*On-Line Registration Now Open for the Food System Economic Partnership (FSEP) Conference* *When: *June 24, 2010 *Where:* Jackson Area Career Center, 6800 Browns Lake Rd, Jackson, MI *Why:* The goal of the FSEP conference is to build a better food system in Southeastern Michigan. There are 17 breakout sessions to choose from, where participants will gain an understanding of the local food system and explore opportunities for growth in productions, processing, distribution, sales and consumption of local foods. Also learn how to launch your own specialty product, how to integrate farm to school into your school, and how to sue the internet to build your farm or food business. *How:* Cost: Early registration (deadline June 8) is $40, after June 8 cost is $50. Cost includes materials, attendance at sessions and a wonderful lunch of locally sourced food. Register online at *www.fsepconference.org*. Visit *www.michiganorganic.msu.edu* to view conference brochure. *Organic Tree Fruit Field Day to be held June 19th in Berrien Center, Michigan* *When: *Saturday, June 19th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. *Where: *Earth First Farms, 8335 Smith Road Berrien Center, MI 49102 *Why: *The event will begin with a walking tour of the orchard with practical information and ideas for starting or transitioning to organic orchard management. In the field, Dr. Matthew Grieshop of Michigan State University will provide a hands‐on educational presentation on pest identification and discuss strategies for preventing orchard damage. Participants will also have an opportunity to learn about cider making from “cider guru” Bob Tritten, MSU Horticultural Extension Specialist for Southeast Michigan. A grower panel with successful growers from around the state will discuss marketing options, share experiences and answer questions. Take‐home resources on organic orchard production and certificaton will also be available. *How: *Cost: $25 (OTFA members receive a $10 discount for this and all other OTFA-sponsored events). To register and get directions, call or email Bridget O’Meara at (715) 808-0060, [log in to unmask] . The field day is open to the public and includes a catered lunch. Registration deadline is June 12th. *Cheese Making Class** * *When:* Two classes will be held June 12 & July 17, 2010, from 1-4 p.m. *Where:* WestWind Milling Company, 8572 Silver Lake Road Linden, MI 48451 *Why:* You will leave with the skills and info to help you create your own cheese for your family. *How:* Cost: $20 each, Ages 10 through adult. Limit 14 for each class. Register soon to guarantee your space. If interested call WestWind Milling Company (810)735-9192, advanced payment is preferred. *Michigan Polluter Short Course Offered at No Cost* *When: *June 24, 2010 *Where:* East Lansing, MI (Contact Jennifer Hopwood for more information) *Why: *This training session provides an overview of pollinator-specific language within the Farm Bill, and how to translate that language into on-the-ground conservation. * Training objectives:* - Awareness of various federal programs and funding available for pollinator conservation. - Identify approaches to increase and enhance pollinator diversity on the land. - Knowledge of the current best management practices that minimize land-use impacts on pollinators. - Ability to identify bees and distinguish them from other insects. - Understand the economics of insect-pollinated crops, and the effects of pollinator decline. - Knowledge of the 2008 Farm Bill pollinator conservation provisions and how to implement those provisions in programs such as WHIP, EQIP, and CSP. - Ability to assess pollinator habitat and to identify habitat deficiencies. - Ability to make recommendations to farmers and land managers that conserve pollinators (including subjects such as tillage, pesticide use, irrigation, burning, grazing, and cover cropping). - Ability to design and implement habitat improvements, such as native plant restoration and nest site enhancements. *How: *Cost: Free of charge. To register contact Jennifer Hopwood, Midwest Pollinator Outreach Coordinator The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, Tel: 913-579-5241 Email: *[log in to unmask]** ** * 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