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]
