Organic Blackberry Seminar Broadcast June 4 2013

From the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition:  "The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act is a comprehensive legislative package that invests in critical federal conservation, credit, research, and rural development programs that support opportunities for new farmers and ranchers.  The bill was originally introduced in the previous Congress, and gained the support of 37 members in the House and Senate who signed on to co-sponsor the bill."

"The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has been closely involved in the development of this bill, and has worked in close partnership with both Congressional offices along with several farmer advocacy organizations across the country, including NSAC members Land Stewardship Project, Center for Rural Affairs, National Young Farmers’ Coalition, California FarmLink, and Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance, among others."

More info at http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/for-immediate-release-lawmakers-reintroduce-bill-to-expand-opportunities-for-the-next-generation-of-farmers/

• You must register with FSA (Farming Service Agency) at your soil conservation district office. Here is the link to find your county office: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app (click on either Upper Peninsula or Lower Peninsula)

• You must complete the  paperwork they provide
   
• You must have a site visit with a soil conservation technician on your farm to see what you are eligible and what would be best for your farm system and they will develop a conservation farm plan.

We have just received word from our NRCS that another round of funding from EQIP is AVAILABLE!! They had money leftover!!! So if you wanted to get in on the hoop house cost share last time and missed out-this is your opportunity!!!!

Remember you need to register with your local FSA office to "get on the list" and of course complete some paper work (it IS the government) and then a Soil Conservation Tech will visit you on your farm and access for feasibility of appropriate cost shares such as cover crops, transitioning to organic, fencing, animal watering systems, hoophouses/high tunnels, buffer zones and many other practices that can improve your farm business while contributing to the betterment of the environment!!

More information is available here.

CSA Fair Sunday, March 24th 2-4pm at the Pittsfield Union Grange, Ann Arbor

They call it speed dating for local food!  Please check out the attached flyer.

GROWERS AND FARMS !

A Guide to Michigan's Organic and Ecologically Sustainable Growers and Farms
 

One of the more valuable resources that MOFFA has produced in the last two decades is a publication titled “Eating Organically” The booklet has gone thru at least two revisions, the last being in 2008. Currently a workgroup has been formed with the sole task of updating this guide as both a hardcopy edition as well as an on-line version to be posted on the MOFFA website.
 
The booklet has been renamed to be more inclusive yet still convey the inherent principles of the MOFFA mission statement. The new title will be “A Guide to Michigan’s Organic and Ecologically Sustainable Growers and Farms”.
 
This first version will focus solely on growers.  Future appendices will list and describe other resources i.e. farm markets, restaurants, retail outlets, distributors, suppliers, etc.  We of the work group felt an imperative need to have growers listed by county for the upcoming 2013 season – this will be quite an extensive list in and of itself as witnessed by committee members' current research.
 
Of great assistance to us in our work will be the submission of the information requested on our Grower Information Form by any grower who wishes to be included in the new guide.  Our website contains both a copy of the Grower Information Form which you may download and print, and an interactive form which can be filled out directly on the website.  Interested growers can also request a form be sent to them by calling 248-262-6826. 

Although we have farmer/grower names, more information is necessary to make this guide accurate and to assure that growers included are utilizing practices that focus on sustainable soil biology.  While organic certification is not a steadfast requirement, an accurate description of each farm's growing practices is necessary for the committee to determine inclusion.  Conventional farms will not be included.
 
Please take a few moments to complete the form. This will greatly assist us in offering to the public a resource to support organic agriculture in Michigan.
 
Thank You – The MOFFA Workgroup

Hey Friends—YOU WILL Not want to miss this!  March 1 - Friday is the

Organic Reporting Session at Michigan State University.

This year we are offering a special chance to have YOUR voice heard. We are facilitating a discussion with farmers-researchers and ag resource folks  to tell us what you see as priority areas for future organic research.

Whether you see a need on crop production, harvest, storage, scale, transport, marketing or distribution whether you are an urban farmer in  Flint or a 500 ac bean farmer in Caro, we want to hear from YOU!!  Maureen Wilmot ­ from Organic Farming and Research Foundation will speak. Sharing "Where have all the dollars gone?"  She will come and fill us in on what is happening on the Farm Bill development and how we can engage to find grant dollars to support this work.  Visit:www.ofrf.org

The venue is at Michigan State University campus, Brody Hall, located just off Harrison Rd across from the conference center.

Of course there is also the chance to catch up on what research and results are happening at MSU and visit with our graduate students as they share their work via posters.  Lunch is at Brody Café—featuring MSU's own Student Organic farms greens.  If there is interest we will offer a tour of the new on-campus hoophouse growing organic herbs for the MSU kitchens. Social time will offer a Taste of Michigan. All of this wonderfulness for $15 for students and farmers and $25 for others.

Register at www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu TODAY!  Event will be from 9-5  and the discussion / priority setting will be from 1:30-3:00.  Please share this with others via your newsletters and listservs.  Attached is a poster if you can share that way.  We want to make this a great event to identify great research.

Please contact me with any questions
All the best
Vicki Morrone
Organic Farming Specialist
Center For Regional Food Systems at MSU
480 Wilson Rd. Room 303
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542 / 517-282-3557 (cell)
sorrone@msu.edu
www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu

Food Safety Modernization Act Listening Session / Webinar - April 24th

Dear Michigan Food and Agriculture Industry members:

The Food Safety Modernization Act, the most sweeping reform to food safety in more than 70 years, was signed into law in early 2011.  On January 16, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published proposed rules for two sections in FSMA.  These proposed rules cover Produce Safety and Preventive Controls for Human Food.   The publishing of these proposed rules marked the start of a 120-day public comment period, which ends May 16, 2013. 

On April 24, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will host a listening session for the Food Safety Modernization Act proposed Produce Safety Rule and Preventive Controls Rule.  A “Save the Date” flyer is attached.  Presenters from FDA will be on hand to discuss the rules and answer questions.   If you are interested in receiving details about this listening session, please send your name, affiliation, phone number and email address to http://MDA-FoodDairyInfo@michigan.gov.

Since seating at the listening session is limited and the goal is to get input from as many producers and processors as possible, there will be an opportunity to participate in the listening session via webinar.  MDARD is working with industry partners and Michigan State University Extension to have satellite locations available around the state for those who may not have high-speed Internet capabilities.

You are encouraged to visit the FDA website at www.fda.gov/fsma to review the FSMA fact sheets prior to the listening session.  Please note that this is a listening session, not a formal hearing.  If you are interested in providing formal comments to FDA about the proposed rules, you will need to post them to the federal register.  Go to the FSMA website at www.fda.gov/fsma, click on the fact sheet about the proposed rule for which you wish to post comments and then click on the Docket Number for that rule.

The Rebel Farmer Returns — Sepp Holzer to Offer Permaculture Programs in the Ann Arbor Area

World-renowned farmer and permaculture master Sepp Holzer visits SE Michigan this April for an incredible three-day, hands-on installation course, as well as a public lecture at the University of Michigan.

Sepp Holzer has pioneered the use of ecological farming and permaculture throughout the world, practices that help to counter modern agricultural crises such as drought, pesticide pollution, loss of biodiversity and soil erosion. Sepp began farming this way in Austria in the 1960s after being unsuccessful with conventional agriculture methods. He is known as the "rebel farmer" because he persisted in these practices despite being fined and even threatened with prison. His working farm in the Austrian Alps receives thousands of students and visitors each year.

The events this April, 2013 include:

3-day installation course, April 2nd – 4th (in Ann Arbor, Highland Park and Ypsilanti) — space for 40 registered participants only. Includes 3 days of hands-on learning plus a private dinner and movie with Sepp on Wednesday, April 3rd.

Public lecture by Sepp at The Rackham Amphitheatre, University of Michigan (Rackham Building, 4th floor), Tuesday, April 2nd, 6:30 – 9:00 pm — open to the public

For more information or to register: http://www.chiwarapermaculture.com

Everybody Eats 2.0

Dozens of public and private efforts – farms, farmers markets, gardens, food hubs, coops, restaurants, numerous nonprofits – are working to make Lansing’s food system more self-sustaining and equitable. These projects attend to health, nutrition (e.g., obesity) and food access, especially among under-served populations. Many projects pay particular attention to the production and consumption of fresh, locally-raised or locally-processed foods.

As we reshape the food and farming landscape within the Lansing area, it is important to consider the processes being used as well as the policies being developed. If we are serious about equity and sustainability, then concerns of land ownership (and resource distribution generally) are as important as concerns of land use. Labor relations are as critical as food quality. Neighborhood stability and place-making are as important as food availability. Civic engagement – personal and collective empowerment – is as critical as physical infrastructure and economic accountability.

These interests need to be a part of on-going public conversations if we are to build and maintain an inclusive, democratic, and ethical food system. “Everybody Eats 2.0” is here to jump-start the conversation.

For more information see http://www.every-body-eats.com/

Lansing Roots, a program of the Greater Lansing Food Bank (GLFB), is seeking potential applicants for the newly announced Growing Farmers Program. Growing Farmers is designed to support historically under-served, new, or beginning farmers as they develop successful farm enterprises through an incubator farm setting.

For over 30 years, the GLFB’s Garden Project has supported home and community gardens throughout the Mid-Michigan area.  Lansing Roots serves as a complement to this on-going support by both encouraging successful gardeners and interested entrepreneurs to develop farm business enterprises and lowering the barriers to success.

Ideal candidates for participation in the Lansing Roots Growing Farmers program will have:

• Farming background or training
• Farmer training program, intensive apprenticeship experience, agricultural background from country of origin, multiple seasons successfully growing in community gardens, etc.
• An interest in developing an independent, small-scale farm enterprise, yet needing some technical and/or business assistance
• An interest and desire to grow for sales and market
• English proficiency or access to reliable translation services

Applications are due by February 15, 2013.

Those who are interested or think they would like to know more are encouraged to download and review the program guidelines and application. Information can be found on the food bank website, http://www.greaterlansingfoodbank.org/lansing-roots/growing-farmers.html

The Greater Lansing Food Bank’s Lansing Roots staff members are available for one-on-one consultation with potential applicants. Interested parties should contact the Lansing Roots Program Manager: 

Alex Bryan

517.853.7813 | LansingRoots@GreaterLansingFoodBank.org

P.O. Box 16224

Lansing, MI 48901

MICHIGAN ORGANIC FOOD AND FARM ALLIANCE

20 Years Of Service, 20 Years Of New Challenges - The Intergenerational Connection

Michigan Organic Food and Farming Alliance will be hosting a 20th anniversary event on November 10, 2012 with an educational morning session, afternoon strategic planning and early evening joyous celebration at the Sarvis Center in Flint, MI.  The theme of this event is “Bridging the Gap: Michigan Organic Celebration, Conversation and Collaboration.”  The ultimate goal of this event is to bring together MOFFA members, and all within the organic community, to forge a consensus on a future path for MOFFA.  Together we will identify and prioritize the needs of our constituents through a facilitated discussion.  There is a tremendous need to build greater collaboration in the sustainable farming community.  Only by bringing together our rich diversity and the many unique perspectives of our multi-generational growers can we determine effective methods and ideas to address the challenges we face within the food system and for our organization.  The 20^th Anniversary event will be dedicated to the memory of Susan Houghton –longtime organic teacher, friend and activist who sadly passed this spring 

The program will  include educational/dialogue sessions that are both chosen and led by our partner organizations in Flint, focused on production and marketing approaches relevant to urban farmers, but also very applicable to all growers.   Michigan organic farmers will present our keynote address relating their experiences, challenges and insights.  A conversation with all attendees will follow.  We encourage you to join us and share your perspectives and ideas for MOFFA. A delicious local-organic dinner will be offered in the late afternoon, sharing important events from the past year and a chance to catch up with old and new friends.  We invite you to continue our celebration with a Taste of Michigan social event – with food, beverages and live music to capture the essence of the day. In an effort to make this day accessible to all, the cost for the entire day is $25.00.  To register for this event please visit our MOFFA website, www.moffa.eventbrite.com or download our Registration Form.   Contact us at moffaorganic@gmail with questions. To volunteer to assist with the event or if you are able to lend financial support through sponsorship please e-mail Carolyn Lowry at calowry@gmail.com.

Small-scale crop producers often face challenges in finding ways to increase production and efficiency in the field. Not having the right tool for the job, using a tool incorrectly or at the wrong time, or not properly maintaining a tool can negatively impact production and costs. These negative impacts include affecting soil conditions and crop health in ways that can result in unfavorable crop quality or yields as well as increased labor costs.

We invite you to read and enjoy our most recent issue: October Michigan Organic Connections Newsletter

Prepare to Access the Organic EQIP Initiative in 2013

NRCS Program Provides Help for Implementing Conservation Practices

The new fiscal year will bring another opportunity for certified and transitioning organic farmers and ranchers to take advantage of the special organic initiative under the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).  

Several state National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices -- California, Maine, and Delaware -- have already set the deadline for final application to the program for 2013 funding; each state office can set their final application dates from several alternatives. Mid October is the earliest possible deadline a state may set, so contact your local or state NRCS office soon to find out what the deadline is.

Historic Highland Park, MI, will be the first destination for Team Sepp - Judith Anger, Immo Fiebrig and Johnny Peham, international educators and designers certified in Holzer Permakultur.

Thier 3-day course will feature hands on-site evaluation, design and installation at 3 separate Highland Park sites - 2 residential homes, Hugelkulture beds, and one large-scale Holzer "Krater Garten".

Join them for this transformational course and revolutionary approach to local food systems. Take home the knowledge and skills to begin growing with Holzer Permakultur this year, where you live.

The course will be held September 28, 29, 30th from 8am-6pm each day, with lodging and meal plans available. Early registration is $149. To learn more and register, visit:  chiwarapermaculture.com

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking comments on a new microloan program, Microloan Operating Loan Program, to help small and family operations progress through their start-up years with needed resources, while building capacity, increasing equity, and eventually graduating to commercial credit. Under the microloan proposal, producers who need a loan for less than $35,000 may apply using simplified and streamlined procedures. The program will cut the required paperwork in half and simplify the process to obtain a loan.

Join OFTA in Michigan August 17 & 18 

OTFA Orchard Field Day - 

Hops Tour & Cider Tasting

Organic Orchard Management: Highlights and Lessons Learned from On-farm Research

Call Your Senators to Protect
Organic Certification Cost Share Program

IPM (Integrated Pest Management) for

Organic and Sustainable Farms Webinar

Free but please register

IPM for Organic farmers-web tools, scouting and smart pest management

June 21, Thursday from 2-3:30 EST 

·        Are you a bit nervous about the pests that may attack your crops this year?

·        Do you have your scouting plan ready?

·        Do you know how to calculate degree days for the key pests in your field?

Perennial Wheat and Grains Field Day-Seeking Organic Field Crop Farmers Perspectives

On June 27, Wednesday at the Kellogg Biological Station the Michigan State University Perennial Wheat team, led by Dr. Sieg Snapp, will host a field day to visit the various plots of perennial wheat and intermediate wheat grass (one of its parents). This event is seeking organic and sustainable farmers’ input on qualities sought to grow a perennial grain. If you are a farmer and interested in attending please contact Vicki Morrone at 517-282-3557 or sorrone@msu.edu. The event will be from 8:30 - 4:00. Note that farmers pre-registered and participating in the evaluation will be compensated for their time and travel. This event is open to educators, researchers and farmers. Please pass the word and carpool to KBS Dairy Barn for the event.Field day PW 2012bg.pdf Open this flyer for details of the event. We look forward to seeing you there.  All interested are invited to attend!!

June Michigan Organic Connections

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