< back to News homepage

Celebrate 10 Years of Serving Family Farms at the MIFFS 10th Anniversary Benefit Reception on September 18, 2008

August 11, 2008: Michigan Food & Farming Systems - MIFFS cordially invites you to celebrate its 10th Anniversary Benefit Reception and enjoy local refreshments, music, friendship, connections and good company, beginning at 6 p.m. on September 18, 2008 at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing, Michigan. Download your invitation... or register online now!

To celebrate and reflect upon the past decade of efforts and successes, MIFFS is hosting this event on the fourth annual “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Day” to honor our members, sponsors, partners and supporters.

Founded in 1998, MIFFS is a statewide membership organization (501c3) whose purpose is to promote diverse efforts that foster and sustain food and farming systems that improve Michigan’s economy, environment and social well-being.  MIFFS focuses its programs around assisting family farmers to develop entrepreneurial business, marketing, production and management skills to sustain their farming operations; growing market opportunities by linking consumers, communities and farmers; supporting agricultural stewardship and sustainable production; and informing and influencing public policy and institutional decisions that impact family farms.

“MIFFS has survived and thrived through the past 10 years because of everyone who has supported us and worked together with us to achieve our mission of serving Michigan family farms,” said Elaine Brown, MIFFS executive director.  “So MIFFS invites you all, and everyone involved in that mission, to come celebrate our anniversary.”

“We are embracing all things local and Michigan,” said Brown.  Heavy hors d’oeuvres made of Michigan-grown and produced foods by Morton’s Catering, matched with Black Star Farms wine and Michigan Brewing Company beer, will be served as attendees network and explore the wonderful exhibits at the Michigan Historical Museum to the music of local artist, Chris Dorman.

Oran Hesterman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Food Foundation in Ann Arbor and long-time friend and supporter of MIFFS, will be the keynote speaker to talk about the growing movement toward good food and how we, as individuals, groups and organizations, can continue to support that growth.  John Fisk, Executive Director of the Wallace Center at Winrock International and MIFFS founding member, will also reflect upon the roles MIFFS has played and will play in the future of sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Howard Straub, MIFFS Council President, and Elaine Brown will review and relive this organization’s labors, efforts and accomplishments and recognize those who helped MIFFS get to where it is today – a recognized leader and resource in food systems. 

“It’s about the locally-grown and prepared foods, beers and wines and the local music.  It’s about the very heart of this organization, which grew from Michigan farmers and partners looking for a better and more sustainable future for our state of Michigan,” said Straub.

Celebrate MIFFS, family farms and local food on September 18th by taking part in this event. Contact MIFFS at (517) 432-0712 or miffs@msu.edu to learn more about MIFFS or to reserve a spot. Register for the event online...

Tickets are $100 per person, and all proceeds go toward building MIFFS’ programs and future sustainability and to ensure that MIFFS will be doing good works for another 10 years.  Donations and sponsorships are tax-deductible, so contact the MIFFS office at (517) 432-0712 to learn how you can be a sponsor for this event.

# # # #

Founded in 1998, MIFFS is a statewide membership organization (501c3) whose purpose is to promote diverse efforts that foster and sustain food and farming systems that improve economic, ecological and social well-being.  MIFFS has been effective at establishing successful partnerships among producers, markets and institutions that have created more profitable, environmentally friendly food systems in Michigan.    

The organization’s vision is based on the premise that agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship and profitability reinforce each other for the benefit of Michigan’s rural and urban communities.  To learn more, please visit www.miffs.org or call (517) 432-0712.

Some of MIFFS’ projects and success include:

• Promoting the Multicultural Farmers Program, which has reached nearly 300 limited resource farmers, helping 60% of them to improve their farming operation, economic viability and resource connections.
• Developing the Michigan Farmers Market Association, with 148 members, which helps farmers markets thrive as marketplaces for local food and farm products.
• Initiating two kitchen incubators in Hart and Bad Axe, which have helped nearly 60 agripreneurs develop new products.
• Coordinating the Hoophouse Program to extend Michigan’s growing season with Michigan State University (MSU).
• Establishing the Food & Agri Innovation Center, which grew into the MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources and has served 1,400 customers and aided 89 new ventures.
• Co-hosting the “Buy Fresh, Buy Local - Select Michigan Day” farmers markets, which bring 50 vendors and thousands of attendees to the Capitol lawn to purchase Michigan products.
• Coordinating the Meet the Buyers event, where 60 Michigan growers met with buyers to initiate new values-based supply chains.
• Facilitating discussions about state policy and informing legislative decisions on family farms, sustainable agriculture and local food.
• Sponsoring conferences, workshops and seminars that have served more than 4,000 participants over the past ten years.