> > Michigan Organic Listserv >> >> July 8, 2010 >> >> *News* >> >> >> >> *Food vs. Fuel: MSU Scientists Say Growing Grain for Food is More Energy >> Efficient.* >> >> Using productive farmland to grow crops for food instead of fuel is more >> energy efficient, Michigan State University scientists concluded, after >> poring over 17 years’ worth of data to help settle the food versus fuel >> debate. "It's 36 percent more efficient to grow grain for food than for >> fuel," said Ilya Gelfand, an MSU postdoctoral researcher. "The ideal is to >> grow corn for food, then leave half the leftover stalks and leaves on the >> field for soil conservation and produce cellulosic ethanol with the other >> half." Other studies have looked at energy efficiencies for crops over >> shorter time periods, but this MSU study is the first to consider energy >> balances of an entire cropping system over many years. The results are >> published in the April 19 online issue of the journal Environmental Science >> & Technology. >> http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x242784 >> * >> >> Model Business Plan for Season Extension with Hoophouses by David Conner* >> >> David Conner, Assistant Professor with the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable >> Food Systems at MSU has developed a model business plan for hoophouses. The >> goal is to create a model which a prospective farmer may use to create his >> or her own business plan, which the farmer can use to obtain credit to >> purchase one and to guide its successful use. The plan is based on results >> of research and knowledge gleaned from outreach efforts, in collaboration >> with MSU colleagues including Mike Hamm, Adam Montri, John Biernbaum and >> Kurt Waldman. >> >> A copy of the plan is available at: * >> http://www.mottgroup.msu.edu/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=NgeFE8B%2bsCY%3d&tabid=150 >> * >> >> Or *http://tinyurl.com/39xbbxa* >> >> David would appreciate any feedback on the plan, particularly how if it is >> used by farmers. You may email him at [log in to unmask] >> >> * >> Annie’s Sustainable Agriculture Scholarships* >> >> Annie’s brand products offer a Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship >> program, which they award $50,000 in scholarships each year to deserving >> students. Sustainable and organic agriculture is the root of their >> philosophy. They believe that healthy soils and healthy farms are the >> foundations for healthy foods, which help make healthy people. >> >> The application period for the 2010/2011 school year has closed. >> Applications for the 2011/2012 school year will be available in Fall 2010. >> >> Among the list of 2010/20111 scholarship winners is Brendan Sinclair a >> Michigan State University received $10,000. Brendan is a junior majoring in >> Environmental Studies and Agroecology, who also works on the Student Organic >> Farm. He is a part of the Ecological Food and Farm Stewardship, a student >> organization that raises awareness about eating sustainably and the >> importance of eating locally grown organic food in alignment with the >> seasons. >> >> To see the complete list of recipients and read more about the scholarship >> program visit *http://www.annies.com/sustainable_agriculture_scholarship* >> . >> >> >> *Business Development Workshops* >> >> Are you a budding entrepreneurial but would like some more help starting >> your businesses? The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development >> Center at GVSU is offering 58 courses this month alone, and most are FREE. >> >> Classes range from Pre-Business Research and the Fundamentals of Starting >> a Business to more in-depth classes in finance, legal issues, customer >> service, marketing and sales. There’s even a class called Product >> Development 101: Transforming Good Ideas into Marketable Products. >> >> To view classes offered visit *http://www.misbtdc.net/events.aspx*. >> >> >> *Regional Extension Reports Available* >> >> New articles published in the MSU Vegetable CAT Alert newsletter. See >> what’s happening in your neck of the woods in terms of the weather and crop >> report. Visit the webpage, http://ipmnews.msu.edu/vegetable/ to read the >> articles. The pdf is also available. >> >> >> - SW Michigan Research and Extension Center regional report for June >> 30 >> - Grand Rapids Area regional report for June 3 >> - Oceana County regional report for June 30 >> - Macomb, Lapeer, St. Clair counties regional report for June 30 >> - SE Michigan: Monroe, Washtenaw, Wayne, and Lenawee counties regional >> report for June 30 >> >> >> *Organic Tree Fruit Certification Fact Sheet Now Available* >> >> The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) have just >> released an “Organic Tree Fruit Certification” fact sheet (available in >> pdf). The publication is free and available at >> http://www.mosesorganic.org/attachments/productioninfo/fstreefruitcertification.html >> . >> >> Whether you are transitioning, planting a new orchard or renovating and >> old one, there are similar issues you will need to address in order to grow >> and market tree fruit. Organic certification opens up new marketing >> opportunities for growers who use organic management. Consumer demand for >> tree fruit that is organically certified and locally grown is on the rise. >> This publication will help you address these issues. >> >> Topics of interest include: >> >> >> - Soil fertility >> - Planting stock and seeds >> - Pest disease management >> - Production inputs >> - Post harvest handling, valued added sales >> >> >> You can also find additional information on organic certification at * >> www.michiganorganic.msu.edu* under the organic certification tab. >> >> * >> Supreme Court Ruling in Monsanto Case is Victory for Center for Food >> Safety* >> >> The Center for Food Safety today celebrated the United States Supreme >> Court's decision in Monsanto vs. Geerston Farms, the first genetically >> modified crop case ever brought before the Supreme Court. Although the High >> Court decision reverses parts of the lower courts' rulings, the judgment >> holds that a vacatur bars the planting of Monsanto's Roundup Ready Alfalfa >> until and unless future deregulation occurs. It is a victory for the Center >> for Food Safety and the Farmers and Consumers it represents. The decision >> today means that the selling and planting of Roundup Ready Alfalfa is >> illegal. The ban on the crop will remain in place until a full and adequate >> EIS is prepared by USDA and they officially deregulate the crop. >> >> To read full press release visit: * >> http://www.mosesorganic.org/attachments/news/news6.21gmocourtrule.pdf* or >> check out the announcement tab at *www.michiganorganic.msu.edu* . >> >> * >> Make Sure All Workers Get the Same Gap Orientation by Phil Tocco, Michigan >> State University* >> >> There are certain things a farm worker needs to know, whether it’s the >> proper way to wash their hands or where the first aid kit is. This can all >> be covered using a Good Agriculture Practice Manual (GAPs). In this article >> you will learn some helpful tips to orientate your farm workers to good >> health practices at the beginning of the season. To read entire article >> visit www.michiganorganic.msu.edu under the food safety tab. >> > > >> * >> * >> *EVENTS* >> > > >> * >> * >> >> *Local Foods Dinner at Westwind Milling Company* >> >> When: July 14, 2010, from 6-8:30 p.m. >> >> Where: Westwind Milling Company, 8572 Silver Lake Road, Linden, MI >> 48451-8302, >> >> Why: Dinner will feature fresh organic, Michigan grown summer foods. >> Dinner includes steamed greens with lemon and a fresh caesar salad made with >> buttercrunch lettuce, Hill's cheese & Al-Mar's bacon. The main course will >> be a stir fry of baby carrots, baby beets snow peas & dill mixed with our >> own spelt pasta. Dessert will be strawberry shortcake with spelt biscuits, >> Calder's whipped cream and strawberry sauce from Ware Farm's strawberries. >> >> After dinner, Dr. Acox will discuss the health benefits of chiropractics, >> its effects on the nervous system and general well being. Bring a friend, as >> he will show people how to find and manipulate trigger points for the most >> health benefit to an individual. >> >> How: Cost is $15 each. Call and send in a check in advance to reserve a >> spot. Westwind Milling Company, 8572 Silver Lake Road, Linden, MI >> 48451-8302, (810) 735-9192. >> * >> >> Sprayer Calibration Clinic available at MSU's Ag Expo >> * >> >> When: July 21, 2010, from 8:30-12:30 p.m. >> >> Where: Crop and Soil Science Research, Intersection of Beaumont Rd and Mt. >> Hope Rd >> >> Why: MSU instructors and industry representatives will be presenting the >> latest methods on calibrating spraying equipment. The clinic will include a >> demonstration of how to determine sprayer output, use of electronic controls >> and how much pesticide needs to be used. Refreshments will be served. Earn 4 >> recertification credits in core (private or commercial) or in categories 1A >> or 1B. >> >> How: Cost is $50. To register, visit *www.pested.msu.edu* or contact >> Carolyn Lewis at (517)884-0392. Register by July 19 to reserve your seat. >> For more information, contact John Stone via phone (517)353-5134 or email: >> *[log in to unmask]*. >> >> >> *The Michigan Garden Plant Tour* >> >> When: August 2-13, 2010 >> >> Where: 8 sites around Michigan (visit http://planttour.hrt.msu.edu to >> view map of sites) >> >> Why: Come enjoy the seventh annual Michigan Garden Plant Tour, a >> coordinated open house of leading young ornamental plant producers and >> Michigan State University. There are eight participating Tour sites during >> the 2-week period (visit http://planttour.hrt.msu.edu to view map of >> sites). Expect to see impressive displays of flowering plant material, >> including all of the commercial brands of annuals, perennials, and shrubs. >> Take a day trip to visit a couple of sites, or complete the entire loop for >> the full tour. Visit http://planttour.hrt.msu.edu to view the map to help >> locate the sites and plan your route. >> >> How: The Michigan Garden Plant Tour is completely free, but growers would >> appreciate a call ahead to know you'll be coming. For more information on >> the Michigan Garden Plant Tour, please contact Tour coordinators Jennifer >> Sweet (517) 355-5191 x1339 or Erik Runkle (517) 355-5191 x1350. >> >> >> *Detroit Agriculture Network Urban Bus and Bike Tour* >> >> When: August 5, 2010 >> >> Where: All tours start at the Catherine Ferguson Academy (2750 Selden in >> Detroit.) Sign in begins at 5pm and the tour starts sharply at 6pm. >> >> Why: This year’s tour will highlight a selection of prosperous, >> innovative, and visually stunning gardens and farms that are contributing to >> the new food system through bio‐intensive urban agriculture and commerce >> between local restaurants and farmer’s markets. The Garden Resource Program >> Collaborative (GRPC) works to support the emergence of a new, sustainable >> food system in Detroit through a network of more than 517 backyard gardens, >> 244 community gardens, and 46 school gardens. The GRPC facilitates >> resources, education, and training of urban gardeners, farmers, and >> community leaders through a variety of programming. >> >> The bicycle tour will “weave through gardens located in the Cass Corridor, >> Woodbridge, and Greater Corktown.” At the end of the tour will be >> locally-grown food and refreshments created by local chefs! And for those >> that can’t make it August 5th, there is a Garden Bike Tour on August 15th >> just south of the border. It’s part of Windsor’s 2nd Annual Summer Harvest >> Festival. (via Bike Windsor) >> >> How: Register ahead of time by contacting Ashley Atkinson at (313) >> 237‐8736 or via email at [log in to unmask] The tour fee is a sliding >> scale from $1 to $20 which offsets costs and helps “grow Detroit’s >> agricultural movement.” >> >> Press Release: * >> http://www.m-bike.org/blog/2009/08/02/urban-agriculture-bike-tours* >> >> * >> MSU Garden Plant Showcase* >> >> When: August 10, 2010, from 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. >> >> Where: Michigan State University >> Why: You’ll hear the latest on new annuals and perennials, see unbiased >> garden performance of ornamentals, and hear directly from many of the >> breading companies about their favorite plants. >> >> In addition to the walking through the trial gardens, hear presentations >> from MSU faculty and staff about top-performing plants. New for 2010: >> Representatives from many of the major breeding companies, including Ball >> Horticulture, Benary, Danziger, Dummen, Floranova, Paul Ecke Ranch, Plug >> Connection, Proven Winners, and Sakata, will present highlights of some of >> their favorite new introductions and proven performers. Below is the >> tentative program. Stay tuned for registration information. >> >> How: The MSU showcase requires advance registration. Cost: $42 per person >> (received by July 30) or $52 per person (received after July 30), >> Registration fee includes, coffee, lunch, parking, 1 trial booklet, and >> program), plus $5 per copy for additional trial booklets. Visit * >> http://planttour.hrt.msu.edu/showcas* to download registration form and >> view tentative schedule. Any questions contact: >> >> >> Jennifer Sweet >> Phone: (517) 355-5191 x1339 >> E-mail: [log in to unmask] >> >> * >> Organic Certification Cost Share Available to Michigan Certified Organic >> Farmers & Processors* >> >> If you are a certified organic farmer and this is your first or 15th year >> of certification then you are eligible for cost share from the US >> government. These funds are available through the US Farm Bill. A farmer >> can receive up to 75% of the cost of certification with a maximum of $750 >> dollars. To receive this payment, you just need to complete a one page form >> with basic information, send a copy of your certification and a copy of your >> payment receipt. Upon verification of eligibility you will be sent a check. >> Please be sure to send in all needed info to assure your application is >> promptly processed. >> >> The cost share that is available through the 2008 Farm Bill will be >> available to all organic certified farmers. The purpose of these funds is to >> help offset the cost of certification paid by farmers. This service is being >> administered by Michigan Organic Food and Farming Alliance this year. Due to >> budget cuts the Michigan Department of Agriculture will not be providing >> this service but they will oversee the work conducted by MOFFA non-profit >> 501-3c organization. (www.MOFFA.org <http://www.moffa.org/>). >> >> Perspective farmers and processors eligible for the cost share will be >> sent an application through the US mail. Certified organic Michigan farmers >> who do not receive a letter can also apply by accessing the form through the >> MOFFA web site (www.MOFFA.org <http://www.moffa.org/>) or calling MOFFA >> to have an application sent to you (248-262-6826). The time line for >> applications will be from August 4 through September 2, 2010. It is >> important to send in all needed documents with the completed form as there >> will not be adequate time to do follow up due to the short window of time. >> >> * >> Seeking your input for the 2011 MOFFA Organic Conference* >> >> Whether you are organic farmer or an organic food advocate the Michigan >> Organic Food and Farming Alliance Conference committee is seeking your >> input. Please tell us topics you would like to have presented at the next >> conference which will be on March 5, 2011 at the Kellogg Conference Center, >> East Lansing, MI. Do you know of a speaker that you have enjoyed in the past >> and would like to hear again? Please send us their contact information. Send >> your ideas to [log in to unmask] . We look forward to your input and >> a chance to serve you well. >> >> > > 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