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11. A Growing Concern By: Tanya Muzumdar http://www.metromodemedia.com/features/MichiganAgriBiz0069.aspx May 22, 2008 I used to be a fruit picker. Wearing braids and denim overalls, I passed balmy summer grade school breaks in Grandma's street-side Royal Oak yard, harvesting heaps of ripe magenta raspberries, and boiling them down with sugar to make lickety-rich preserves. In recent decades, however, I haven't been such a busy worker bee. I did cultivate a spiky fountain of chives in my shady back yard, but sadly, after a season or so, my prolific crop was lost to flooding or neglect - not sure which came first. For years afterward, thoughts of raising edibles lay buried in my mind; at least until my recent talk with Mike Score, an agricultural innovation counselor at the Michigan State University (MSU) Product Center. Score points out a general lack of awareness of ground-level economic development potential. "It would be to Michigan's advantage to take a closer look at agriculture as a sector in our economy, because in general, we take it for granted and we really don't understand it as well as we should, given its size." Michigan's agri-food industry, which includes agriculture, leather, floriculture, ornamentals, turf grass, and bio-energy industries, generates $60.1 billion in economic output and a little more than one million jobs, - about 24% of the state's employment - likely second in size only to the automotive industry, according to a 2006 Michigan State University study "The Economic Impact and Potential of Michigan's Agri-Food System." With much fanfare, in 2005 the state launched the $1 billion 21st Century Jobs Fund to foster economic development by growing technologies in life science, alternative energy, advanced automotive technologies, and homeland security. Sexy business sectors, no doubt. But where's the respect for an industry that literally affects the lives of everyone in Michigan? Mike Hamm, C.S. Mott professor of sustainable agriculture at MSU, says the field "can be a tool to help us solve public health issues ... It's a way to protect our landscape for generations as they get older so that we don't lose our farmland and become dependent on more and more distant sources for food at a time when global population is increasing and water stresses are becoming more severe around the world ... Historically, in the last 25 years or so we've not really considered local agriculture as a viable strategy for economic development..." Where is it from? Indeed, it comes down to digging up our food's roots. Just 1% of Michigan-grown food is sold locally, direct to consumers, says Score, who learned from a major food distribution executive that transportation makes up half of food costs. For instance, Michigan is the third largest producer of apples in the nation, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture. But this sure isn't evident in area Costco stores, where you seldom find our state's rosy Galas or Empires. Their pallets brim with the bounty of Washington's orchards, fresh from two thousand miles away. And even apples can be a hard sell. Hamm, who helps to develop community-based food systems, has observed a "public health gap", where the average U.S. resident's diet is deficient: we consume half the daily required fruits and vegetables, one-third of necessary dairy products, and we worship white bread. Ubiquitous fast food and packaged snacks galore are not just to blame; many lack the resources and access to obtain healthy fresh foods. In a study to be released later this year, Hamm found that if the state's public health gap could be bridged through consumption of more locally produced fresh food, an estimated 37,000 more farmland acres could go into production, putting $200 million more in the pockets of farmers and creating about 1,800 off-farm jobs. A family can live off a good 20-acre farm, so additional farm jobs could be in the three-to-four digit range. Farming a fair share The Ann Arbor-based Fair Food Foundation, whose slogan is "Grow the Good", is concentrating on closing this gap by aiming to work with historically excluded urban communities to design food systems that provide healthy, fresh and sustainably-grown food. President and CEO Oran Hesterman says it's the only foundation in the country, possibly even in the world, with a focus on an equitable and sustainable local food system. A May 2007 Ann Arbor Business Review story put the Foundation's expected annual grants in the $12 to $20 million range. Hesterman will not confirm specific numbers at this point, but does anticipate a "significant" program. It commenced operations earlier this year, and personnel are preparing strategies and guidelines for reviewing grant applications this fall, he says. "What I'm especially interested in is ... how we might be able to position both jobs and ownership opportunities in food production, processing, distribution, preparation, and retailing that can attract, especially, young entrepreneurs in the southeast Michigan area," says Hesterman. "We're in an area that's got really good natural conditions for farming and growing food. We've got good water, which is certainly not the case everywhere. We've got access to very vibrant markets and large population centers. ... I don't think it's unreasonable that at some point in time we'd have 20% of our food system more localized than it is right now. I don't think that's out of bounds and we have the productive capacity to do it, for sure." The MSU Product Center also works to grow new and existing food, agricultural, and natural resources-based businesses by helping entrepreneurs to write business plans, create financial models, and identify customers. Score has worked with 180 clients over the last three years, 40 of whom have implemented a variety of business plans, including: a purveyor of clean green soy-based fertilizer in Manchester; horticultural products on the Goetz Farm in Monroe County; a sheep cheese maker in Chelsea; and Mercury Coffee Bar in Detroit. And the shortest route to going local is right out the front or back door - urban and community gardening, which has spread its roots in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Score sees a trend of consumers eating from home - literally. And burning what they eat. "It's not hard labor, like breaking rocks at the state prison. It's pleasant aerobic exercise that gives you short-term gratification. ... I think urban gardening will become a significant source of produce in southeast Michigan." He believes that Ashley Atkinson, co-chair of the Detroit Agriculture Network, whose work was recently featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, runs one of the best urban gardening programs in the U.S. This ground-up focus addresses our most elementary regional development issues. "When you look at nutrition and access to food, you're looking at job creation and nutrition, which affects school performance, which affects life opportunities," says Score, who notes that the inputs for food production are relatively simple and inexpensive. "Young children can grow tomatoes and sell them at the roadside and learn how to start a small business. ... There's a high demand from restaurants and grocery stores and institutional food buyers for high quality local food. Food system economic development can be exciting for the full spectrum of Michigan residents." So, we can all buy what's in store. I even have a plot to produce in the yard again. The tomato, basil, and, yes, chives, seeds are ready, and my pots are back in the sun. *************** NOTICE OF POSITION OPENINGS *************** 12. Gardening and Gleaning Supervisor needed at The Garden Project of The Greater Lansing Food Bank. We are currently hiring a Gardening and Gleaning Supervisor to join our team at The Garden Project of The Greater Lansing Food Bank. The position is physically demanding and requires someone with knowledge of working with equipment and gardening. You will find more about the duties in the attached job description. The position description is also available via the following link on our website --the position closes May 26, 2008. http://lansingfoodbank.org/wp-content/GardeningandGleaningSupervisorjobd escription.pdf Please help us share this opportunity with anyone you think would be interested. Thank you, Anne Rauscher The Garden Project P.O. Box 30161 Lansing, MI 48909-7661 Phone: 517-887-4660 Fax: 517-887-4551 Email: [log in to unmask] *************** 13. Youth Farm Stand Summer Youth Coordinator needed: Blandford Nature Center and Mixed Greens is currently recruiting applicants to fill a seasonal part-time position working with middle-school and high-school youth on our small organic farm. Blandford Nature Center and Mixed Greens is a community-based nonprofit organization working to cultivate, nourish, and sustain a legacy of leaders, citizens and communities who embrace and advocate for sustainable living as a result of the deep relationship with the land created within them. We invite children and the community to connect to the land, to food, and to their surroundings through meaningful hands-on experiences that lead to sustainable and healthy choices. Position Description: The primary responsibilities of this position are to plan and implement hands-on education programs for youth ages 13-18. It involves coordinating and leading activities for youth and volunteers, while ensuring their safety. Additionally, the position involves farm maintenance to maintain these spaces for educational use. Hours may include Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Typical responsibilities include: * Develop and implement of lessons and activities for youth to build their understanding of organic farming, nutrition, poverty and food security, and leadership. * Mentor and train youth to successfully lead volunteer groups and elementary school field trips on the farm. * Lead youth in activities such as farm work and market sales. * Work with Farm Coordinator and Education Programs Manager to oversee daily logistics of summer program. * Maintain supplies and materials, including properly setting up and cleaning up equipment and supplies. * Maintain positive relationships with project partners and community members. * Work with Farm Coordinator and Education Programs Manager to oversee evaluation. Work is performed under the supervision of the Blandford Nature Center & Mixed Greens staff. The work involves contact with other staff, volunteers, parents and youth. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES (May not include all of the duties performed) Other responsibilities may include: * Supervision of youth and adult volunteers. * Mentoring youth with personal life issues and adjusting to group dynamics. * Documenting programming with photographs and accurate records * Evaluating the effectiveness of programs and suggesting improvements. * Working cooperatively with staff and volunteers to solve problems. * Performing related work as required. REQUIREMENTS OF WORK This position requires: * A true appreciation and interest in adolescents, farming, and the outdoors. * High levels of motivation, energy, initiative and enthusiasm. * An ability to speak in front of groups. * An ability to analyze and take steps to control unusual or emergency situations quickly and safely. * An ability to work without constant supervision, both independently and as part of a team. * An ability to communicate effectively and assertively, both orally and in writing. PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL Applicant must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including rain, heat and cold. Applicant must be able to move in a variety of trail conditions, including, wet, brushy, muddy and steep surfaces. Applications will be accepted until May 30 or the position is filled. Qualified applicants may be contacted for interviews as soon as application materials are received. Criminal background checks will be conducted before candidates are hired. Starting date: June 2 Position ends: August 31 Rate of Pay: $10 per hour, 15 - 20 hours per week Must have weekend availability and possess own transportation. For further information, or to submit cover letter and resume: Jennifer Getting Jameslyn Education Programs Manager 1715 Hillburn NW Grand Rapids MI 49504 [log in to unmask] (Please use subject line FARM YOUTH COORDINATOR) *************** 14. Assistant Needed on "Our Family Farm LLC in Manchester, MI We are looking for summer help here at Our Family Farm LLC. This is a CSA located near Manchester, Michigan, about 20 miles Southwest of Ann Arbor. Phone is 734 428 9100 and cell is 734 945 4636. This is a paid position for the summer and into the fall. We are seeking someone who is enthusiastic and interested in learning about vegetable farming and marketing. We grow in fields and hoophouses, which we will expand this year. We are not organically certified but farm using organic practices. *************** EVENTS *************** 15. Vegetable Cover Crop Meeting June 12, 2008 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Kellogg Biological Station, Gull Lake, MI This program will offer entry-level and advanced info on use of cover crops for sustainable and organic vegetable farmers. The MSU Vegetable Area of Expertise team is presenting this program to encourage and enable Michigan farmers and other agricultural professionals to integrate cover crops with sustainable vegetable production. Through a series of speakers, the program will address: cover crops in organic tomato and cucumber systems, nutrient management using cover crops, the role of cover crops in soil health and root disease management, weeds and nitrogen, perennial wheat systems, comparisons of cover cropping systems for intensive vegetable systems, multi-cover cropping, and no-till organic systems. The meeting will include a KBS field tour, and will also include a provided lunch! Registration and a registration fee of $25 are due by June 6th. Please make checks payable to Michigan State University Extension; mail checks and registration to MSUE- Oceana County Extension c/o Kathy, 210 Johnson St. E, Hart, MI 49420. You may also register the day of the event; the registration fee in this case is $40. For a complete agenda of the meeting and the registration form, please see http://www.michiganorganic.msu.edu/Portals/organic/2008%20Cover%20Crop%2 0Program.pdf For additional information, please visit www.michiganorganic.msu.edu or contact the Oceana County Extension office (phone: 231-873-2129; or email Kathy at [log in to unmask]). *************** 16. Promotion Opportunity for Michigan grower/specialty food processor: Plans are underway for the 2008 Buy Fresh, Buy Local - Select Michigan Farmers' Market, Thursday, July 24, 2008, at the Michigan State Capitol, in Lansing. Information about the market is attached. As you can see, we are making improvements to assure that this is the best market yet! If you are interested in being a vendor at this free market, and meet the eligibility requirements, please complete the vendor application form and vendor biographical information form, and return them by Monday, June 9, 2008, to: Jeanne Lipe Michigan Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 30017 Lansing, MI 48909 [log in to unmask] 517-373-9790 office 517-242-2961 cell 517-335-0628 fax We look forward to working with you to promote your Michigan food and agriculture products this summer! Please feel free to call Jeanne if you have questions about the market. 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