Dear MIFFS Supporters,
Welcome to (almost) July; the summer is in full swing! There are many workshops being held virtual in the coming months with a plethora of information. The virtual world of zoom (and others) is sure to continue through summer and we will pass along educational and networking opportunities in the monthly newsletters.
Last Friday we celebrated Juneteenth and also saw the launch of the Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund, which will help foster more land ownership among black farmers in the city who face greater barriers in purchasing property. The fund is was developed by
Detroit Black Community Food Security Network
,
Oakland Avenue Urban Farm
in the North End, and
Keep Growing Detroit
. The fundraising is in full swing on the
gofundme page
now and they will be accepting applications in the near future for distribution of the funds. To donate, click
here
.
Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) stands in solidarity with black communities who are fighting against systemic oppression and racism. We are heartbroken and we are angry at the loss of lives and the ongoing injustices people of color continue to suffer every day.
In Solidarity,
The MIFFS Family
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Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program
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Urban farmers and gardeners work among diverse populations to expand access to nutritious foods, foster community engagement, provide jobs, educate communities about farming, and expand green spaces.
The
new
USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
recently announced the availability of $3 million in competitive grant funding.
Urban agriculture generally refers to the cultivation, processing and distribution of agricultural products in urban and suburban settings, including things like vertical production, warehouse farms, community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities, and other innovations.
These funds will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories: Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. More info on the grant is available
here
;
the d
eadline to apply is July 6, 2020
Michigan Food & Farming Systems feels
strongly
that USDA Urban Ag and Innovation funding should be allocated to BIPOC led organizations or individuals in recognition of their historical leadership in this space and acknowledgement of institutional racism in the US.
We would like to offer our support to BIPOC urban farming communities for proposal submissions and to offer our services for the grant.
Here are some ways MIFFS can support proposal development & submission:
- Making connections! We can help connect you with additional grant team members including nonprofits, community organizations, technical assistance providers, university and government agency staff, national partners, evaluators, and other awesome farms you may want to collaborate with
- Proposal review and submission- Our team has a lot of experience developing, writing, and submitting USDA grants and navigating grants.gov so we are happy to help your efforts.
Here are some ways MIFFS can be a partner to offer our services for the grant:
- Facilitation services and network development
- Project results dissemination and outreach
- USDA program navigation and farm number registration technical assistance
- Food safety training & connection to Michigan GroupGAP
- Working lands natural resource management and environmental stewardship technical assistance, water quality management
- Interpretation of USDA technical language
- Record keeping technical assistance to improve eligibility for USDA programs including crop insurance and federal disaster assistance
- Translation services
- Assistance with reporting
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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.
Other CFAP resources available
:
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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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American Public Health Association Advancing Racial Equity is hosting a
four-part webinar series
for an in-depth look at racism as a driving force of the social determinants of health and equity. The series will explore efforts to address systems, policies and practices designed to limit and shape opportunities for people of color. Upcoming topics include Police Violence, Maternal Health, Housing, Violence.
See more details and register for upcoming webinars here.
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The MSU
Farm Business Plan Accelerator
is a 100% online opportunity to meet twice weekly with other beginning and aspiring farmers to write a farm business plan that fits YOUR farmsite, markets, skills and goals.
Sign up now
to join the learning community each Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1:30pm from June 16 to October 15. The
MSU Organic Farmer Training Program
is a 50/50 mix of field and classroom activities over the full 2021 farm season at the 15-acre MSU Student Organic Farm in East Lansing.
Apply now
!
Email
[email protected]
for more information about either program.
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*This webinar is for funders only*
Join Community Food Funders in a presentation and dialogue with the
Northeast Farmers of Color (NEFOC) Land Trust
and the
Black Farmer Fund
to learn how they are institutionalizing solutions to make land and capital accessible for Black and BIPOC farmers. Hear how their work is situated within an ecosystem of local, regional, and national organizations that are working to realize a racially just transition in the food system.
Registration required
Read more online: https://communityfoodfunders.org/2020/06/black-farmers-nefoc/
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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
Be sure to check out the current
Conservation Notes Newsletter
that highlights Oakland Avenue Urban Farm!
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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
Healthy Food Financing Initiative
aims to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, to create and preserve quality jobs, and to revitalize low income communities. In 2020, the HFFI is offering financial assistance through a Targeted Small Grants Program (TSG Program). Up to $3 million is available for grants (up to $200K) for innovative fresh food retail and food system enterprises that seek to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas. For more information, including eligibility information, please read the
Request for Applications (RFA)
. The RFA describes all of the application questions and the application process.
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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
has secured funds to provide recovery grants and loans to diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses from underrepresented groups in Michigan. This fund is intended to assist geographically and demographically disadvantaged individuals. More info
here
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USD NRCS
: $3 million in competitive grant funding under the 2018 Farm Bill’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. The newly established Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program supports the development of urban agriculture and innovative production activities by funding Planning Projects and Implementation Projects led by nonprofit organizations, local or Tribal governments, and schools that serve any of the grades K-12 in areas of the United States.The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is posted on
Grants.gov
. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 06, 2020.
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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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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 Regional Director, Mankato or Worthington position (Job ID 331689) has been posted and is now active on the
U of M Jobs
page and the
Extension Careers
page. The Regional Director serves a major role in Extension operations, providing critical functions related to internal and external stakeholders and relationships, county funding, human resource management, and overall management of regional and county offices. This position is part of a statewide team of Regional Directors and also works within a Regional Director team, serving 12 counties in the Southern region. The Regional Director works closely with both programmatic and operations staff. The Regional Director reports to the Director of Statewide Operations. The initial deadline for applications is July 6, 2020
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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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FoodCorps seeks a motivated and passionate individual to lead, coach, and support a cohort of 15+ FoodCorps service members and FoodCorps programming in Michigan under the direction of the Michigan Program Director. The Program Coordinator will play a critical role in the delivery of high quality, high fidelity programming statewide by assisting with the training and ongoing coaching to service members, the selection and management of service sites, and the day-to-day program administration tasks. 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
.
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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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