Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) is a statewide, non-profit organization connecting beginning and historically underserved farmers to each other and resource opportunities; ensuring social justice, environmental stewardship, and profitability. 
" In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours." Mark Twain 
As we get into the month of May when it appears both the earth and the business of farming is in full bloom we hope your are able to enjoy this spring, in all its variation.  At MIFFS, we are actively working to share all we can about food and farming systems here in beautiful Michigan. 

Exciting News to Share!

As you may know, MIFFS has built its capacity to serve since 1998 through partnerships and collaborations. 

In 2015, this strategy enabled MIFFS to offer 37 workshops with over 1,000 people in attendance, develop our two new incubator Farm Development Centers (Tilian, Ann Arbor Township and Women-in-Ag, Genesee County), offer both of our flagship events ~ Meet the Buyers at Great Lakes EXPO and the 13th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference, and grow our regional capacity to listen, co-create, and implement programs that connect beginning and historically underserved farmers to each other and to resource opportunities.   

In 2016, opportunities for fulfilling our mission , playing a critical role in making smaller-scale farming an attractive and viable livelihood , are expanding. Read more here
 

Educational Opportunities

Stay up to date on all Educational Opportunities by clicking below.

Granting Resources
USDA Funds to Assist Farmers with Environmental Assurance
Applications are due by May 20, 2016

USDA Value Added Producer Grants for 2016- Applications due by July 1, 2016

Applications  submission deadline is June 1, 2016.


Michael Fields Agricultural Institute   provides free Grant Advising services with a focus on beginning farmers, limited resource farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers and/or military veterans, as well as young organizations working with these farmers. 

For more information  and to be on the e-list, please contact MFAI’s  Grants Advisor , Deirdre Birmingham,  [email protected]   or (608) 219-4279.
 
BFRDP Matching
Funds Program
Through a USDA  Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Grant the MSU  Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS), Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) and MSU  Student Organic Farm will provide a limited number of $2,000 stipends to beginning farmers in Michigan. Each $2,000 stipend requires applicant matching savings of at least $1,000 intended for farm-related costs. The stipends are designed to help people in their first years of farming to develop and stabilize their farming business, increasing its long-term viability. Applications are due by June 27, 2016
Thanks to all participants who came to the WIA workday Sunday, May 1st. With just a few amazing women we were able to build a fence in a little over two hours.  

Stay Connected to the WIA Network by signing up for news, updates and opportunities. 
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
  480 Wilson Road, Room 172, East Lansing, MI 48824
Ph: 517.432.0712 | Fx: 517.353.7961 | [email protected]