6.  Extension food program offered in Grand Marais

GRAND MARAIS — A Michigan State University extension program on “Genetically Engineered Foods: Fact and Fiction” is being offered this month in Grand Marais.

The presentation by Alger County MSU Extension Director Jim Isleib will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Grand Marais Community Building.

Isleib will present an overview of the issue as it affects American consumers and farmers as well as food systems worldwide. The free program is part of the “Extension Wednesdays” series of educational programs and is intended “for all people who eat food.”

“A safe, plentiful and relatively cheap supply of high-quality food is part of the American way of life,” Isleib said. “We are a very well-fed nation. Anything that endangers our food supply is serious business.”

A few of the events affecting the American food system include fresh spinach tainted with e coli bacterial, the identification of one Holstein calf imported from Canada with “mad cow” disease — Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy — and the use of Alar defoliant on apples.

Isleib said several other issues are currently impacting our food system, including the diversion of huge amounts of corn grain from use as livestock feed to use as raw material for ethanol fuel production, the adoption of federal organic standards and subsequent entry of very large, national food companies into the “organic” market, and the ongoing restriction or elimination of common agricultural pest control products by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

“Each of these issues has at least two sides, with plenty of ammunition for argument,” Isleib said. “The only certain thing is that the American food production and distribution system is changing, as are many other aspects of American life.”



Isleib will also discuss the adoption of new technology involving genetically-modified crops, which he said is one of the most sweeping shifts in American agriculture and food production.

For more information on the program or to let organizers know you plan to attend, contact the MSU Extension office in Munising at 387-2530 or by email at [log in to unmask]

8.  Community Film Festival-Wealthy Theater, 1130 Wealthy SE, Grand Rapids

Doors open 6:00, films start 7:00  Light dinner & snacks, farmers market & health care providers & information table of activists.

 

Wed. Feb 14 "Controlled Rotational Cover Cropping in the Bioextensive Market Garden"  The work of Eric & Anne Nordell working with horses in their field vegetable production systems in the mountains of North Central PA.  With their crop rotations and timely plantings, weeds are not a problem.

                "Basic Training of Oxen" All the basics needed to teach oxen to work, a process that begins when the calves are four weeks old.  This is being done at Tiller's International, south of Kalamazoo.

 

Wed. Feb 28th "Biological Agriculture at New Harmony Community Farm" Environmental activisits & organic farmers Paul & Nancy Jones Keiser began the first CSA farm in W MI at the first charter school, W M Academy of Environmental Science.  Tour the fields & learn of many food & farming tips.

               "Troyer's Barn Raising" Watch the building of an Amish barn stage-by- stage, with a majority of the workers being Plain People.  This is ancient social cooperation in action.

 

9.  Attention All Farmers and Educators!!!

Come to learn and Share about organic ag

 

 

Michigan State University is joining University of Illinois and Perdue University to offer a video conference series presented by organic farmers, extension educators and researchers.  These events will offer information, discussion and an opportunity for you to ask questions. You will also have the chance to meet others with similar interests, maybe even a chance to work together….

 

Call for your reservation for any or all of the sessions:

[log in to unmask] or 517-353-3542.  Cost is just $10/session.

 Sessions in Room 204, Comm Arts Bldg. (Trowbridge & Red Cedar Rd.)

 

Each class will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. Class is limited to 15 students/session.

 

Tue, February 13, 2007-Cover Crops and Fertility Management

 

Thur, March 15, 2007-Organic Weed Control

 

Thur, April 19, 2007- Insect & Disease Control in Organic Vegetables

 

Thur, Sept 20, 2007-Organic Poultry Production

 

Thur, Nov 15, 2007 Beginning Organic Farming/Certification

 

 

 

10. Hoop House Training and Discussion

Saturday, February 24, 2007,  2-3:30 p.m.

 

Phil Throop, owner of Wildflower Organic Farm  will be offering an afternoon session to tour his a hoop house and get a better understanding of how to build your own hoophouse and what to grow in it.

 

His farm is located at 14650 Center Rd, Bath, MI, 48808

Call 517-641-4761 or email [log in to unmask]

All Are Welcome and Invited!!

Event is FREE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vicki Morrone

Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist

Michigan State University

C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems

303 Natural Resources Bldg.

East Lansing, MI 48824

517-353-3542

517-282-3557 (cell)

517-353-3834 (fax)

http://safs.msu.edu/

http://www.mottgroup.msu.edu/