With the snow beginning to fly, it’s the perfect time to attend farm and business conferences to prepare for 2019. These six meetings and conferences are great ways to network with fellow farmers and get excited for the next growing season.
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Terra Madre : Where the Joy and Justice of Food Meets
Environment, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Guest Post, Learn More, Shiloh MaplesEvery other year, in late September, the northwestern Piedmont region of Italy transforms into the town square for the global Slow Food movement’s gathering, Terra Madre. In the bustling city of Turin, thousands gather to share their passion for good, clean, and fair food—slow food.
Collaboration Builds a Stronger Food System
Economy, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Kelly WilsonWhat do you think of when you hear the word “co-op”? Most people will likely envision a small health food store or perhaps their local credit union. However, these are just part of a myriad number of businesses that follow a cooperative structure.
Fresh, Frozen or Concentrated: Tis the Season for Cranberries
Eat Local, Health, Paula Martin, RecipeDid you know that The American Cranberry is native to Michigan? While we are not the national leader in growing this fruit, our sandy soil, access to water and climate make them part of our fruit belt with major future growing potential. When you follow the seasons to guide your meals and menu planning, it is no surprise that the cranberry is part of our nation’s traditions.
Enjoy Local Produce at these Winter Northwestern Michigan Markets
Bailey Samp, Eat Local, Farmers Markets, Find Local FoodAnother Michigan winter is upon us, we are bundling up in our layers, naturally slowing down, and enjoying the Holidays with family and friends! Even though it’s cold outside, many local farmers and specialty producers continue to work hard to bring us fresh, local food year round in Northern Michigan. You can still enjoy the heartiness of local produce while visiting the farmers market in the winter. Plus you’ll find eggs, bread and baked goods, jams, tea, honey, cheese, meat, and a variety of holiday gifts!
A Farmer’s Diary: Beginning Farmer Institute, Part 2
Eat Local, Environment, Event, Farmers Markets, Find Local Food, Molly Stepanski, StoriesOur second session with the 2018-19 National Farmers Union’s (NFU) Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI) took us into the country’s heart of organic produce, the salad bowl of America, the sunny Salinas Valley, California. Again, we were the last to arrive late at night, and a bit jet-lagged. For the first day of training, we participated in a hands-on learning session, hosted in partnership with the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA), an organization dedicated to creating economic opportunity for limited-resource and aspiring organic farmers through land-based education. ALBA creates farming opportunities while providing education and demonstration of organic farming, conservation, and habitat restoration. About 35 farmers operate their small organic farm at ALBA on an annual basis.
Dannee’s Baked Kohlrabi Fritters
Dannette Hoffman, Eat Local, Farmers Markets, Find Local Food, Guest Post, Local Ingredients, RecipesThis is a baked kohlrabi fritter. It can be served over greens or used as a patty for a veggie sandwich. It’s very versatile and tastes great at any temperature.
Make this Stunning Vegetable Carpaccio for your Thanksgiving Table
Anthony Maiale, Farmers Markets, Find Local Food, Guest Post, Local Ingredients, Recipes, ThanksgivingHead to your local fall market for seasonal favorites like crunchy apples and sweet beets. Use a mandoline to thinly slice these veggies and arrange on a plate. Top with an easy vinaigrette for a beautiful side for your Thanksgiving meal.
Opportunity to Hone your Farming Skills
Environment, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Kelly Wilson, Learn MoreAttention 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.
Fall Flavors: Winter Squash
Find Local Food, Kelly Wilson, Local Ingredients, RecipesCrunchy leaves. Campfires. Football. Sweaters. And an abundance of squash! Fall is here.