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. 
MIFFS is thrilled to announce that our new Board President is Dr. Adam Ingrao! Adam is the Veteran’s Liaison for Michigan State University Extension and an Agricultural Entomologist. As a 4 th generation Army veteran and nationally recognized veteran’s advocate, Adam has led efforts over the last 5 years to connect veterans with career and wellness opportunities within the agricultural sector. He is the founder and former director of two nonprofits serving farmer veterans in Michigan, the MIFFS Veterans in Agriculture Network and the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Michigan. He holds a BS in Agriculture and Environmental Plant Science from California Polytechnic State University and a PhD in Agricultural Entomology from Michigan State University. Adam is excited for the opportunity to serve MIFFS and farmers, and is looking forward to continuing to build on the support services, education, and outreach MIFFS provides to small and beginning farmer across Michigan.
 
After 9 years as the board president of MIFFS, Joe Colyn is extremely confident to be passing the responsibility to Adam. During his tenure, Joe was instrumental in helping MIFFS navigate changes in MIFFS’ organizational leadership, expand partnerships with government agencies, and build relationships across the agriculture industry in Michigan and nationally. We are thankful for Joe’s leadership that has allowed MIFFS to be what it is today.
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!
Genesys Regional Medical Center &
WIA Farm Development Center
Supporting farmers and supporting access to fresh, local foods goes in hand in hand for MIFFS. Take a look at the newly released case study on the Genesys Regional Medical Center that shows how the community worked together following severe economic decline and the water crisis to address food security and health. Follow the link here
Michigan Family Farms Conference (MFFC)
"Tools for Agricultural Success- What's in Your Shed?"
We've had such an exceptional streak of keynote presenters for the last 15 years of the Michigan Family Farms Conference, so this year we're changing things up a bit! For the 2019 Conference, we want to know who YOU want to hear from. We're looking for a Michigan-based farmer (or farming team) to give a keynote presentation that will inspire our community of farmers. Submit your nomination here . By nominating a farmer you know, you're helping share their story and impact the hundreds of farmers who attend the Michigan Family Farms Conference from Michigan and across the country.
Tilian Farm Development Center (TFDC)
Blue Shirt Farm is a 1.5 acre first year farm in Ann Arbor, Michigan specializing in tomatoes and salad greens. Owner and farmer Matt Conahan came to farming later in life and passionately believes that small-scale intensive farming is a sustainable way to make a living. Blue Shirt Farm is his way of demonstrating that it is. Having spent several seasons working on farms in California and Michigan, Matt is elated to be farming and managing his own farm at Tilian Farm Development Center this year.
Modeled in the style of Jean-Martin Fortier ( Les Jardins de la Grelinette and La Ferme des Quatre-Temps ) and Conor Crickmore ( Neversink Farm ), Blue Shirt Farm uses organic growing practices, permanent bed systems, and little to no tilling. Blue Shirt Farm has 6 protected growing spaces (100' x 14' caterpillar tunnels) and 6 outside growing blocks (100 foot x 30'). The tunnels are used in the Summer for tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. The outside blocks are primarily for salad mix, head lettuce, and other market specific crops. In the Fall and Winter the tunnels will be converted to cold tolerant crops. Currently Blue Shirt Farm sells at the Ypsilanti Downtown market on Tuesdays (3-7 PM) as well as working with local chefs.
Tilian Farm Development Center
had quite the work day a couple
weeks ago, painting the farm stand
and a couple of new signs.
If you are in the area,
stop on by the stand and get
some wonderfully fresh produce
and beautiful flowers.

Check out all of the happenings at
TFDC on Facebook!
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
This is a critical opportunity to have your operation counted and therefore considered when federal policies are made. Not convinced the Census is worth your time? Here are the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s (NSAC) top reasons to engage in this important process:
  • The Census will help shape food and agriculture policy for the next five years.
  • Beginning, socially disadvantaged, organic, direct-market, and urban farmers are historically under-counted in the Census. A more accurate count means a higher likelihood of increasing resources for programs that matter to you.
  • The Census helps USDA to count beginning farmers by calculating the average farmer age. This allows USDA to better evaluate if current policies and programs are increasing the number of folks beginning and sustaining farms who will shape the future of farming!
  • Important data on conservation and energy collected from the Census are used to support programs that champion rotational grazing/cropping and renewable energy.
Follow the link at https://www.agcensus.usda.gov/ to have your farm counted!
In partnership with the United States Botanic Garden (USBG), NCAT is bringing the week-long Armed to Farm (ATF) training to Washington, D.C., for a special event focused on urban farming. Armed to Urban Farm will give veterans an opportunity to see sustainable, profitable small-scale farming enterprises and learn about urban farming as a viable career. Veterans can visit https://www.ncat.org/atf_DC to complete an application by July 13, 2018. 
The Garden Project, one of the oldest community garden programs in the country, is pleased to celebrate its 35th year in the greater Lansing area. Join us as at our Annual Community Garden Tour on July 18 as we showcase gardens that are growing healthy food and cultivating connections. This is a great chance to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the summer season, while meeting the gardeners who make it happen. Tours will highlight the ways that gardens are improving health and nutrition, building community and creating a more vibrant Lansing. The evening begins at the Garden Project Resource Center (2401 Marcus St) with a welcome reception and seasonal refreshments at 5:15pm. Guided tours begin promptly at 6:00pm. Donations of $1-$20 per person are welcomed.
The Food Garden Tour is an annual event where participants from across Genesee County and neighboring areas travel by bus or bike to a variety of food gardens in the Flint area. The Tour also includes a celebration event afterwards where participants can gather, enjoy a light meal, and shares their thoughts about the event. Join the tour on July 25. Call 810.244.8527 or click here to learn more.
Keep Growing Detroit's 21 Annual Tour of Detroit Garden and Farms
See the places where residents are digging into Detroit soil to cultivate a healthy relationship to food, learn healthy habits from family and neighbors, and nurture an economically viable city where Detroit residents thrive. This year the event will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Tickets will be available on July 5th. For more information, check out the website: detroitagriculture.net/ or facebook
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.
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!
Titus Farms is looking for some part-time farm labor. Titus farms grows vegetables, eggs, and some fruits for a large CSA and farm markets. You can see more about the farm here . Contact Rebecca Titus for more details rebecca@titusfarms.com

FoodCorps is re-opening it's application in search for 3 more members in Michigan (Ferndale, Flint and Battle Creek). The application is an attached PDF and should be submitted no later than Tuesday, July 10th Learn more here or email anacristina.cujar@foodcorps.org

Fair Food Network is hiring a Development Coordinator to join our development team and help us reach our annual fundraising goals. To express interest in the position, please complete the brief form at the bottom of the position description by Sunday, July 15th. To learn more, please visit this link.

 MSU CRFS is seeking a full-time Academic Specialist to lead efforts to build upon and further develop the collaboration underlying the MI Good Food Charter. This will include ensuring a long-term Good Food movement supported by diverse partner organizations and institutions. This specialist will also work with local food policy councils and Good Food Charter partners to create a statewide food policy voice that is united and responsive to local council and community needs and will inform efforts to shape state food policy. Learn more here

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is seeking a Sustainable Agriculture Specialist who can make an immediate contribution to our efforts to promote soil health, water conservation, and better grazing management in Texas, New Mexico, and the Southwest. The position will be located in NCAT’s Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas. Applications will be accepted through July 27, 2018, or until suitable candidates can be identified. Learn more here

The Ingham County Health Department AmeriCorps State (formerly the Power of We AmeriCorps State Program) is hiring for the 2018-19 program year! A full list of open positions and more information can be found by clicking the link here

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
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