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Register Now for the MIFFS 10th Anniversary Benefit Reception on September 18, 2008 and Embrace Local Food and Michigan Farmers

September 2 , 2008: To celebrate and reflect upon the past decade of efforts and successes in local food systems, family farms and sustainable agriculture, Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) invites you to its 10th Anniversary Benefit Reception on September 18, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing. Download your invitation... or register online now!

There is still time to register for this event, which will take place on the fourth annual “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Day” to honor MIFFS members, sponsors, partners and supporters and to celebrate Michigan’s rich agricultural heritage and the local bounty of the autumn harvest. 

This celebration will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres made with Michigan-grown and produced foods from local farms, prepared by Morton’s Catering, paired with local beers and wines from the Michigan Brewing Company in Webberville and Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay.  Local musician, Chris Dorman, will play as everyone enjoys good food, networks and explores the wonderful exhibits of the Museum.

Two leaders in local food systems who have been instrumental in MIFFS’ foundation, programs and successes will speak and share their vision for good food in Michigan’s future. 

Oran Hesterman is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Food Foundation in Ann Arbor, which seeks to work with historically-excluded urban communities to design a food system that upholds the fundamental right to healthy, fresh and sustainably-grown food.  Oran is a long-time friend and supporter of MIFFS and 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, was one of MIFFS’ founding members and has served many roles within the organization, including Council President, program consultant and 10-year member.  The Wallace Center is the home of the National Good Food Network, which is working to develop regional “value chains” to move more good food from farm to table at the regional level and improve good food access in all communities throughout the nation.  John will reflect upon MIFFS’ roles in the past, present and future of sustainable agriculture and food systems in our state. 

In addition, Howard Straub, MIFFS Council President, and Elaine Brown, MIFFS Executive Director, will review and relive the 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. 

“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 Brown.  This event celebrates that mission, and everyone involved in it, by embracing all things local and Michigan.

Visit www.miffs.org/anniversary.asp to learn more about the event, register online now or get your invitation.  Be sure to RSVP by Tuesday, September 9 to reserve your spot!

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.

Please contact MIFFS at (517) 432-0712, or miffs@msu.edu to learn more about this event or visit www.miffs.org.

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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.