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. 

Special Announcement
Join MIFFS!
MIFFS is currently hiring a part-time Financial Manager. For more information or to apply, check out the job descriptions. 
Greetings MIFFS Supporters
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2 GREAT EVENTS

MEET THE BUYERS- December 6th, 2016

Meet the Buyers Workshop and Reception- Tuesday, December 6th, 2016
This event is held in conjunction with the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo (GLEXPO), held in Grand Rapids, MI. Meet the Buyers, has two parts: a morning workshop for buyers and producers and an evening reception that provides a casual atmosphere for all to network. Event Sponsorship opportunities are now available!
14TH Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference
February 4th, 2017


LOOK, A NEW DATE!
Farm Development Centers (FDC)
Tilian
 Women in Ag (WIA)
  Farm Development Center Education Opportunities

The next WIA workshop is September 11th from 1 pm-5 pm. Come join WIA and Halleaux Farms for Raising Sheep for Fiber and Food. Register today to reserve your spot.

Halleaux Farm
Other Community  Events/Opportunities

The Michigan Agritourism Association and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) have teamed up to offer six farm-based field days at locations across the state in August and September.  Register for one or more of the field days - click here!

Don't forget The Farmers Market at the Capital September 22, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine

MSU Farmer Field School is comprised of intensive one and two day hands-on workshops. They are tailored to deliver in- depth, practical information  built upon the foundational work of the MSU Organic Farmer Training Program  and the wealth of knowledge in Michigan’s farming community.

MSU Extension Free Education Event Sept. 8th from 8:30am - 4:30pm. This all day event will cover soil health concepts, nitrogen treatments and the Climate  Pro Crop Model as well as give participants the opportunity to see MSU research trials that are focused on nitrogen and phosphorus management for corn and soy production. MIFFS Vets in Ag Network co-Director Adam Ingrao will also be speaking on opportunities in Michigan ag for military veterans. Location: Mason Technology Center (474 South Onondaga Rd., Mason, MI 48854). To register for this FREE event call Kathy at 517-543-5567 for Eaton County residents or call Robin at 517-676-5578 for Ingham and all other counties.

Tillers’ 14th Annual Community Harvest Fest- September 18th, promises to once again renew our focus on local food, local farmers, and the ideas, support, and collaborations which make for a strong local food system with farmers who can make a living bringing us healthy food. 

October 28th at the Kellogg Center.  

Check out the Let's Farm Michigan Calendar  for a ll your farming events or to post your event on the calendar contact lacey@miffs.org for more information.
  Granting Resources
Laura Jane Musser Fund Rural Initiative The Laura Jane Musser Fund encourages collaborative and participatory efforts among citizens in rural communities that will help to strengthen their towns and regions in a number of civic areas. Programs in Colorado, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wyoming may apply. Planning grants up to $5,000 and implementation grants up to $25,000 are available. Proposals must be submitted online by November 2, 2016.

Native Agriculture and Food Systems Scholarship Program
First Nations Development Institute will award 10 $1,000 scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic school year to Native American college students majoring in agriculture and agriculture-related fields.
Applications must be submitted by October 5, 2016.


NCR-SARE Announces 2017 Youth Educator Sustainable Agriculture Grants Call for Proposals. 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). Proposals are due by November 10, 2016.

Read more about local and regional food systems through the USDA. Check out their Urban Farmer Toolkit.  


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 (608) 219-4279  deirdreb4@gmail.com
Career  Resources
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The Organic Farmer Training Program offers nine months of intensive instruction in year-round organic farming. The program focuses on diversified production of vegetables, livestock, flowers, fruits, and herbs for local markets. For more information visit MSU Organic Farm. Scholarships available! 



A New Partnership- MIFFS and National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), have a great opportunity for you. We are excited about this p artnership and we hope you will take advantage of the savings. Want to learn more or see the benefits of this joint membership? Check out our  information page  
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 | info@miffs.org