What’s Happenin’
Michigan Organic Listserv
February 1-9
1.
Protect Your Water Rights by Reporting
2.
Organic Valley Announces "Transition to Organic Fund"
6.
Extension food program offered in Grand Marais
7.
GROW BIOINTENSIVE GARDENING WORKSHOPS WITH
JOHN JEAVONS
8.
Community
Film Festival-Wealthy Theater,
9.
Organic Ag Video Conference Series
10. Hoop House Training and Discussion
***************************************************
1. Protect Your Water Rights by Reporting
Lyndon
Kelley, Extension Irrigation Educator for MSU Extension and Purdue Extension
wants you to know how important it is that you report your water use for
2006. The deadline is quickly approaching – April 1, 2007 and the
information you report is very important for your use of water in the
future. Legislation passed early in 2006 changed how the State controls
large volume water use. Although few if any agricultural water users will need
a permit, Part 327 of 451 establishes no “adverse resource impact”
as the standard that all large capacity water users must meet for withdraws
constructed after February 2006. Withdraws constructed prior to February
2006 that have been properly registered and reported their usage are presumed
not to have an “adverse resource impact” and have the
advantage of being, more or less grandfathered.
Reporting before April 1 , 2007 is essential to maintain your pre-February 2006
withdrawal advantage. The 2006 report allow producers to provide their systems
baseline capacity. Expanding system capacity by more than 70 gallons/min beyond
the baseline capacity, constitutes a new water withdrawal.
Baseline Capacity: Producers have
a one-time option to report, as part of their 2006 water use report, the
available capacity of the system “Baseline Capacity” or
“Rated Capacity.” Available capacity of the system would be
reported as pump capacity in gal/min. along with pump and system description
compatible with the well log. Baseline capacity applies to both wells and
surface water withdrawals.
The Baseline Capacity is the reported system capacity used or developed to make
a withdrawal on Feb. 28, 2006. If a large capacity water user does not report a
"Baseline Capacity,” the highest annual amount of water withdrawn as
reported for 2004 or 2005 will be used as the baseline capacity. Note that
since few producers run pumps continuously, most water users have available
system capacities far greater than any of the recent year’s water use
reports.
Establishing a baseline capacity is important since P.A. 33 provides a
statement that existing water users are granted a reputable presumption of no
"adverse resource impact.” No adverse resource impact is the
standard that all large capacity water users must meet within P.A. 33
structure. The reputable presumption of no adverse resource impact puts the
burden of proof on those challenging a registered large capacity water user’s
water use.
Other changes to Michigan”s
Agricultural Water Use Reporting system:
Registration of new withdraws prior to use: Withdraws established
after February 28, 2006 are required to register with the Michigan Department
of Environmental Quality prior to first use. Registration forms are available
from the MDA website.
Agriculture water use reporting to MDA only: The
rarely used option of reporting to MDEQ was removed in P.A. 33 leaving Michigan
Department of Agriculture as the only reporting option for agricultural
producers.
Groundwater withdraw location by
latitude/longitude: Starting with the 2006 report, large scale water
users will need to provide the latitude/longitude for the groundwater
withdrawal location. This information may be provided by handheld GPS units or
the groundwater mapping website ( http://gwmap.rsgis.msu.edu).
Providing the latitude/longitude location of withdrawal will allow mapping and
analysis of effect on groundwater and stream base flow by withdraws in the
watershed basin.
Reporting of static water level is no longer
required: Static water level reporting was moved from a requirement
to report.
If you need assistance
with water use reporting contact your local MSU Extension Office or Lyndon
Kelley at 269/467-5511.
St. Joseph County MSU Extension
Maury Kaercher, County Extension Director, Extension Educator, Beef
Diana Fair, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences and Family
Nutrition Program
Lyndon Kelley, Extension Educator, Irrigation MSU Extension and Purdue
Extension
Bruce MacKellar, Extension Educator, Ag and Natural Resources
Brad Neumann, Extension Educator, Land Policy
VACANT, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
612 E. Main Street
Centreville, MI 49032
Phone: 269-467-5511
Fax: 269-467-5641
Website: www.msue.msu.edu/stjoseph
Organic Valley Family of Farms, the nation's largest independent
farmer-owned organic dairy cooperative, today announced the Transition to
Organic Fund, a financial assistance program for dairy farmers who are making
the transition to organic.
Organic Valley's Transition to Organic Fund will offset the costs
of transitioning for dairy farmers who become members of the Organic Valley
cooperative.
The farmers of Organic Valley are committed to helping dairy
farmers make the transition to organic. We know how tough the transition
process can be, and we hope our 'Transition to Organic Fund' can help farmers
meet the challenge, said Tim Griffin, Organic Valley National Milk Procurement
Manager.
For further information about the Organic Valley's Transition to
Organic Fund, farmers are encouraged to call the Producer Hotline at Organic
Valley, tel. (888) 809-9297.
Farmers in the greater Northeast (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania) are
welcome to contact Peter Miller, Organic Valley's East Region Pool Coordinator,
(888) 444-6455 extension 407, or (612) 801-3506 (cell), or email him at [log in to unmask].
Organized in 1988, Organic Valley
represents 689 farmers in 20 states. It owes its success to staying independent
and true to its mission: keeping small and mid-sized farmers farming. It's the
only national organic brand that is 100-percent farmer-owned, and proudly the
only independent national organic dairy cooperative in the United States.
In the last year alone, the cooperative
achieved record success both in sales (up from $156 million in 2003 to $206
million) and in farmer recruitment (133 new farmers). Its increased number of
acres and cows brought into the organic system was equally strong (up to more
than 113,000 acres and 26,000 cows).The Organic Valley brand is the top-selling
organic milk in both mainstream supermarkets and natural foods outlets along
the entire Eastern seaboard.
As stewards
of the earth who use nature as their teacher, Organic Valley farmers produce
more than 130 delicious organic products. Look for their organic milk, soy,
cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce, juice and meats in food
cooperatives, natural foods stores and supermarkets throughout the country. For
further information, contact Organic Valley at 1-888-444-MILK or visit www.organicvalley.coop.
3. Pathways to a
Sustainable World, A conference to change your world
April 13-14,
2007 University of Rochester. www.ecotransformation.org
or call 585-330-4410.
Invited
speakers include David Abram, Lois Givvs, Brian Halweil, David Orr, Michael
Shuman, Christopher Uhl, and Judy Wicks. You can email conference co-chairs [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask]
4. Farmers Market in
Meridian Township seeking Market Master for ‘07
From: Julie
Hanson
To: LuAnn
Maisner
Date: 1/26/2007
11:52:08 AM
Subject: Posting
of market master position
The Charter
Township of Meridian is seeking a highly motivated, results oriented individual
to manage its well established farmer's market. Successful candidate will have
proven experience in agriculture, horticulture or farming management with
thorough knowledge of industry standards and practices as well as a community
spirit and ability to coordinate vendor activities. Minimum of Bachelors
degree required.
Part‑time/Seasonal
$4,000 stipend.
Send
application and cover letter to Personnel Office 5151 Marsh Road, Okemos MI
48864. EOE
Julie M.
Hanson, Assistant Personnel Director
Charter
Township of Meridian
5151 Marsh
Road
Okemos, MI
48864
Here is the job
description:
Supervised
by: Parks &
Recreation Director
Supervises: Position has no supervisory responsibilities
Position
Summary:
Under the direction of the Parks &
Recreation Director, manages the day to day activities related to the operation
of the Meridian Township Farmers’ Market.
Essential
Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called
upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do
not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential function satisfactorily.
1. Develops, plans,
organizes, schedules, and coordinates activities
related to operation of seasonal farmers’ market
2. Coordinates the
use of facilities and equipment for market.
3. Recruits,
interviews, selects, and supervises vendors. Collects vendor fees, assigns
booth space and ensures product mix.
4. Makes budget
recommendations for the Market.
5. Creates and
maintains a system of reporting, interpreting, and publicizing activities to
area residents. Prepares materials, maintains records and compiles
evaluations and reports.
6. Assists in
developing and implementing market rules. Acts a liaison with vendors to
communicate rules and objects.
7. Sets up and takes
down market signage and reports needed maintenance to the appropriate Township
department.
8. Answers citizen
and vendors inquiries and responds to complaints regarding procedures, policies
and programs.
9. Works with the community and vendors to identify needs and preferences
and determines the number and types of products to be offered.
10. Keeps abreast of
changing regulations and policies.
11. Performs related
work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum
Qualifications:
The requirements listed below
are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum
qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. A
qualified individual with a disability must be able to perform the essential
functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Requirements include the following:
·
Bachelor
degree in Agriculture or related field and experience in management, farming,
and/or public marketing.
·
Knowledge
of the principles and practices of public sector market operation.
·
Ability
to work independently and display creativity and exercise good judgment.
·
A State of Michigan Vehicle
Operator’s License.
·
Good
knowledge of the safety issues and precautions relating to State Federal and
local regulations.
·
Good
knowledge of public relations practices and vendor management.
·
Skill in developing, coordinating and
evaluating market policies and procedures.
·
Skill in assembling information, analyzing
data, preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.
·
Skill in effectively communicating ideas
and concepts orally and in writing, and in making presentations in public
forums.
·
Ability
to develop programs and services to meet the needs of the community.
·
Ability
to train, supervise and coordinate outside vendors.
·
Ability
to work other than normal business hours.
·
Ability
to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative
and resourcefulness when dealing with vendors, citizens, the media, the public,
Township officials, and other employees.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The
physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are
representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential
functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job,
the employee is regularly required to talk, hear and view written documents.
The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and
reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move
items of moderate weight.
While performing the duties of this job,
the employee regularly works outside in a pavilion setting. The employee is
continually exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work
environment is usually moderate.
__________________________
Gerald
J. Richards, Township Manager
__________________________
Paul J.
Brake, Assistant Manager/Personnel Director
1/07