doing and will continue throughout 2019 to bring resources to those underserved in the farming and food systems communities as we Rise UP and Dig IN! Thank you all for your support, MIFFS Staff

Did you know your purchases can make a difference? AmazonSmile donates to Michigan Integrated Food & Farming Systems when you do your holiday shopping at http://bit.ly/smilemiffs

Michigan Family Farms Conference 2019 The MFFC will be held on February 9 at the KVCC Texas Township Campus. This year we are really excited to offer an extended workshop that includes a lunchtime tour to the Food Innovation Center AND The Culinary and Allied Health Building! The MFFC is a forum to network, learn and build sustainable family farms but also a space to learn about agriculture for your own home as well. Our event includes a keynote to be delivered by Melvin Parson, founder of We the People Growers Association. Urban Farmer and visionary Melvin Parson tells his inspiring story of how the gift of a small plot of land and supportive friends turned into an organic agribusiness supplying 15 Southeastern Michigan restaurants. In this session, Melvin will share how “Changing the Soil” can lead to life-affirming and fruitful results for you and your community. Register for the conference at bit.ly/mffc2019 The theme for 2019 MFFC is "Tools for Agricultural Success - What's in Your Shed?" To get some energy and excitement around the conference this year, we would like to see #whatsinyourshed today! The campaign is sure to be a delight as we look at the current tools we have and what others we might be able to add at MFFC2019. Think outside the shed; your personal shed may be a desk, classroom, office, or production facility! Event sponsorship is open for MFFC which is a great opportunity for networking and promoting your resources or products!. The deadline for a special joint sponsorship rate is November 15. Register as a sponsor/exhibitor here today! We are also looking for donations for the event, please contact [email protected] for more information.

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: [email protected]