MICH-ORGANIC

care to see the WHOLE farm bill?

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-05-21T13:58:02+00:00

Just want to share the latest of changes and updates on the 2013 Farm Bill. Note that this Farm Bill will be viable until 2018. The Farm Bill does have some offerings for organic farming, as it stands now. It is scheduled to go to the Senate this Thursday, May 23, 2013. If you have any comments you would like to share you can call Senator Debbie Stabenow's office at 517-203-1760 or in DC 202-224-4822. Here is the link for the full text Read Bill Text » Vicki Morrone Organic Farming Specialist Center For Regional Food Systems at MSU 480 [...]

Free Online Permaculture Design Course Launch

Regenerative Leadership Institute — 2013-05-20T17:55:03-07:00

Hello friends,

This morning we are thrilled to make an absolutely groundbreaking announcement. You can now study permaculture online completely FREE with world-class instructors including Larry Korn through our new Online Permaculture Design Course.

You can immediately begin viewing the complete 72+hour course lectures free at http://www.permaculturedesigntraining.com. There is no catch -- permaculture is rapidly changing the world, and we're doing our part to dramatically accelerate that change by making this incredible wisdom available completely free. [...]

August Permaculture Course Scholarships

Feral Mycelium — 2013-05-20T17:41:02-07:00

Hello friends,

Join an incredible regenerative leadership and permaculture design certification retreat in the San Francisco Bay Area, August 20-28th, and go beyond sustainability towards a wildly fulfilling life and a truly regenerative culture. We offer a no-nonsense, deeply pragmatic, mainstream approach to permaculture. No ideologies, only functional design and solutions that truly work. [...]

don't forget to be counted USDA ag census

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-05-15T12:22:37+00:00

@MichDeptofAg: RT @NASDAnews: Have you responded to the #AgCensus yet? @USDA says #farmers and #ranchers have until May 31 to respond. @usda_nass http://.

Vicki Morrone 517-282-3557 (cell) Sorrone@msu.edu Center for Regional Food Systems at MSU

If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html

Action Alert: Make Calls Now to Restore Organic Funding

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-05-13T19:21:31+00:00

I know I JUST sent out the listserv but this just came!! If you are concerned about how the Farm Bill impacts organic farmers you should read this and act now. 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 [...]

May 13 Michigan Organic Listserv

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-05-13T14:24:57+00:00

MICHIGAN ORGANIC NEWS | Week of May 6, 2013 Read on for Job Openings and Free Webinars! From the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems & the desk of Vicki Morrone (sorrone@msu.edu)

Enjoy the new added feature: the topics are linked to the section within the newsletter

I hope all of your fruit trees faired at least ok with the frost. Please not another year of poor fruit yields… [...]

here is a little more info on the two proposed bills for small and local farmers

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-05-09T18:16:58+00:00

A reader requested a bit more info and thought maybe you too would want this too!! If you would like additional information on the two bills that are being proposed to help farmers via the Far Bill, here are the links. This info is helpful when you refer to the bills when talking or writing to your representative(s) too!! [...]

Local Ag & Beginning Farmer Marker Bills Still Need Co-Sponsors before the Farm Bill Process Starts!

Lindsey Scalera — 2013-05-09T14:11:47-04:00

Hi again!

Someone rightly pointed out that having the bill numbers at the ready would be helpful! Here they are:

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2013 - H.R.1727 and S.837 Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 - S.679 and H.R.1414

Also in case folks want more information - here are NSAC's overviews of each bill: LJFFA: http://sustainableagriculture.net/our-work/local-food-bill/ [...]

Local Ag & Beginning Farmer Marker Bills Still Need Co-Sponsors before the Farm Bill Process Starts!

Christine Parker — 2013-05-09T11:46:32-05:00

Need the bill number 9s) to adequately respond to this request.

Please advise,

Christine Parker

From: Lindsey Scalera [mailto:lscalera@SUSTAINABLEAGRICULTURE.NET] Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 12:39 PM To: MICH-ORGANIC@LIST.MSU.EDU Subject: Local Ag & Beginning Farmer Marker Bills Still Need Co-Sponsors before the Farm Bill Process Starts!

Hi everyone! Please share widely this week!

We'll post updates about the next steps for the farm bill in congress early next week and beyond! [...]

Local Ag & Beginning Farmer Marker Bills Still Need Co-Sponsors before the Farm Bill Process Starts!

Lindsey Scalera — 2013-05-09T12:39:13-04:00

Hi everyone! Please share widely this week! We'll post updates about the next steps for the farm bill in congress early next week and beyond!

What's Happening? We are just about to launch into the Senate AND House markup of the 2013 Farm Bill! That's exciting but just before this happens, it would be great to get a few more co-sponsors of the two marker bills that support local food and beginning farmers and ranchers! The more support we have for these two bills going into the farm bill process, the better the chance we have of continued support and [...]

FW: Free Educational Session for Vendors

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-05-01T14:06:25+00:00

THIS VIDEO MAY BE OF INTEREST TO THOSE SEEKING CONDUCT NEW WAYS OF CSA-ONLINE? Due to the shortness of announcement this could not wait till the next listserv. Hope some of you can take advantage of this educational opportunity.

All the best this spring. vicki 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 [...]

TOMORROW! Conservation in Michigan Summit & Forum - East Lansing, MI

Lindsey Scalera — 2013-04-30T14:07:09-04:00

Michigan Farm Bill Conservation Summit & Citizen Session

Wednesday, May 1, 2013 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

MSU Kellogg Center, East Lansing, MI

Free Event Sponsored by: The Izaak Walton League of America Michigan Voices for Good Food Policy Michigan Wildlife Conservancy Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council Michigan Farmers Union

Hi everyone! Just a reminder that we have a stellar line up for tomorrow's conservation summit and forum. This is a great opportunity to discuss and learn about conservation in Michigan and in the Farm Bill. Please share widely! Click Here to Share on Social Media [...]

Mid April MSU Organic LIstserv

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-04-25T13:50:12+00:00

MICHIGAN ORGANIC NEWS Week of April 25, 2013 From the Center for Regional Food Systems & the Desk of Vicki Morrone (sorrone@msu.edu)

IN THIS ISSUE Education & Conferences à Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference: 2014 Workshop Presentations Proposals Production

PRODUCTIONà Not too late to apply dormant spray on grapes for disease prevention [...]

USDA Cost Share is reopened!

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-04-16T17:11:23+00:00

Just a reminder if you are interested in applying for cost share with NRCS. They have reopened as they have some extra funds, they have not yet given. But you better act quickly: NOTE: Schools (K-12 or college) or government organizations are NOT eligible for this program. This program is for farmers on private land. [...]

Easygrow Mushrooms — 2013-04-16T10:25:17-06:00

Hi Folks,

Just a reminder that Easygrow Mushrooms will be conducting a workshop this Saturday on how to grow gourmet mushrooms on logs around the house (or on the farm). There are a few slots left, but we anticipate filling up by the end of the week. The workshop will be presented by mycologist Chris Wright, owner of Easygrow Mushrooms, who will provide hands-on instruction on how to inoculate and cultivate mushrooms on logs. The workshop will be held at Colasanti's market, 468 S. Milford Road Highland, MI 48357. This workshop is a must for anyone contemplating to grow mushrooms [...]

Conservation in Michigan Summit & Forum: May 1, East Lansing

Lindsey Scalera — 2013-04-15T12:33:14-04:00

Hi there everyone! I wanted to let you know about an upcoming opportunity to discuss and learn about Conservation in Michigan and in the Farm Bill. Please share widely! Click Here to Share on Social Media

- - -

Michigan Farm Bill Conservation Summit & Citizen Session Hosted By: Izaak Walton League of America Wednesday, May 1, 2013 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM MSU Kellogg Center, East Lansing, MI [...]

A 2nd Chance-don't get many of these in life!!!

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-04-11T17:03:39+00:00

So 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, [...]

April 5, 2013 Organic listserv

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-04-08T13:59:54+00:00

MICHIGAN ORGANIC NEWS Week of April 7, 2013 From the Center for Regional Food Systems & the Desk of Vicki Morrone (Sorrone@Msu.Edu)

IN THIS ISSUE Education & Conferences à Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Events à Detroit Food 2013: April 4-6

Agriculture News à Farmer Veteran Coalition: Ag Leaders Join Board à Illinois Fruit and Vegetable Newsletter [...]

MOFFA is creating a New Organic and Sustainable Farm Directory

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-04-01T10:58:54+00:00

This directory offers farmers for FREE to list their farm market, upicks, CSAs market stands and other field to fork opportunities for us consumers. This directory will be sold as a paper guide, available at our WEB site and part of the Membership package for MOFFA members. This is an update from the 2008 (really? Wow) guide. Submit your info for the 2013 edition. We already have over 50 Michigan farms who are certified organic, practice organic systems or identify as sustainable. This will be indicated on the entry. Deadline is coming up so get our entry in now. [...]

Lets get a good Farm Bill!

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-03-25T17:04:49+00:00

If you have a preference, have your voice heard and share what programs you support and don't support through the USDA Farm BILL

LET'S KEEP PUSHING FOR A BETTER FARM BILL! GOOD NEWS! The final appropriations bill that was approved by the Senate and then passed in the House last week restores funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Your phone calls made a difference! [...]

Make sure your reps know what is important to you for the next FARM BILL

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-03-25T16:01:29+00:00

LET'S KEEP PUSHING FOR A BETTER FARM BILL!

GOOD NEWS! The final appropriations bill that was approved by the Senate and then passed in the House last week restores funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Your phone calls made a difference!

BAD NEWS! We're deeply disappointed that the bill passed does not address the programs left stranded by the farm bill extension. [...]

March 18, 2013 Organic listserv news

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-03-24T18:35:39+00:00

Michigan Organic News | Week of March 18, 2013 FROM THE CENTER FOR REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEMS & THE DESK OF VICKI MORRONE (SORRONE@MSU.EDU)

IN THIS ISSUE

Education Opportunities & Conferences --> Food Hubs and Food Safety Webinars --> Traceability Workshop --> Free Webinar on Farm-based Biocontrol Seed Treatments for Improving Soybean Yields --> Beginner Farmer Workshop [...]

FSMA Resources (Food Safety Modernization Act)

Lindsey Scalera — 2013-03-20T16:01:39-04:00

Sorry for cross postings! Share widely!

Fizzzzmah!

Hey there everyone!

I just wanted to share a few resources for you on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

So you may already know that there are new proposed rules for FSMA. These can affect all producers, so take a look at the following resources to learn more about how they might affect you and how you can get involved in making sure congress hears from the small, beginning, and family producers and on-farm processors! [...]

Mushroom Cultivation Workshops

Easygrow Mushrooms — 2013-03-19T16:01:55-06:00

Hi Folks,

It's come to my attention that I had a couple of typos for the dates of the upcoming workshops. The corrected version of the dates for the workshops are as follows:

This Saturday, March 23, at the Ingham County Conservation District at 1031 W Dexter Trail in Mason, MI. The workshop will last from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Register at: www.inghamconservation.com. 517-676-2290. [...]

Mushroom Cultivation Workshops

Easygrow Mushrooms — 2013-03-19T09:33:24-06:00

Hi Folks,

It’s that time of year again—let’s get ready to grow mushrooms!! This spring Easygrow Mushrooms will be conducting a series of intensely informative workshops around the state on how to grow gourmet mushrooms on logs around the house (or on the farm).

The workshops will be presented by mycologist Chris Wright, owner of Easygrow Mushrooms, who will provide hands-on instruction on how to inoculate and cultivate mushrooms on logs. This workshop is a must for anyone contemplating to grow mushrooms in their garden at home, or integrating mushrooms as a profitable crop on their farm. After receiving an [...]

ACTION ALERT #2- Agribusiness Does NOT Speak for Me!

Lindsey Scalera — 2013-03-14T15:54:26-04:00

What’s Going On?

The meat industry has worked tirelessly to drive independent producers out of business. Agribusiness giants like Monsanto want to overstep judicial processes and plant genetically engineered crops even if a court has ruled that the crops were approved illegally.

And guess what? Some members of the Senate are on their side. [...]

curious about the Mi Food Corps-considering its possibilities?

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-03-12T01:38:02+00:00

If so tune in Tomorrow. Tuesday March 12 at 5 for a webinar of Q and A. See below for details and share with others interested.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Robyn Wardell > Subject: March FoodCorps Michigan Announcements Date: March 11, 2013 2:34:31 PM EDT To:

Hi Friends of FoodCorps!

Just a couple updates for you today: [...]

Permaculture Design and Leadership Training Scholarships

Feral Mycelium — 2013-03-08T16:20:04-08:00

[We have a limited number of scholarships available for the April Permaculture Training - Contact Us for Details!]

Hello friends,

Many people think of permaculture as gardening, but that's a lot like thinking of math as being only good for building bridges. Permaculture is a sustainable design science rooted in observation of nature and providing solutions to some of our most pressing problems. The same branching pattern that's found in tree is also found in a river, in your heart, and numerous other places. That pattern maximizes edge (surface area for exchanging information or nutrients), increases diversity and serves a [...]

FW: [CRFS-STAFF] FW: Call Today to Support Regional Food Systems

Morrone, Vicki — 2013-03-08T21:49:24+00:00

Call your legislative rep now!! If you care about these things, let them know. Tell them how it will impact your business and life 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

From: , Colleen Matts > Reply-To: Colleen Matts > Date: Friday, March 8, 2013 2:40 PM To: CRFS staff list > Subject: [CRFS-STAFF] FW: Call Today to Support Regional Food Systems [...]