Attention beginning farmers, farm employees and those contemplating a future in sustainable farming! The application period for the 2019 Organic Farmer Training Program (OFTP) at Michigan State University is now open.
Get Involved
A Farmer’s Diary: Beginning Farmer Institute
Event, Get Involved, Molly StepanskiWhen you bring a bunch of farmers together over pizza and beer, there’s a certain magic that happens. On September 9th, after traveling from thirteen different states, nineteen farmers from incredibly diverse backgrounds descended on Washington, DC, for the first session of the 2018-19 National Farmers Union’s (NFU) Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI). This educational opportunity is an annual leadership training program that offers three sessions in different parts of the country. In November, we’ll meet up again in northern California and March in Washington state. The mission of BFI is “to empower people to educate our youth, neighbors, media and policymakers of the social, economic and cooperative contributions of family agriculture.”
NFU Fall Legislative Fly-in and the Farm Bill
Economy, Environment, Event, Get Involved, Learn More, Molly StepanskiThe National Farmers Union (NFU) was founded over 110 years ago and advocates for grassroots policy change that supports the welfare of family farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and consumers. NFU writes, “We promote sustainable production of food, feed, fiber, and fuel and work with our 200,000 member families nationwide to support smart farm policies, educate the public and develop the next generation of farm leaders.” To achieve this mission, the nationwide organization coordinates legislative fly-ins in the spring and fall every year as critical issues come before Congress for a vote.
Event Spotlights: Upcoming Local Food Events
Event, Find Local Food, Food Waste, Get Involved, Kelly Wilson, Learn More, Local Ingredients, Southeast MichiganJoin Us at These Upcoming Local Food Events! We’re out and about this month at a variety of community events. Join us in celebration of local food and learn about valuable aspects of healthy, sustainable food system.
September 19th (6:30-8:30 PM): Local Food Enthusiast Party at Blom Meadworks (Ann Arbor)
Local Food Enthusiasts are the champions of local food systems. They shop the farmers markets, participate in CSA programs, drink local, and patron establishments that source locally produced goods. They make local food a priority and leverage their purchasing power to keep the local food economy humming.
To celebrate these Local Food Enthusiasts, and the harvest season, we’re hanging out with our friends at Bløm Meadworks for local appetizers and a tour of their production facility. Local Food Enthusiasts will receive a discount on any mead flight. For more details, check out the Facebook Event here.
September 30th (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM): Make Food Not Waste (Detroit)
Did you know nearly 40% of the food produced in the US ends up in landfills? Make Food Not Waste seeks to change this. During this free, day-long event at the Eastern Market, you’ll watch chefs compete to see who can make a tastier meal from leftovers. You’ll learn what to do with food that your picky eaters won’t touch, how to repurpose leftovers into delicious meals, how to put together as easy menu plan, and how to compost unused food. Come enjoy a high-quality meal, prepared by top-tier local chefs, and see how much money your family can save by making easy changes at home!
More information at: https://makefoodnotwaste.com/
September 30th (1:00-5:00 PM): Meet, Greet and Eat Meat (Ferndale)
Farm Field Table has developed a strong community of farm, chef, and local food partners since they opened their doors two years ago. To celebrate these partnerships, and the community of family, friends, and neighbors who have supported them, Farm Field Table is throwing their first-ever farmer + chef meet and greet. This family-friendly event will feature food tastings from some of metro Detroit’s finest chefs, introductions to local farmers, craft beer tastings, a mangalista pig “petting zoo” and educational seminars. Tours of the new production facility will also be available throughout the event.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-greet-and-eat-meat-tickets-48888824791?aff=ehomecard
Kelly Wilson, RDN, is TLD’s Southeast Michigan Local Food Coordinator. Contact her at kelly@localdifference.org
A Cooler Peace of Mind
Bob Sucaet, Get Involved, Guest PostIt’s a hot, muggy summer morning and you’re at the farm getting ready for farmers market. You head to your cooler, open the door, and, instead of being met with an icy blast, you find yourself standing in a warm room. How long has the cooler been down? Is the produce you harvested yesterday ruined? Can you safely sell it at market today?
Sponsor, Exhibit, or Advertise at the 2018 Michigan Good Food Summit
Event, Get Involved, Guest Post, Rachel Kelly, StoriesOn behalf of the Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University, I’m writing to invite you to sponsor, exhibit or advertise at the 2018 Michigan Good Food Summit on October 22, 2018. This year’s Summit will take place on October 22nd at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Michigan State University.
Farm Resources from MIFFS
Farmers Markets, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Learn More(Editor’s Note: This list was originally published in the Michigan Food and Farming Systems August Newsletter)
This has been an especially hard year for farming. If you need assistance, please use the resources listed below. We understand the difficulties of farming and are here if you need help navigating services. We are available by phone 517.709.8271 or email info@miffs.org
Peaceful Meadows Farm 2nd Annual Farm to Fork Event
Event, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Kelly Wilson, Southeast MichiganJoin the farmers of Peaceful Meadows Farm in Clio for their Second Annual Farm to Fork Event Sunday August 26th from 1-6pm. The event will feature a wide selection of classes on topics ranging from edible flowers to maple syrup production. Music from the Silo Singers will provide the perfect backdrop as you learn, wander the gardens, and enjoy a meal raised 100% on the farm.
Register Now for the Michigan Good Food Summit!
Economy, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Kelly WilsonRegistration is now open for the fifth biennial Michigan Good Food Summit! The Summit will be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center on Michigan State University’s campus. New this year, the conference will be a Certified Local Food Event with at least 20% of all ingredients coming from local producers.
Good Food, Better Health
Event, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Health, Kelly Wilson, Learn More, Southeast MichiganBaste. Blanch. Chiffonade. Roast. Saute. Zest.
Ever see these terms on recipes and wonder “what the heck does that mean?” ? Well, if you have, you are not alone! One of the biggest challenges many of my clients face when changing their diet is navigating the kitchen and new recipes. Culinary education is no longer a staple in public education and our lives have become increasingly hectic. As a result, many people feel intimidated and overwhelmed in the kitchen and with cooking for themselves.