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MIFFS Welcomes New Council Members

March 11, 2010 - Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) is excited to welcome new 2010 Council members, Bill Bobier, Jim Nowak and Phil Rios, who were elected by MIFFS members at the MIFFS Annual Meeting on March 9. They will join reelected members Keith Creagh, Tom Kalchik, Ron Steiner, and Nicholas Welty, along with existing members Joe Colyn, Sarah Crane, Kate Redman and Joanetta Greer-O’Bryant.

“We’re fortunate to have such a strong and diverse group working together to guide MIFFS through the coming year,” said Elaine Brown, MIFFS executive director. Bobier, Nowak and Rios bring skills and experience with state government and lobbying, farm loans and value chains to the Council whose members come from all across the state and whose expertise already includes farmers, CSA managers, entrepreneurs, marketing and resource experts, lawyers and more. One thing they all have in common is a passion for family farms, sustainable agriculture and local food systems. Read the Council biographies here…

At its Annual Meeting, MIFFS also recognized some individuals whose work and dedication have made MIFFS possible over the years. Susan Smalley, Christine Lietzau, Jane Marshall and Meg Moynihan – the original signers of the MIFFS charter who have also been involved as MIFFS members, staff, Council and partners – were recognized for their foresight and long-term commitment to sustainable agriculture and local food systems in Michigan. Jane Bush of AppleSchram Orchard in Charlotte was also awarded the 2010 Michigan Agricultural Steward of the Year by the MIFFS Agricultural Stewardship Committee for her innovation, community outreach and commitment to the stewardship of Michigan’s environment and economy. MIFFS is thankful for all of the time and support that they, and all of MIFFS members, have given to grow the organization.

Dave Kleweno, Director of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Michigan Field Office, shared some interesting facts and figures from the 2007 Ag Census centered on the growth of small farms in Michigan, especially fruit and vegetable farms and organic operations. Agriculture is quickly becoming the top economic engine in Michigan (if it hasn’t surpassed the auto industry already), worth $6.6 billion in receipts from farmers. View Dave’s presentation...

Learn more about MIFFS and how to get involved by calling (517) 432-0712 or e-mailing miffs@msu.edu.

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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.