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Policy Platforms and Priorities Resources National Black Food and Justice Alliance's 2023 Farm Bill Policy Demands National Young Farmers Coalition Farm Bill Asks Native Farm Bill Coalition Priorities NSAC’s 2023 Farm Bill Platform

Previous Practice Return To Index Next Practice Pesticides and Crop Protection Materials Jennifer Silveri 1. Work with the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Technician at the local conservation district to complete a free and confidential on farm environmental risk assessment. Farm Overview Women-In-Ag Farm Development Center is an incubator farm located on the campus of Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc, MI. It is a two acre farm that follows Organic practices and participates i Related PSRA Questions ​ Overlapping NIRCS EQIP ​ Budget/Cost Breakdown Free! We actually earned money through USDA EQIP historically underserved costshare incentive that provided funding to complete soil and compost nutrient analysis, water testing, wildlife exclusion and control, improved storage and spill prevention of organic pesticides through secondary containment Instructions for Replication Work with the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Technician at the local conservation district to complete a free and confidential on farm environmental risk assessment. With the MAEAP technician we learned to identify risks and find ways to minimize them to come into compliance with best management practices for voluntary stewardship of natural resources and pollution Technical Advisors and Sources Used ​ Before Photo After Photo ​ ​

Red de Productores Hispanos Comunidad de Aprendizaje Contáctenos Que esta haciendo MIFFS por los agricultores multiculturales? Uno de los mas grandes y exitosos projectos de MIFFS es el “Programa Productores Multiculturales” financiado por la Oficina de Promocion y Difusion del USDA. El programa es primeramente implementado en el Sureste y Suroeste de Michigan, destinado a ayudar a los productores de recursos limitados e inmerecidos historicamente, especialmente los agricultores Afro-Americanos e Hispano/Latinos. Algunos Programas y talleres de entrenamiento incluyen: Manejo Integrado de plagas (IPM por sus siglas en Ingles). Programa de entrenamiento en computacion y pagina web. Produccion de Arandanos y visita a las fincas. Manejo de negocios y prestamos. Manejo de Invernaderos sin calefaccion.(hoophouse) Seguridad e inocuidad alimantaria. ​ ​ The Red Productores Hispanos Network evolved out of the Multicultural Network where MIFFS saw a growing need for more workshops and programming to be conducted in Spanish. This network is rooted in Southwest Michigan. Primary activities for this network include: Peer-to-peer demonstration farm visits Integrated pest management workshops Food safety education Computer and web training Blueberry production workshops Business management and loan workshops The Red Productores Hispanos Network is supported by the USDA Office of Outreach and Assistance , Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development , USDA Farm Service Agency , and more. Community and national partners are also essential for this network, including Michigan State University Julian Samora Research Institute , National Immigrant Farming Initiative , and more.

Welcome to the 18th Annual MI Family Farms Conference! "Growing Back Stronger" Saturday, March 19, 2022 Please add your questions to the comment box below and we will try to answer them live during live sessions! Full Schedule Here Conference Survey Click session titles for descriptions; click presenters to go to the bio and information page; click the resources to go to the resource Presentations will be available after the event at: www.miffs.org/mffc-session-presentations Thank You! Sponsor & Vendor Catalogue Click Here for Printable Catalogue

MIFFS is dedicated to supporting the many faces of farming, particularly our beginning and historically underserved farmers. As a statewide nonprofit, MIFFS has been connecting farmers to resources and opportunities since 1998. With each project, program, and activity, we endeavor to build a food system that is stronger and healthier for our families and communities, based on fair prices, established through local relationships, and committed to environmentally-friendly practices. MIFFS Guiding Principals include: Valuing the land and people connections Advocating for the use of good science and cultural knowledge Demonstrating risk taking and relentless persistence Requiring listening and teamwork Nurturing creativity Your contribution helps support: MIFFS’ flagship event: The Michigan Family Farms Conference Farmer Networks: Michigan Beginning and Underserved Farmers, Vets-In-Ag, Women-In-Ag, and Red de Productores Hispanos A wide range of workshops covering food safety, conservation practices, USDA program navigation, and other technical assistance ​ Sign up to be a member today and start receiving MIFFS’ monthly newsletter! To Join MIFFS Membership, click here

The 18th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference "Growing Back Stronger" Session Descriptions Wednesday, March 16, 2022 11:45am-12:00pm Welcome Jen Silveri, Co-Executive Director, MIFFS Kickoff to our Annual Event! Welcome to the 18th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference. This conference offers beginning, small-scale and culturally diverse farmers a chance to network, learn, and build sustainable family farms. Thanks for joining us today! Bios and Information Return the Conferece 12:00-12:45pm Small Farm Risk & Management Approaches Marcelo Siles, Julian Samora Research Institute - MSU and Filiberto Villa Gomez, MIFFS This session provides an overview of the risks faced by small farms and the approaches to reduce their impacts. Farming is a risky business. Farms face risks and uncertainties in several areas, including natural disasters, finances, diseases, labor, personal, and others. It is important to understand the types of risks faced and the approaches that can be taken to minimize their negative effects when a risk event occurs. Bios and Information Return the Conferece 12:50-1:20pm Put USDA to Work for Your Farm: Income Safety Nets Brian Frieden, RMA Regional Director and Benjamin Belkholm, FSA Program Specialist In this Spanish-English bilingual session, experts from the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) introduce programs designed to support economic stability on small, medium, and diversified farms. Programs discussed will include the Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program, Micro Farm Program, and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. The presentation will be followed by a bilingual discussion session, where you can share your experiences and ask questions. Bios and Information Return the Conferece 1:30-2:00pm Working with an Agent – A Partnership That Insures Success Phillip Preston, Senior Crop Insurance Specialist GreenStone Farm Credit Services Crop Insurance is the corner stone of crop risk mitigation and one of the primary tools the USDA uses to stabilize American agriculture. Your connection to crop insurance is a quality, trustworthy agent. Learn how to identify a quality agent and forge a long term relationship that insures your farms future! Bios and Information Return the Conferece 2:05-2:30pm Afternoon Session Q&A Afternoon Presenters Post your questions in the comment box! ​ Bios and Information Return the Conferece 6:00-6:15PM Welcome Back! Savannah Halleaux, Farm Service Agency Outreach Coordinator Welcome back to the evening sessions. Bios and Information Return the Conferece 6:15-6:45pm Storytelling Session with Bee Wise Farms Lacey and Adam Ingrao Bee Wise Farms Bee Wise Farms, a diversified farm located in Newberry MI, produces lavender, herbs, cut flowers, honeybee products, and recycled art with a focus on healthy lives and healthy land. Bee Wise Farms is verified as environmentally sustainable through the Michigan Agriculture and Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Bee Wise Farms owners, Adam and Lacey Ingrao, are the proud founders of the HEROES TO HIVE program, dedicated to supporting the live of those returning from war. Our mission is to support the health and wellbeing of the land and community (humans and other animals) through FOOD, CONNECTION, MOVEMENT & PURPOSE. Bee Wise Farms achieves this by offering personal and professional support through on-farm education and nature-based therapies. Bios and Information Return the Conferece 6:50-7:35pm Put USDA to Work for Your Farm: Cost Share & Rental Payments Savannah Halleaux, FSA Outreach Coordinator; Di'Shun Melbert, NRCS District Conservationist, Ana Zazueta-Daulton (Linguist), Cherlin Valera (Linguist) In this Spanish-English bilingual session, experts from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) introduce programs that provide financial resources and technical assistance for farmers to make improvements to their farm, recover from natural disasters, and protect natural resources. Programs discussed will include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Tree Assistance Program, Conservation Reserve Program, Emergency Assistance Programs, and Farm Loan Programs. The presentation will be followed by a bilingual discussion session, where you can share your experiences and ask questions. Bios and Information Return the Conferece

The 18th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference "Growing Back Stronger" Session Descriptions & Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Farmer Forum Thursday, March 17, 2022 11:45-12:00pm Welcome Dean Baas Extension Educator in Sustainable Agriculture for MSU Extension Welcome to the 18th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference. This conference offers beginning, small-scale and culturally diverse farmers a chance to network, learn, and build sustainable family farms. Thanks for joining us today! Bios & Information Return to Conference *** SARE Farmer Forum Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) USDA The North Central Region-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Farmers Forum is a traveling annual event giving farmers, ranchers, researchers, and others the chance to share information about sustainable agriculture practices with a national audience. These presentations focus on research, demonstration, and education projects that promote profitable practices that are good for the environment and community. The projects highlighted in these presentations and the Farmers Forum are funded by grants from NCR-SARE, a USDA funded program that supports and promotes sustainable farming and ranching by offering competitive grants and educational opportunities. For more information about NCR-SARE, see: www.northcentral.sare.org or contact NCR-SARE by email: ncrsare@umn.edu , or phone 612-626-3113 Bios & Information Return to Conference 12:00-12:30pm Intercropping Chestnuts and Livestock Forage in Northern Michigan SARE Farmers Forum Abby Johnson, Ox Heights Farm In this project we explored a proof of concept and feasibility study of growing chestnuts in North East Michigan. Included in the project was the evaluation of specific cultivars and intercropping of forage to ease the loss of opportunity cost associated with establishing a chestnut orchard. Bios & Information Return to Conference 12:40-1:10pm Manure Composition and Digital Agriculture SARE Farmers Forum Ben Tirrell Learn about how digital technologies may be able to help small farms better utilize their manure to improve returns and protect the environment. Bios & Information Return to Conference 1:20-1:50pm A Map to your Farm's Success! Finding loans, land, opportunities & experts SARE Farmers Forum Katie Brandt, MSU Organic Farmer Training Program The Map of Beginning Farmer Resources in Michigan is an interactive tool showing over 90 programs for beginning and aspiring farmers in Michigan. Listings feature short videos, a website link, a program description, a list of programs offered for beginning and aspiring farmers and contact information. Color-coded resource icons can help beginning farmers target the resources they need, whether they are seeking land, funding, farm skills, marketing opportunities, conferences, advocacy organizations or other resources. The map, webpage and video guide to the map were created with funding from North Central SARE. Bios & Information Return to Conference 2:00-2:45pm SARE Farmer Forum Presenters Panel SARE Farmer Forum Presenters: Abby Johnson, Ben Tirrell, Katie Brandt, and Dean Bass This panel of previous SARE grant recipients will be on live to answer questions that you have about the sessions and SARE grants. Enter questions in the chat box under the live stream at miffs.org Bios & Information Return to Conference 6:00-6:15 Welcome Back! Jeremy Jubenville MSU Extension, Floriculture and Greenhouse Educator - Southwest Michigan ​ Bios & Information Return to Conference 6:15-6:45pm Storytelling Session: The Organic Production of Traditional Crops by Mixteco Farmer Project Severiano Felipe Antonino García, Filiberto Villa Gomez, MIFFS; Marcelo Siles, MSU JSRI SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Project: Mr. Antonino García has vast experience in the production of traditional agricultural products using organic practices, which he gained working at his family farm in Mexico. After working for many years as a migrant farmworker, a few years ago he bought a small farm in Van Buren County, Michigan where he is using his experience in the production of organic agricultural products. Due to the increased demand of tomatillo criollo, Kusa squash, garlic, beans (yellow, green, and purple), and hot peppers, Mr. Antonino Garcia is planning to expand his current production of traditional agricultural products to sell at local markets and to expand the marketing of his products to new markets. This project is Ecologically Sound since it does not use any type of chemicals in the production process, is economically viable since it will increase his farm revenues and profits in the end. Finally, the project is Socially Responsible because it will improve his quality of life, as well as that of other underserved farmers. In addition, he plans to share his experience and knowledge with other farmers in the community. Bios & Information Return to Conference 6:50-7:40pm SARE Grant Writing – Tips and Tricks for Success Dean Baas, Extension Educator in Sustainable Agriculture for MSU Extension Writing grant proposals is a lot of work. Learn where to find grants and what to do before, during and after writing a proposal that can improve your chances for successful submission. Bios & Information Return to Conference 7:45pm Musical Performance with Phiresis Phiresis Artist Shea Phire Cobb lives and works in Flint, Michigan, where she was also born and raised. She is an artist, mother, author, musician, and founder of The Sister Tour, a platform that promotes female artistry. She began her artistic career by performing poetry during children’s summer programs and organizing poetry showcases in her community. Her books of poetry include Travels in my Car: Dedicated to the Writers Freedom (2018), Honey Tea and Hibiscus: Reflective Heart Poetry (2018), and Ruby in The Rough: A Dedication to LaToya Ruby Frazier (2020), which she co-authored with Amber Hasan. She studied communications at the University of Michigan–Flint and Mott Community College. In 2014, she began an ongoing collaboration with LaToya Ruby Frazier focused on the Flint Water Crisis. With Frazier and The Sister Tour, Cobb has traveled across the country telling the story of her community and the Flint Water Crisis. She has led programs at, among others, Gavin Brown’s Enterprise in New York, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, where she also performed an original play, Surviving Womanhood. Bios & Information Return to Conference

Michigan Family Farms Conference Networking Learning Sharing Contact Us! MFFC-logo-360-lb MIFFS-RiseUp&DigIn-w-tag-button-art-clear Rise Up & Dig In Button, MIFFS MFFC-logo-360-lb 1/2 Every year, MIFFS commits to hosting two signature events – Meet the Buyers at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, Farm Market Expo and the Michigan Family Farms Conference. These events allow us to continue connecting farmers to each other and to resource opportunities, and provide spaces dedicated to education and building relationships. New this year, MIFFS is hosting a Farm to Table dinner at The Standard Bistro & Larder in Ann Arbor to bring farm and food enthusiasts together to celebrate the many faces of farming. Click on the links below to explore any of these opportunities further. We look forward to getting to know you! ​ Scheduled Events Include: Meet The Buyers Michigan Family Farms Conference Farm to Table Dinner

Michigan GroupGAP Good Agricultural Practices Contact Us USDA_logo MGGN Logo USDA_logo 1/2 MIFFS administers the Michigan GroupGAP Network (MGGN) which was created through a collaborative partnership with the Marquette Food Co-op , The UP Food Exchange , Michigan State University Extension , MSU Center for Regional Food Systems , Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the United States Department of Agriculture . MGGN developed as a result of The Michigan GroupGAP pilot, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where stakeholders investigated group food safety certification as a scale-neutral, cost effective alternative to individual certification. It provides producers a strong safety net or technical support and resources to ensure the success of participants. GroupGAP is a group of partners working together to achieve a collective Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification . These partners can be farmers, buyers, distributors, food hubs, local non-profits, etc. First, the group provides internal verification that its members are meeting GAP standards by performing internal audits. These activities are managed through a Quality Management System (QMS). Next, the USDA then audits a statistical sample of the members, and audits the group’s QMS. Finally if the farms audited and the system are in compliance with GAP, that provides USDA enough confidence to issue the entire group a USDA GAP certification.

HAY MAS DINERO DISPONIBLE PARA LOS AGRICULTORES IMPACTADOS POR LA PANDEMIA Siete meses después de una de las mayores perturbaciones en la historia de nuestra economía global, casi todos los sectores, todas las comunidades y todos los hogares han sentido los impactos de la pandemia de COVID-19. Para muchos de los agricultores de nuestra nación, la ayuda de emergencia que tanto necesitaban nunca llegó porque los programas destinados a servirlos estaban dirigidos a las granjas más grandes y ricas. Hasta la fecha, los programas de ayuda agrícola han demostrado ser inviables para la mayoría de los productores a pequeña escala, diversos y de valor agregado (por ejemplo, orgánicos, locales, alimentados con pasto). El Departamento de Agricultura de los EE. UU. (USDA) ha lanzando una segunda ronda de pagos de ayuda COVID-19. Se espera llegara a más agricultores quien quedaron fuera de los programas anteriores. En este blog, desglosamos lo que los agricultores necesitan saber sobre el renovado Programa de Asistencia Alimentaria Coronavirus (CFAP-2, por sus siglas en ingles) del USDA. La ventana de solicitud para CFAP-2 es del 21 de septiembre de 2020 al 11 de diciembre de 2020 y se espera que los cheques se enviarán por correo a los agricultores dentro de dos semanas de la aprobación de solicitud. ​ ¿Dónde Puedo Recibir Ayuda? • Un Centro de Llamadas CFAP de la Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas del USDA está disponible para los productores que deseen apoyo personalizado adicional con el proceso de solicitud de CFAP: 877-508-8364 (Seleccione 1 para inglés y 2 para hablar con un empleado que hable español) • Farm Aid: 1-800-327-6243 • Línea directa de ATTRA: 800-346-9140 (inglés), 800-411-3222 (español) • Línea directa de servicios legales de FLAG: 877-860-4349 ​ mas informacion aqui

MIFFS-DigIn-donate-button-art_edited MFFC-logo-360-lb MIFFS-RiseUp&DigIn-w-tag-button-art-clear Rise Up & Dig In Button, MIFFS MIFFS-DigIn-donate-button-art_edited 1/3 Each year, MIFFS is able to offer our signature and new events thanks to our generous community of sponsors. Sponsorship help support scholarship tickets to the Michigan Family Farms Conference, transportation support for limited resource farmers to attend workshops, and much more! ​ Contact us at info@miffs.org or 517-709-8271 fir more information about our current sponsorship opportunities.

Webinars & Conferences Applications for the 2024 Organic Farmer Training Program are now open :) ​ The 2023 program takes place on Mondays from 9am-5pm fromFebruary 26th-November 4th (NO CLASS Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day) There is one weekend trip to Chicago (Saturday through Monday, July 20-22. You can see the full schedule . How much does the program cost? Program fees for 2024 are $3,900 plus the cost of books and materials (~$200). Are there scholarships? There are need and merit-based scholarships for BIPOC farmers from Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park of up to $3,150. Scholarship application is and financial need form is . More Info Heading 2

Pollinator Resources Pic Title An Overview of the Potential Impacts of Honey Bees to Native Bees, Plant Communities, and Ecosystems in Wild Landscapes NRCS: Insects and Pollinators NRCS: Resources to Help Pollinators - Michigan Nesting & Overwintering Habitat Pollinator-Friendly Cover Cropping for Vegetable Producers in the Upper Midwest Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists Pollinator-Friendly Parks: Enhancing Our Communities by Supporting Native Pollinators in Our Parks and Other Public Spaces USDA: Celebrating the Special Powers of Bats USDA: Farms and Ranches Can Provide Needed Sanctuary for Struggling Western Monarchs USDA: The Value of Birds and Bees We Need to Talk About Honeybees Why Getting a Hive Won't "Save the Bees" Xerces Society - Publications Library Xerces Society Pollinator Conservation Resource Center

Michigan Family Farms Conference ​ Educational Interactive Networking MIFFS Hands Logo Final MIFFS Hands Logo Final 1/1 The 18th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference March 16-19, 2022 ​ After taking a year off, we are excited to gather again (virtually) for the Michigan Family Farms Conference on March 16-19! This year’s conference, Growing Back Stronger, will be presented over multiple days streaming live from www.miffs.org . ​ The Michigan Family Farms Conference is an opportunity for historically underserved, underrepresented, beginning and aspiring farmers to share, network, learn from and celebrate rural and urban food producers with diverse production methods, cultures, and backgrounds. Topics this year focus on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, regenerative sustainability and anti-racist land access as we contend with the myriad challenges that face our communities’ access to healthy food systems. Register for the conference here Inscripción en español aquí ​ Conference presentations will be available online here after completion of the event.

WIA Farm Development Center Teaching Sustainable Farming Learn More MIFFS-RiseUp&DigIn-w-tag-button-art-clear Rise Up & Dig In Button, MIFFS MIFFS-RiseUp&DigIn-w-tag-button-art-clear Rise Up & Dig In Button, MIFFS 1/1 MIFFS Farm Development Centers are collaborative farming spaces for new and beginning farmers to experience farming without significant investments in land or equipment. The farmers lease land and share farm infrastructure while developing personal farm businesses and building equity. This model provides opportunities to learn from each other, market cooperatively, participate in community workshops and begin a farming business with limited risk. These centers help remove critical barriers to aspiring farmers like access to land, resources, equipment, and education. MIFFS currently manages ​ Women-In-Ag Genesys Farm Development Center at the Ascension Genesys Regional Medical Center ​ Farm Development Centers are a continually evolving model that is recognized nationwide as the National Incubator Farm Training Initiative (NIFTI) . Incubator farms are an important part in training the next generation of farmers. ​

MIFFS is excited to partner with Farm Commons to present: ​ "Cultivating Your Legally Resilient Farm" Don’t lay awake at night wondering if a legal mistake is going to take your farm away. Developing a strong, legally resilient farm business is easier than you think! ​ Farm Commons’ collaborative, accessible approach to learning farm law alongside farmer-peers will set you on the right path. Our “Cultivating Your Legally Resilient Farm” Workshop isn't a set of boring lectures filled with legal lingo. This workshop is led by a farm law expert and farmer co-presenters, guaranteeing you’ll pick up the practical wisdom and the knowledge you need to navigate legal issues with confidence. ​ Framed around the 10 steps every farm needs to take to build legal resilience, you’ll leave this workshop with a personal action plan for your own farm. Checklists, model documents, and more show farmers how to get the job done. Together, we will build strong local farms and resilient community businesses with the law on our side. ​ This workshop addresses farmers’ greatest vulnerabilities in land matters and leasing, business structures, farm employment law, diversification and agritourism, as well as liability and food safety issues. Cost of the workshop is $25 with lunch included. ​ What do farmers say about Cultivating Your Legally Resilient Farm? ​ “Plain-spoken, good real world examples. Very comprehensive.” “Way more approachable than expected! I feel like I can actually do this stuff the right way!” “It was such an incredible gift to get so much valuable information even though I've only just begun learning about farming.” “This was the best workshop I’ve ever attended. And I’ve attended a lot of them!” Friday March 6, 2020 9:30am to 4:30pm lunch included with registration Registration closes on Monday, March 2 MPHI's Interactive Learning & Conference Center (ILC) 2436 Woodlake Circle Okemos, MI 48864 ​ Register Here!

Vets-In-Ag Network Sharing Knowledge and Building Relationships Contact Us via logo via logo 1/1 "MIFFS Vets in Ag has been such help to me with getting my farm up and running! So thankful for their hard work and dedication!" -Katy Stone The Vets-In-Ag Network was created in response to a growing number of veterans who are interested in farming. Many veterans struggle to transition back to civilian life, so this network offers comradery to individuals who have many shared experiences. The task-oriented nature of farming is often appealing, and many vets return with skills that are transferable to farming - including a hard work ethic and a desire for a sense of purpose. Activities for the Vets-In-Ag Network include: Peer-to-peer demonstration farm visits Integrated pest management workshops USDA program navigation services Connect with Vets-In-Ag on Facebook

Farm Bill Accomplishments Resources National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) Farm Bill Accomplishments

Heroes to Hives Program Service Member Training and Support Learn More Since 2015, the Heroes to Hives program has been leading the nation in training military veterans, National Guard members, Active Duty personnel, Reservists and their dependents in the art and science of beekeeping. Founded by Bee Wise Farms LLC and Michigan Food and Farming Systems’ Veterans in Agriculture Network, the program began as a way to engage Service Members in beekeeping as an opportunity for them to continue serving their nation by protecting our nation’s food security and work with other Service Members to recreate the support network of the military. OUR MISSION PROTECT OUR NATION’S FOOD SECURITY AND SUPPORT THE SUCCESS OF OUR FELLOW SERVICE MEMBERS PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Heroes to Hives is a 9-month beginning beekeeping education course designed to train Service Members through a free online training program that is coupled with on-ground training opportunities (in select States) and to develop a community of support with other veterans. Since 2015, Heroes to Hives has trained over 11,000 Service Members and their dependents from all over the world. The 2024 Heroes to Hives program will include: Over 75 hours of online training in beekeeping through lectures, instructional videos, and handouts Small business training by the Small Business Administration’s Veterans Business Outreach Center Educational module and job seeking tool for preparing veterans for jobs in the commercial beekeeping industry Online marketing training Training on therapeutic practices in the bee yard Service Members successfully completing the Heroes to Hives program are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion, recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and have the opportunity to transfer Heroes to Hives credits to the Great Plains Master Beekeeping Program at the University of Nebraska where Service Members can complete their Master Beekeeping Certificate. ​ ​ HOW TO JOIN THE HEROES TO HIVES PROGRAM? 2024 Cohort Registration is Closed Registration for the 2025 coh ort opens Nov. 1, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025 ​ CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2024 HEROES TO HIVES CONFERENCE ​ OUR FIRST NATIONAL CONFERENCE Community development and fellowship are key drivers of the Heroes to Hives program and in June 2024, Heroes to Hives will be hosting our first national conference. This event will bring 200 veterans from all over the US to engage in a 2-day conference and field day hosted by The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN. Students will gain valuable training and have the opportunity to build bonds with fellow service members from around the country who share their passion for national service and supporting honey bees. ​ ​ Shop the Heroes to Hives Store! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Every purchase supports the free education we provide to thousands of US service members and their families every year! ​ ​ EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES OF OUR ALUMNI As part of our regular evaluation process we survey our students with entrance and exit surveys to determine their educational outcomes. Our students report the following outcomes due to their education with Heroes to Hives (2021 data from ~2,500 students). 97% report increased confidence in keeping bees 97% report increased understanding of disease and pest management 94% report increased ability to monitor varroa mites 97% report increases understanding of varroa mite treatment use 96% report improved understanding of overwintering management of bees 97% of students are happy with their Heroes to Hives education 97% would recommend Heroes to Hives to another person ​ INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PARTNER OR AFFILIATE Heroes to Hives is seeking additional Partners and Affiliates to help train Service Members through hands-on instruction throughout the US. Partner or Affiliate organizations must be led by a Master beekeeper or an individual with educational/experience equivalent. All Partners and Affiliates are expected to provide free hands-on education to Heroes to Hives students in a safe, supportive, Service Member focused environment. All training apiaries must provide ADA accessible restrooms, apiaries that are free of tripping hazards, and apiaries that are in close proximity to parking. Partners: Universities and well-established beekeeping education non-profits (Examples: State beekeeping organizations, local bee clubs) Master Beekeeping Certificate or equivalent education/experience for program instructor(s) Offer on-ground education free Heroes to Hives students Provide content contributions to online course Point of support for veteran resource connections in State Affiliates: Heroes to Hives alumni or individual beekeepers Master Beekeeping Certificate or equivalent education/experience for program instructor(s) Offer on-ground training free to Heroes to Hives students Must meet all Great Plains Master Beekeeping Program training site requirements Must be a registered Great Plains Master Beekeeping Program training location FILL OUT OUR PARTNERSHIP/AFFILIATE INTEREST FORM HERE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For additional information or to learn more about the Heroes to Hives program visit www.HeroestoHives.org or email Heroes to Hives’ National Director Dr. Adam Ingrao at adam@miffs.org . DONATIONS All donations to Heroes to Hives are 100% tax deductible and support the operation and growth of the program. Those interested in donating can donate now at by clicking this link DONATE HERE and selecting “Veterans in Ag Network” (where Heroes to Hives is housed) or contact Dr. Adam Ingrao at adam@miffs.org . ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This work is supported by the Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans grant, award no. 2021-77028-35274 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. ​

MIFFS Publications Publicación en pdf Wholesale vs Retail Sales for Specialty Crop Farmers Business models are fluid and it is beneficial for farmers to periodically look at their business model to discern when it is time to seek new sales channels. Selling specialty crops wholesale means asking yourself some questions about your business. Some growers begin their business selling wholesale. Others opt for a direct sales venue like a farmers market or farm stand and find out that they are unable to sell all their product during set market hours. Life changes that take a grower away from the market could also be a reason to consider a switch. People may be unable to build considerable time for developing relationships at a farmers market. As experience grows so does the predictable stream of quality produce and as this happens, it may be time to consider selling larger amounts all at once, or wholesaling. Publicación en pdf CERTIFICACIÓN DE SEGURIDAD ALIMENTARIA Y SU COMERCIALIZACIÓN La certificación de seguridad alimentaria no es una carga fácil. Si bien existen muchas razones para optar por la ruta de la certificación, una razón fundamental es el acceso al mercado. Ya sea que ya tenga un comprador que lo solicite, espere obtener un nuevo comprador a través de él o simplemente quiera adelantarse a la curva, la certificación de seguridad alimentaria es una herramienta útil para trasladar sus productos de la granja a la mesa. El uso de esta herramienta implica mucho más que simplemente pasar una auditoría. Una vez que su certificación está disponible, ¿cómo se la comunica a los compradores existentes o potenciales? ¿Qué tipo de compradores lo piden? Si bien muchas guías hacen referencia a la certificación de seguridad alimentaria, generalmente solo describen cómo obtener la certificación, no qué después. Esta guía tiene como objetivo mostrarle cómo su certificación puede ser un catalizador para el crecimiento. Publicación en pdf MIFFS Brochure (en Español) MIFFS es una organización sin fines de lucro en todo el estado con la misión de conectar a los agricultores principiantes e históricamente desatendidos entre sí y oportunidades de recursos; garantizar la justicia social, la administración ambiental y la rentabilidad. Aprovechamos asociaciones estratégicas y altamente colaborativas para crear y habilitar redes de pequeñas granjas urbanas y rurales que dan lugar a un sistema alimentario local resiliente. Nuestro trabajo apoya el desarrollo de negocios agrícolas empresariales sirviendo como puente entre los recursos de los proveedores de servicios del USDA, el conocimiento de los expertos en la materia y la sabiduría de diversas comunidades en todo Michigan. Publicación en pdf The MIFFS Farmers' Guide to Applying for EQIP EQIP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related natural resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. EQIP may also help producers meet Federal, State, Tribal, and local environmental regulations. The MIFFS Farmers' Guide to Applying for EQIP shows how to apply for the programs available. Publicación en pdf Registering with USDA Farm Service Agency A farmers guide to applying for a farm number with USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Farm numbers are required for many FSA services and this guide explains how to obtain a farm number, what to bring with you, what questions to ask and what forms you will need to fill out. Publicación en pdf Beyond Grants Entrepreneurial Strategies for Funding Beginning Farmer Initiatives Funding for beginning farmer initiatives is as diversified as programs themselves: governmental grants, foundational support, and private donors are often all a part of the funding used to sustain beginning farmer initiatives. Some beginning farmer initiatives also use entrepreneurial strategies to supplement grants and donations. This report has been prepared based on the assumption that to have long-term social impact for any program supporting systems change, it is important to have entrepreneurial, self-sustaining funding. This report, generated by conducting an environmental scan and reviewing case studies of current beginning farmer initiatives across the U.S., explores self-sustaining entrepreneurial fundraising strategies and activities, and offers a creative pathway forward for evaluating strategies to fund Michigan’s beginning farmer initiatives. Publicación en pdf Discovering Ourselves: A Pilot Network of Women-in-Agriculture This publication outlines the planning process, proceedings, and the lessons learned from a unique pilot project that created the Women in Agriculture of Genesee County and Extended Area Network. Publicación en pdf Marketing Your Food Safety Certification Food safety certification is no easy undertaking. While there are many reasons to go the certification route, a central reason is market access. Whether you already have a buyer asking for it, hope to gain a new buyer through it, or just want to get ahead of the curve, food safety certification is a useful tool in moving your produce from farm to table. There is a lot more to using this tool than just passing an audit. Once your certification is in hand, how do you communicate it to existing or potential buyers? What types of buyers ask for it? While many guides reference food safety certification, they typically only describe how to get certified, not what happens after. This guide aims to show you how your certification can be a catalyst for growth. Publicación en pdf MIFFS Brochure MIFFS is a statewide nonprofit with a mission to connect beginning and historically underserved farmers to each other and resource opportunities; ensuring social justice, environmental stewardship, and profitability. We leverage strategic, highly collaborative partnerships to create and enable networks of small-scale urban and rural farms that give rise to a resilient local food system. Our work supports entrepreneurial farm business development by serving as the bridge between the resources of USDA service providers, knowledge of subject matter experts, and wisdom from diverse communities throughout Michigan. Publicación en pdf The MIFFS Farmers’ Guide to EQIP A farmers' guide for applying to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program. The most important thing to remember when working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is that they fund conservation practices for farmers to reduce existing risks to natural resources. This means that when you want to obtain funding for a conservation practice like a hoop house or cover crops, you need to identify the associated environmental risks. When you work with NRCS, you will typically work with the District Conservationist or a Soil Conservationist. This guide will take you through the programs available. Publicación en pdf How Can CSA Improve Wellness? An Exploration of Physical, Social, and Economic Health Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is most often thought about as a strategy that supports farmers by providing payment at the beginning of the season when costs are the highest. While that purpose of the CSA is clear and established, should we also be considering how CSA programs can improve wellness in communities? What is Community Supported Agriculture? CSA is a direct to consumer sales model where the consumer buys a share of produce from the farmer early in the season, then receives regular distributions of produce throughout the season, similar to a subscription service. What is wellness? This report defines wellness as physical, social, and economic health.

Michigan Family Farms Conference Build Your Farm Networks! MIFFS Hands Logo Final MIFFS Hands Logo Final 1/1 Welcome to the MFFC Transportation Landing Page ​ Bus transportation to and from the conference is available from Battle Creek, Detroit, and Lansing. There are discount tickets for conference attendees who register to ride the bus. Each bus will have a coordinator that will collect registration and help with logistics around the trip. The registration may be turned in directly to the coordinator or registration can be done online here . If registration is done online, please use the online code for the location: Detroit (DTW), Lansing(LAN), or Battle Creek(BC) to save a seat and get the discounted rate. If you have questions about the bus logistics, please contact the bus coordinator for your location: Detroit: Brenda Foster-Sharpe (brendamaesharpe@gmail.com ; 313-971-9557) Detroit: Audre Allen (tranquilhookstea@gmail.com ; (313) 740-3367) Lansing: Cody Mohr (cmohr@ingham.org ; 517-267-5221 ext. 2386) Battle Creek: Jalinn Pennock ( jalinnpennock2@gmail.com ; 269-213-9352) Carpooling to the conference is also encouraged! Please use the spreadsheet here if you would like to offer or request a ride. This page will be updated with pick up and drop off times and more information closer to the event date. If you have questions about the conference or would like to know more about the event, contact info@miffs.org ​ The conference is made possible in part by a grant from the USDA 2501 Program – Outreach and Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers.

The Michigan Family Farms Conference is more than just a conference. Year after year, farmers, educators, and food system professionals gather to network, learn, and share resources and experiences. We also come together to celebrate diversity, expand our knowledge of sustainable agriculture, and strengthen the supportive network of farmers that we know is essential for building resilient farms. ​ ​ The Michigan Family Farms Conference offers beginning, small-scale, and culturally diverse farmers a chance to network, learn, and build sustainable family farms. It is an energizing, hands-on event featuring multiple tracks of breakout sessions plus a youth track to engage the whole family. ​The sessions are such an important part of the day of learning. Below is a selection of the workshop presentations from the conference. Click on the individual box to view the presentation slides. Creative Intercropping Ideas Lance Kraai, New City Urban Farm 2020 Design Your Vegetable Crop Rotation Katie Brandt, MSU Student Organic Farm 2020 Using Humified Compost as the Foundation to Soil Health Joel Clifton, Morgan Composting, Inc 2019 Food Safety at Farmers Markets Michelle Gagliardi, MIFMA 2019 USDA Round Table and Listening Session Jen Silveri, MIFFS 2020 Farm Viability Session Christine Quane, Eastern Market Partnership 2020 Beyond Survival: Risk Management for Growth Steve Feinman & Ed Krupa, CPA 2019 Continuous Improvement through Corrective Action Phil Britton, Fresh Systems, LLC 2020 Aspects of Racial Equity in Food Systems Rich Pirog, CRFS 2019 Race Equity Issues on Dairy Farms: A Focus on "Milkers" Rubén Martinez, Ph.D., Julian Samora Research Institute 2019 Michigan Family Farms Conference Programs Nurturing Resilient Farms – 2020 & Beyond 2020 Tools for Agricultural Success – What’s in Your Shed? 2019 Cultivating a Thriving Food Community… From the Soil on Up! 2018 Farmers Leading the Future Blending Established Wisdom and New Ideas 2017 Heading 4

Food Safety Teaching Safe Techniques Contact Us USDA_logo MGGN Logo MIFFS-RiseUp&DigIn-w-tag-button-art-clear USDA_logo 1/3 Food safety has come into the spotlight in recent years, Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) has been focused on educating farmers, especially those with small-scale and diversified operations, on how food safety updates and regulations affect them and how they can implement food safety plans on their own farms. With more retail and wholesale buyers now requiring food safety certification, which means that a grower selling to that buyer must complete a food safety audit, commonly known as a GAP (Good Agriculture Practices) audit, many growers are feeling overwhelmed. This process requires a grower’s time to implement the changes and keep records showing that food safety practices are maintained, plus the cost of the inspection to be GAP certified. It can be a frightening and intimidating topic, but we strive to break it down into more manageable bites with our workshops over the years. We are continue building a database of food safety practices. ​ MIFFS has hosted on-farm food safety workshops and mock audits to give farmers a taste of what the process is really like and what frequent pitfalls are, especially for farms raising many different varieties of fruits and vegetables. ​ MIFFS continues to focus on food safety strategies for small scale farming operations. Teaming with Michigan State University, Center For Regional Food Systems (CRFS) , MIFFS supported the UP Food Exchange’s Group GAP Pilot program. We work with a statewide team to develop awareness around Group GAP and to support pilot efforts. Here are a few examples of tools developed during the 2014-2015 pilot. ​ Group GAP Pilot Study.pdf Upper Peninsula Food Exchange (UPFE) Food Safety Manual.pdf Upper Peninsula Food Exchange (UPFE) Quality Manual for Growers.pdf Group GAP Farmer Promotional Flyer.pdf Group GAP Michigan Upper Peninsula.pdf ​ ​

Michigan Family Farms Conference Build Your Farm Networks! Michigan Family Farms Conference 2024 Saturday, March 9, 2024 Kalamazoo Valley Community College (Texas Township Campus) 6767 W O Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 ​ Registration available here . If you would like to know more about the transportation options offered by MIFFS to and from the conference, check out our transportation page here. ​ The Michigan Family Farms Conference is more than just a conference. Year after year, farmers, educators, and food system professionals gather to network, learn, and share resources and experiences. We also come together to celebrate diversity, expand our knowledge of sustainable agriculture, and strengthen the supportive network of farmers that we know is essential for building resilient farms. ​ ​ The Michigan Family Farms Conference offers beginning, small-scale, and culturally diverse farmers a chance to network, learn, and build sustainable family farms. It is an energizing, hands-on event featuring multiple tracks of breakout sessions plus a youth track to engage the whole family. ​ ​ For more information or if you have any questions about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@miffs.org or (231) 680-0554.