Michigan Organic Listserv
May 31, 2011
Views in this newsletter are not reflective of MSU or its staff. Build your knowledge and share your thoughts-respectfully
If you are interested in learning about upcoming Farm Bill Discussion Sessions contact Senator Stabenow’s office today. You can request to be contacted about future events for the Farm Bill planning. When contacting her you can share your opinions about what should be included in the 2012 Farm Bill or if you would like to have a Farm Bill event held in your area.
Help Protect Organic Farming and Conservation Funding
Call Senator Stabenow Today!
(D.C.) 202-224-4822/517-203-1760 (Lansing)
Congress is working on its budget negotiations for 2012. The House 2012 Appropriations Bill currently being debated would cut research, conservation, and organic programs, which provide crucial resources for organic and sustainable farmers.
The Senate is developing their budget right now, and it needs to offer a clear alternative to the current House bill.
Here's Why:
- Under the House Appropriations Bill, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) would be cut by 10 percent relative to FY 2011. The National Organic Program (NOP) will share in these cuts.
- The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA) would be funded at $2 million, down from the FY 2010 level of $2.8, and up from the zeroing out it received for FY 2011.
- Farm bill conservation funding would be cut by nearly $1 billion. The bill would even force the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to break contracts it has already signed with farmers enrolled in the Conservation Stewardship Program!
- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (SARE) funding would be cut by $3 million. The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) would be cut by $40 million.
- The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program would be cut by $6.4 million. The Rural Micro-Lending program would be completely eliminated.
- Doing the bidding of multinational meat and poultry conglomerates, the bill forbids the USDA from using any funds to write or publish the Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rule to make livestock and poultry markets fairer and more competitive, a rule Congress directed USDA to write as part of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Senator Stabenow heads on the subcommittee that decides agricultural funding levels.
Your quick call to Senator Stabenow today is crucial to ensure organic and conservation program funding in 2012.
The Points to Make are Simple:
- As a constituent of Senator Stabenow, I’m asking that she please support funding for critical research, organic, and conservation programs in 2012 that are important to organic agriculture.
- Please fund the National Organic Program at $9.89 million. Organics is the fastest growing agricultural sector in the U.S., and organics need full funding to respond to growing consumer demand.
- Please fund the Organic Transitions Integrated Research Program<http://ofrf.org/policy/factsheet_organic-transitions_0411.pdf> (ORG) at $5 million, and the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service<http://attra.ncat.org/> (also known as ATTRA) at $3 million, both of which help meet farmers’ research and information needs.
- The Environmental Quality Incentives Program<http://ofrf.org/policy/federal_legislation/farm_bill_implementation/eqip_oi_resource_page.html> (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program<http://ofrf.org/policy/federal_legislation/farm_bill_implementation/csp_resource_page.html> (CSP), and other conservation programs must retain maximum funding to support rural economies and protect soil and water quality.
- The cuts proposed are unjust, threatening economic recovery in rural communities struggling to create jobs, find new markets, and renew economic life.
To learn more about how the House 2012 Appropriations Bill would slash conservation, organic, rural development, and research programs, go to http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/houe-ag-fy12-approps-bill/.
Your calls make a difference-THANK YOU!
Why Should You Voice Your Opinion?
It's not every day, or even every year, that you have the opportunity to participate in the formulation of federal legislation that determines the direction of agriculture in the United States. Every 5 years, Congress takes up the Farm Bill, and the time for the 2012 Farm Bill debate has come. In Michigan you have a unique opportunity to influence the Farm Bill's potential to support organic agriculture because the Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee is your own Senator Debbie Stabenow.
We urge you to join the organic farming community in Michigan in letting Senator Stabenow know just how important organic agriculture is to America and how critical it is to promote organic ag programs in the 2012 Farm Bill.
"Organic agriculture is one of the fastest growing sectors of agriculture, creating jobs in rural America and lucrative market opportunities for American family farmers. How do you plan to promote and protect organic farming and farmers in the 2012 Farm Bill?"
You can submit testimony by June 7th to the same email address.
Why Should You Attend a Session?
Negotiations are already under way to determine what will and will not be included in the 2012 Farm Bill. Substantial budget cuts are being proposed, both to mandatory 2008 Farm Bill programs, and to programs that would likely otherwise be included in the 2012 Farm Bill. We understand the need to reduce spending, but Congress should take a fair and balanced approach, and not only single out specific programs that benefit organic farmers. We need Senator Stabenow to see how much support there is for protecting funding for organic agriculture and conservation programs in the next Farm Bill. We need you, the farmers and farm supporters, to show up.
What's At Stake?
A few of the organic programs that are funded in the 2008 Farm Bill that need to be re-funded in the 2012 Farm Bill include the following:
* Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI)
Administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, OREI is USDA’s flagship competitive grants program dedicated to organic research and extension activities. OREI funds research projects on organic agricultural systems, ranging from improving weed management and developing organic seed to enhancing environmental sustainability and carbon sequestration on organic farms.
* National Organic Certification Cost-share Program (NOCCSP)
This cost-share program helps certified organic farmers and handlers offset the costs of certification by providing a small reimbursement of no more that $750 per year.
* Organic Production and Market Data Initiatives (ODI)
A small but significant initiative, ODI received $5 million over five years in the last farm bill to fund basic USDA data collection on the organic sector.
* Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative (EQIP OI) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
USDA National Resource Conservation Programs that provide financial incentives for farmers to conserve land for environmental benefits and to implement practices, such as organic agricultural methods, that are environmentally sustainable.
* National Organic Program (NOP)
NOP enforces the national organic program standards, accredits certifiers, develops equivalency agreements, handles complaints - in essence, NOP ensures the integrity of the organic seal.
According to the announcement about the hearing from Senator Debbie Stabenow:
As you know, this legislation has broad implications for agriculture as well as sweeping impact on our energy, conservation, rural development, research, forestry and nutrition policies. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and to be a part of the official record of committee debate.
New Sustainable Ag Research and Extension (SARE) Website
SARE has created a website that is easier to use and contains more helpful information when seeking resources or applying for a grant. Visit today: http://www.northcentralsare.org/Grants/Types-of-Grants/Farmer-Rancher-Grant-Program
The Farmer/Rancher grants is intended to help farmers explore sustainable solutions to problems through on-farm research, demonstration, and education projects. A single farmer can apply for a grant for a maximum of $7500, farmer partners can apply for up to $15,000 and a group of farmers can apply for up to $22,500. The deadline for applications is December 1 each year. The project can be up to 2 years.
Farm Bill Update
Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
NSAC Archives for May, 2011
http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/2011/05/
Over 50 Groups Deliver Letter Opposing Cuts to Conservation Programs
On Tuesday, May 31, NSAC and more than 50 other organizations delivered a letter to members of the House Appropriations Committee in opposition to the conservation cuts contained in fiscal year (FY) 2012 agriculture appropriations bill passed by the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee last week.
The letter was delivered ahead of markup of the FY2012 bill by the full House Appropriations Committee today at 5 pm.
The letter begins, “The undersigned organizations, representing millions of members across the country, urge you to oppose the massive cuts to agricultural conservation programs proposed in the fiscal year 2012 agriculture appropriations legislation. This proposed legislation includes nearly $1 billion in cuts to farm bill conservation programs. These cuts would come in addition to the $500 million that was already cut from farm bill conservation accounts during the fiscal year 2011 appropriations process.”
In the letter, the groups oppose the cuts proposed to both the easement programs and the working lands programs, as well as the $100 million cut to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) technical assistance to farmers and ranchers.
The letter concludes, “Failure to support our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and natural resource base today will jeopardize our agricultural industry, drive up long term costs for environmental mitigation, and threaten our nation’s food security. We ask the House Appropriations Committee to recognize the importance of agricultural conservation programs and ensure that reasonable funding levels are continued.”
Visit our earlier post on the FY2012 appropriations bill for a detailed account of the proposed cuts to conservation, extension, research, renewable energy, and rural development programs.
NSAC will be attending full Committee markup this afternoon, and will keep you informed of any amendments offered or changes made to the bill.
Staenow’s First Farm Bill Hearing in East Lansing.
The house was full and the time was packed. Three representative groups shared their experiences and concerns around what the Farm Bill does and can offer. They shared which programs within the Farm Bill were most important to their Agriculture business. They offered some insights on what could be changed to improve programs and then how their business has developed due to using some of the conservation programs offered through the Farm Bill.
The Farm Bill is written every 4 years to offer our agriculture businesses with opportunities through education, funding programs and opportunities to be a stronger and more viable business while enhancing the environment. Examples of programs funded through the Farm Bill through the USDA Soil Conservation Services including EQIP, NRCS, ACRES, and various loan programs offered by FSA (Farming Service Agency). Every farm in the U.S. has the opportunity to apply for any of these programs and benefit the farm business while improving the ecology.
Sen. Stabenow Holds First 2012 Farm Bill Hearing
May 27th, 2011
On Thursday, May 26, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed members of the Senate Agriculture Committee at the Committee’s first hearing on the 2012 Farm Bill.
A second panel of witnesses followed, comprised of former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman, Michigan farmer and United Soybean Board founding director Barry Mumby, Dr. Andrew Rosenberg of Conservation International, Douglas DeVries of Deer and Company, and Dr. Per Pinstrup-Anderson, Professor of Applied Economics at Cornell University.
In response to a question from Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Committee, Secretary Vilsack listed his top three lessons learned as 1) the importance of investing in research, both public and private, 2) the need to conserve natural resources, and 3) the need to use science and technology to solve problems.
Vilsack stressed the difficulty of achieving results with a tightened budget, given that “no doubt the 2012 Farm Bill will be smaller than the 2008 Farm Bill.” He asked the Committee to avoid “prescriptive programs” and give USDA the flexibility to shift funding as needed as long as it meets overall goals.
At the same time, Vilsack noted that he was concerned about the proposed cuts to USDA conservation programs, because of their benefit to both producers and the environment. Referencing the Conservation Effects Assessment Program (CEAP)<http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/chesapeake-bay-ceap/>, he argued that conservation programs are working and farmers are willing to enroll, but the programs still need to do more. According to the Secretary, completed CEAP assessments, which focus on particular watersheds around the country, show that we need to promote an integrated approach to conservation, whereby farmers implement a suite of interrelated conservation practices rather than individual, unrelated practices.
He noted that cuts to conservation programs would be particularly harmful to mid-sized producers and that many would find it difficult to maintain their operations without support for conservation. The Secretary also specifically mentioned the need to fully fund conservation technical assistance, which is used by NRCS to put ‘boots on the ground’ to help farmers and ranchers implement conservation practices. Technical assistance has been chronically underfunded, and is once again cut in the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee’s fiscal year 2012 appropriations bill, which the Subcommittee passed earlier this week<http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/house-ag-approp-passes-fy12/>.
Although USDA has had success with the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program<http://sustainableagriculture.net/publications/grassrootsguide/farming-opportunities/beginning-farmer-development-program/>, Vilsack testified, it has not been enough to reverse the trend of an aging and shrinking base of farmers and ranchers. He suggested a greater focus on creating and supporting new farmers and ranchers, perhaps by giving credit for “sweat equity” or modifying the tax code.
Another area of concern to Secretary Vilsack was the elimination of the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP)<http://sustainableagriculture.net/publications/grassrootsguide/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-energy-efficiency/> in the House Agriculture Appropriations bill. Cutting funding would “make it very tough to get ethanol to market…don’t pull the rug out too fast,” he urged. The Secretary argued that, alternatively, ethanol subsidies should be ratcheted down slowly while resources are shifted to the production of advanced biofuels.
Finally, Sen. Johanns (R-NE) asked Vilsack about the role of crop insurance in the safety net. Vilsack stressed that it depends on the crop, and urged the Committee to be mindful of the fact that many small and mid-size farmers depend on other supports, such as conservation and rural development programs.
Crop News
Phytophthora diseases a threat to strawberries during excessively wet conditions
If your strawberries are susceptible to leather rot, improving field drainage and maintaining straw mulch between the fruit and the soil are the key control methods.
Published May 25, 2011
Annemiek Schilder, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Plant Pathology
Leather rot, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora cactorum, can cause considerable losses in years with lots of rain during early fruit development. Fruit is susceptible at all stages of fruit development and entire fruit clusters may be killed. Small green berries become brown and hard. Larger green berries may appear brown and leathery while mature berries turn off-pink or light brown and have a pungent, chemical-like odor. I sometimes call them “Neapolitan” berries because they may have a gradation of beige, pink and brown colors. The strong odor distinguishes this disease from other fruit rots.
Leather rot is primarily a problem in fields with little straw cover or areas with puddles of water, so that the berries are in direct contact with the soil and standing or splashing water. Oospores of Phytophthora cactorum can survive in the soil for many years and germinate under wet conditions in the spring. Swimming zoospores can reach berries directly or get splashed onto the fruit from the soil.
The key control methods are maintaining a good layer of straw mulch between the fruit and the soil and improving drainage in the field. Leather rot is caused by the soil-borne fungus Phytophthora cactorum.
Leather rot has been reported in many regions throughout the United States. In many areas, it is considered a minor disease of little economic importance. However, excessive rainfall during May, June, and July can lead to severe fruit losses and quality reduction. In 1981, many commercial growers in the Midwest lost up to 50 percent of their crop to leather rot. The leather rot fungus primarily attacks the fruit but may also infect blossoms. Organic fungicides (sulfur and copper) are not effective for control. The key control methods in organic as well as conventional systems are maintaining a good layer of straw mulch between fruit and the soil, and site selection or improvement for good water drainage (avoid saturated soil). This portion from Ohio State University IPM News http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/fruitpathology/organic/strawberry/fruit.html
Although red stele, caused by Phytophthora fragariae, is rare in Michigan due to our predominantly sandy soils, it may flare up on heavier soils this year, especially if there is standing water for several days. Symptoms include rapid collapse and death of plants, particularly in wetter portions of the field, and rotted roots. When roots are cut open, the central vascular cylinder (the stele) is reddish brown while the root cortex may still be creamy in color. Good drainage is the best management technique, but this may not be feasible in all sites.
Anthracnose infection risk model launched on Enviro-weather
Use Enviro-weather’s anthracnose fruit rot model to track potential for this infection from bloom until harvest.
Published May 25, 2011
Annemiek Schilder, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Plant Pathology
The anthracnose fruit rot model is now available on the Enviro-weather website<http://www.enviroweather.msu.edu/homeMap.php>. The model indicates the risk of fruit infection from bloom until harvest, assuming that Colletotrichum acutatum inoculum is available in the field. If you have a susceptible cultivar and have had anthracnose fruit rot in the past, this is a likely assumption, particularly in the period from bloom until pea-size berry and during fruit ripening.
The risk of infection is based on wetness duration and temperature that promote fungal spore germination and penetration of the fruit surface. The closer to the optimum temperature (77°F) and the longer the fruit stays wet (from rain, dew or irrigation), the greater the risk of infection. The risk is indicated as “none,” “low,” “moderate” or “high.” The model can only use past weather information, which means that it can tell you what the risk of infection was last night, but not what it will be a week from now.
To read and see the Enviro-weather website visit http://expeng.anr.msu.edu/news/article/anthracnose_infection_risk_model_launched_on_enviro_weather
Are you ready for a GAP audit?
Here are some pointers on how to assess your readiness for a USDA GAP audit.
Published May 25, 2011
Phil Tocco, Michigan State University Extension
You have spent months preparing yourself and your farm. You have implemented numerous changes on-farm to enhance the safety and quality of the food that you grow. You feel you are ready for a GAP audit. Now what?
Applying for a USDA audit is fairly simple. The first step is to fill out an audit request form. Remember that the cost of a USDA audit is $92 per hour. This begins when the auditor leaves for the farm. Because of this, you may find it economical to coordinate audits with other growers in your area to minimize the cost.
Before the auditor arrives, you may wish to make sure all your records are in the order that they will be handled on the USDA GAP’s checklist. This is not only good practice, but will probably save you money. The less time you spend flipping through records to get to a necessary document, the less time you have to pay the auditor.
The auditor is looking for evidence of a system written in the GAP Manual to minimize incidence of produce contamination, visual evidence that it is taking place and documentation that it has been taking place in the past. If you are able to show evidence of these three components in place in all aspects of your farm, you will pass an audit.
Growers with specific questions or who are having difficulty tailoring GAPs to their farm are welcome to contact the Agrifood Safety Work Group<http://www.gaps.msue.msu.edu/afsm.html> at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or 517-788-4292 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 517-788-4292 end_of_the_skype_highligh For more information on requesting a USDA GAP audit, ask for the Guidance Document AFSM020-01.
Tracking the spread of two new invasive insect pests in Michigan vegetable fields
The spotted wing Drosophila and the brown marmorated stinkbug are being monitored to determine population spread and management.
Published May 25, 2011
Zsofia Szendrei, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Entomology
In May 2011, the MSU Vegetable Entomology Program<http://vegetable.ent.msu.edu/> started monitoring in Michigan vegetable fields for two new invasive species: the spotted wing Drosophila and the brown marmorated stinkbug. Common to both these species is they originate in Asia and are capable of attacking a wide range of crops including many vegetables.
While the Drosophila started spreading from the western United States, the stinkbug is arriving to Michigan from the eastern United States. Both species were first discovered in Michigan in the past two to three years, so currently their populations are expected to be low in vegetable fields because of their relatively new status. Brown marmorated stinkbugs attack crops such as green beans, tomatoes, peppers and sweet corn. The spotted wing Drosophila prefers to attack soft fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes.
Initially, we are interested in understanding where and how many can be found of both species in Michigan vegetable crops. Once we locate them, we will also be looking at the change in their abundance in different crops over the season, the levels of damage they cause and options for management. Currently, we have six vegetable sites for monitoring in southern Michigan. Each site has a black-light and two pyramid traps for monitoring brown marmorated stinkbugs, and one spotted wing Drosophila trap per site. Traps will be checked weekly and the numbers of insects caught recorded from May to October 2011.
Our monitoring effort is supported by the Michigan Vegetable Council<http://www.michiganvegetablecouncil.org/index.php> and the North Central IPM Center<http://www.ncipmc.org/>.
For photos and more information on the biology and identification of these insects, please visit the web site http://www.ipmnews.msu.edu/fruit/Fruit/tabid/123/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/3247/Brown-Marmorated-Stink-Bug.aspx :
Dr. Szendrei’s work is funded in part by MSU’s AgBioResearch.<http://agbioresearch.msu.edu/>
Planting a cover crop on prevented planting acres - Maintain prevented planting acres by planting a cover crop which will provide protection of water and wind erosion and will suppress weed populations.
Published May 26, 2011
Paul Gross, Michigan State University Extension
The extremely wet and cool spring in Michigan is causing planting delays and in some cases fields may never dry out to allow planting. The window for planting corn and soybeans is narrowing and may soon qualify for prevented planting. If this is the case, producers are advised to contact their crop insurance agent for eligibility of payments under prevented planting provisions of their crop insurance policy. Farmers should also contact the Farm Service Agency<http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=landing&topic=landing> in order to maintain eligibility for Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP).
Farmers with prevented planting have several options for these acres. These acres should be protected from water and wind erosion and must be maintained to control the growth of weeds. One option farmers should consider is establishing a cover crop. Cover crops provide for protection of water and wind erosion and can suppress weed populations. Other benefits of planting a cover crop include helping build soil and sequestering nutrients.
Selecting a cover crop should be based on cost, ease of management, time of planting, soil characteristics and crop rotation. Some options would include oats, cereal rye, sorghum-sudangrass, sudangrass, oilseed radish, winter peas, sweet clover or crimson clover. Each of these cover crop species can provide different attributes. Select the one that will meet your goals for planting the cover crop.
Farmers may want to consider a cocktail mix of cover crops. A mixture will ensure that something will grow over the variable soil types in Michigan fields. Having all summer and fall for growth will allow deep rooting and more nitrogen fixation. Mixtures that include oilseed radish, legume and a grass will provide the best overall soil improvement including compaction correction. Caution is needed when planting seeds of different sizes as different equipment may be required to assure proper seed placement.
More information on selecting cover crops and the attributes of the various species can be found by using the Cover Crops Decision Tool<http://mcccdev.anr.msu.edu/> on the Midwest Cover Crop Council<http://www.mccc.msu.edu/> web site.
Michigan’s Cottage Food Law Webinar-Learn about it and get a new business started!
The Michigan Cottage Food Law went into effect last year and offers entrepreneurs a chance to see if their food business has the chance for success. If you would like to see which foods are permitted to be prepared and sold WITHOUT A CERTIFIED KITCHEN visit the MDARD web site: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mda/MDA-CFFAQ-MASTER_327558_7.pdf (copy and paste into your browser)
For more information contact:
Jeannie Nichols
20 Care Drive, Hillsdale, MI 49242
Phone: 517-439-9301
Fax: 517-439-4290
www.msue.msu.edu/hillsdale
Seeking Farmers to Share and Participate
Visit their web site to obtain an application Due by June 10 to receive the early registration discount-http://homegrownfestival.org
HomeGrown Festival in ANN ARBOR, MI, September 10th, 2011 from 6-11pm. Held under the historic Ann Arbor Farmers' Market pavilion, the fourth annual HomeGrown Festival will take place on Saturday, September 10th, 2011 from 6-11pm at 315 Detroit Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The HomeGrown Festival showcases a vibrant local food system and seeks to strengthen community food security in Southeast Michigan. Admission to the Festival is free.
Affordable small-plate portions ($1-$6) prepared by local chefs committed to cooking with seasonal, local food will be available for purchase. For adults over age 21, tasting portions of dozens of Michigan's small producer beer, wine, mead and hard-ciders will be available for purchase.
In addition, the Festival hosts a line-up of popular bands (with dancing), special activities for kids, a silent auction, tastings and chef demonstrations, and many options for learning about the people and places that make up this region's diverse and productive foodshed.
Applications for chef/restaurant, farmer, sponsor, brewery, winery, non-profit, and volunteer participation are now available at the HomeGrown website: http://www.homegrownfestival.org/apply
By choosing sustainable materials, and by composting, and re-using as much of the Festival infrastructure as possible, Festival organizers work to make this event as close to zero waste as possible. Organizers have asked the Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition to offer their "bike valet" parking and security service to make it easy to arrive by non-motorized transport.
Project Grow Community Gardens will bring more than 50 varieties for their heirloom tomato tasting - from Snow White to Aunt Ruby's German Green to Black Zebra. The Slow Food Huron Valley Great Lakes Heirloom project will showcase over 30 heirloom vegetables that have been grown in this region for more than 60 years.
The HomeGrown Festival, first held in 2008, is a grassroots phenomena, completely organized and staffed by volunteers. In 2010, the HomeGrown Festival drew over 6000 people to the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market.
HomeGrown Festival logos and artwork were designed by local artist Melanie Boyle, whose medium is traditional Chinese paper cuts. All logos feature the foods of Michigan.
The HomeGrown Local Food Summit, an annual local food conference, grew out of the need identified at the HomeGrown Festival for networking and strategic planning among food system stakeholders. Over 300 attended the 3rd annual Summit in 2011.
At the request of HomeGrown Festival organizers, Mayor John Hieftje issued proclamations in 2008, 2009 and 2010 declaring the month of September Ann Arbor's "Local Food Month." This year's proclamation is expected to be released in August.
Although Washtenaw County spends over $1 billion dollars per year on its food, less than 1% of that food is grown within the county. Keeping those food dollars circulating in Washtenaw County would not only help to create more farms and stimulate the local economy, it would also support community food security, defined in part as the ability of our region to be self-sufficient in producing enough to feed our population.
FESTIVAL SUMMARY
- 12 area chefs who prioritize local food in their restaurants and businesses have been matched with local farms to prepare affordable ($1-$6) small-plate tasting portions.
- 20 Michigan beer and wine vendors will each bring multiple labels to taste, in addition to Michigan-made mead and traditional hard cider.
- 4 popular local bands will provide live Main Stage music, with smaller acoustic sets throughout the Festival, from folk to Latin jazz to blues to funk and soul.
- 40 Silent Auction donors.
- 20 Food System (and related) Non-profits.
- 35 Local food and artisan vendors (with tastings!)
- 50 Heirloom Tomato varieties in the Project Grow Tomato Tasting.
- Hands-on kid and educational activities including the "Farm Stand" educational display highlighting area farms and the Great Lakes Heirloom Seed Project.
- Dancing, tastings, demos, panel discussions and more.
We are Proud to Introduce Ohio's first Permaculture/GreenBuilding Education Non-Profit, This-Land.org. After 3 years of building up the Permaculture scene here in the Ohio of Valley, with over 70 Certified graduates, and hundreds introduced to the evolutionary & holistic concepts of Permaculture we are happy to share that we now have Non-Profit to work under.
We will be dedicated to the reskilling of Ohio and the Tristate region as well as the Ohio River Valley as we learn to get back to working with the Earth and heal it during these turbulent times to create a regenerative culture for millenia to come.
We are still getting established but hope to have course offerings by midsummer ranging from our core Permaculture Courses taught by our premier line up of teachers to courses that will give you the skills to begin your career in Relocalization and creating Regenerative Communities.
If you would like to learn more please visit This-Land.org, which was recently developed by our intern Matt Gillespie from UC's Industrial Design Program.
Also if you have a skill and resume that supports it and would like to teach please contact us ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) as we are always looking for skilled teachers that need a platform to share their knowledge with the greater community. Or if you have a site that could be a great educational tool for Green Building or Permaculture and would like to join our list of educational sites please contact us, as well developed sites create for great classrooms.
Well we hope you will be able to join us for courses as we lay the foundation for a regenerative future for the next millenia.
Braden Trauth, Co-Executive Director , This-Land.org, 513-569-2579
OMValleypermaculture.com
OM Valley Permaculture
Production News
Discuss options if you cannot grow wheat
Due to the very high risk of Fusarium head scab on wheat, MSUE’s wheat educator, Martin Nigelkirk is calling a meeting to describe management techniques and preventative planning for wheat growers-what are the implications to plant other crop types and how to work with crop insurance. Soft white wheat is very susceptible but other wheat types are also susceptible, and with any contamination the grain will be rejected. The meeting will be held in Sandusky the MSUE office, 37 Austin St, Sandusky, MI, starting at 9:30 till noon or later if you still have questions. Contact information for Martin is: [[log in to unmask]] or his cell: 810 404 3400. If you cannot attend this session you may call him to arrange for other sessions with a group of farmers.
CAT Alerts-A tool useful to every farmer:
CAT Alerts have transitioned to new website, to help keep focus on timely information
Using this web site you can keep track of which pests to be concerned about, how to manage crops sustainably and findings from research that help to improve farming practices.
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Growers previously receiving Crop Advisory Team (CAT) Alerts now have access to the integrated pest management (IPM) information they are used to, plus much more, through a new website developed by Michigan State University (MSU) Extension<http://www.msue.msu.edu>. CAT Alerts have been published for more than 25 years as a way to share unbiased, science-based recommendations to farmers involved in any aspect of plant agriculture, including the landscape and nursery industry. The site, MSU Extension News for Agriculture<http://www.news.msue.msu.edu>, was developed based on feedback from Michigan farmers and commodity groups indicating an interest in more CAT-like information for other areas beyond plant agriculture. It features timely articles about multiple subjects, including crop production and IPM.
“We were publishing in silos,” said CAT Alerts editor Joy Landis. “Previously a farmer who grows fruits and vegetables for their own farm market would need to go to various websites to catch all the relevant information from MSU Extension. Now, all the information they need is in one website, available by clicking through links to different areas. It made sense to bring the IPM information from CAT Alerts into this new site where all agricultural production and business information is featured.”
MSU Extension News for Agriculture features new articles daily, highlighting the most relevant, up-to-date information and research from MSU in one convenient location, including articles that would have been distributed through CAT Alerts previously. Time-sensitive articles, like those from CAT Alerts, are labeled as a “Hot Topic” in red text to ensure that growers are aware of priority issues.
Landis encourages CAT Alert readers to visit the new site and investigate the various plant and animal agriculture sections to become familiar with the depth of information available and the organization of the website. She also notes that archives of CAT Alerts from the last five years will be added to the MSU Extension News for Agriculture website throughout the summer and will be accessible through the search engine feature.
“We know our CAT readers appreciated the way our information was tailored for the current season and delivered promptly,” said Landis. “We are committed to continuing that service through the articles posted at the new site.”
MSU Extension News for Agriculture can be found at www.news.msue.msu.edu<http://www.news.msue.msu.edu> and is designed with functionality for both smart phones and other mobile devices. For more information about the website, contact Landis at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or Beth Stuever at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.
Grant Opportunities
For Research on Transitioning Farms-USDA Deadline to apply is June 30, 2011.
"The overall goal of the Organic Transitions Program (ORG) is to support the development and implementation of research, extension and higher education programs to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers, as well as those who are adopting organic practices. In FY 2011, ORG will focus on environmental services provided by organic farming systems that support soil conservation and contribute to climate change mitigation. Practices and systems to be addressed include those associated with organic crops, organic animal production (including dairy), and organic systems integrating plant and animal production."
http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/organic_trans_icgp.html
Job Opportunities
Young Person Seeking a Job Opportunity
My name is Shawn Desai and I just graduated from MSU on the 8th. I am contacting you because I am interested in a job as a farmhand on any of the organic farms that you collect data from preferably in Southeastern Michigan (where I was born and raised). I realize that you are not directly concerned with facilitating the organic farming labor market and you would have to go out of your way to get me the opportunity or information to get in touch with one of the farms seeking extra hands, but I know that this organization is the best to contact to get started. My degree is a B.A. in Economics but I am a fast learner and a hard worker who would be interested in minimum wage farm work. I would be happy with any information you could provide me.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Shawn Desai
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Seeker Farmer Manager Couple for farming Minerva Ohio
We are still looking for someone (preferably a younger couple, i.e.
less than 40) to partner with us to manage our farm in Minerva, OH.
We were in serious negotiations with someone, but they have decided to pursue other goals.
We are transitioning 17.5 ac. to organic fruit & veg. production. We are offering housing, a share of profit, eventual equity partnership in the farm operation, and lots of independence. Skills needed include commercial scale production ability and general construction/ renovation skills (houses on the property need repair & renovation).
We are very flexible regarding terms, if this sounds like an opportunity that fits, please reply to our e-mail address or call us at 330-494-1775.
Kip Gardner
High School Nutrition Education Summer Program Coordinator
Date: May 17th, 2011
Position Open Until Filled
Position Overview: Help develop and facilitate programming which trains high school youth as nutrition educators for younger youth through Growing Hope's summer garden-based nutrition education programming.
Position Responsibilities:
● Directly supervise, schedule, and train up to six high school nutrition educator interns from June 13th - Sept 2nd
● Work with youth program manager to develop and formalize a training curriculum for high school nutrition educators to pilot and implement this summer, in conjunction with our regular summer youth programming for middle and elementary-aged youth
● Create opportunities for high school youth to plan, teach, and reflect on the implementation of garden-based, interactive and hands-on nutrition education lessons
● Develop and reinforce positive youth development and leadership skills by facilitating strengths-based, youth-driven lesson creation and implementation
● Help develop evaluation strategies for measuring impact on high school participants, elementary, and middle school youth via program participation
● Work closely with VISTA staff and youth program manager to develop a coordinated schedule and program planning for high school interns that aligns with our summer youth programming for elementary and middle school youth
● Work with Growing Hope staff to provide opportunities for high school interns to participate in regular training opportunities as it relates to facilitating nutrition education lessons for younger youth, involvement in urban farm and garden development, and other Growing Hope program areas
● Assist in hiring and interview process for high school nutrition educators
● Help make program decisions based on nutrition education grant deliverables and organizational objectives
● Consistently document and track lesson plan development, implementation and reflection, with successes and challenges and recommendations for the future, through regular written reports and photographs that are inclusive of youth and other Growing Hope staff feedback and input
● Participate in Growing Hope staff meetings and other supervision, program coordination and development meetings with staff and community partners as needed
● Ensure all high school intern hours are recorded daily and submitted to the office manager bi-weekly
● Give and receive regular feedback both with high school interns and Growing Hope staff and supervisor
● Help identify and communicate high school intern needs- create and implement training as able
● Set boundaries for youth participants and follow-through on logical consequences and disciplinary actions if needed
● Prioritize physical safety of youth and ensure proper food safety and handling requirements are adhered to throughout program duration by all staff and youth participants
● Self-manage own work schedule to accomplish work plan objectives within allotted hours for this position with regular written reports
● Monitor and track program expenses in alignment with program budget and Growing Hope's financial policies and procedures
● Ensure all program supplies are available or purchased, and safely stored and organized on-site as needed
● Research and gather example materials and best practices from other related programs and organizations in the state and country
For Additional Information and Apply:
● Submit a cover letter and resume to [log in to unmask] or P.O. Box 980129 / Ypsilanti, MI 48198
● Questions can be directed by phone to Elissa at the Growing Hope office: (734) 786-8401
Farm hand wanted in SE Ohio
Older woman with 170 hilly acres, half wooded, half pasture seeks younger partner to expand operation.
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Junction City 43748
Seeking AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator
South Lansing Community Development Association
AmeriCorps Farmers Market and South Lansing Urban Gardens Volunteer
Position Overview
Coordinate volunteers to establish a sustainable community-based food system in South Lansing through Farmers Market, youth gardens, community gardens, and nutrition education.
Responsibilities
Coordinate volunteers to assist with Farmers Market activities (Saturdays, June-September).
Coordinate volunteers to assist with youth garden programs.
Distribute seeds and plant starts among local gardeners.
Provide technical and organizational support to existing and potential gardeners.
Collaborate with other organizations to provide nutrition, garden, and physical education workshops for community members.
Present information at community meetings, classes and events (e.g. neighborhoods, schools, churches, Farmers
Markets) about the connection between access to healthy food/recreation and positive health outcomes.
Collaborate with local youth and other community service organizations to build garden boxes, container gardens, and raised beds.
Recruit neighborhood-based garden mentors and Learn While You Burn leaders.
Assess needs and generate interest in community gardens (perform outreach through surveys, interviews, flyers, emails, newsletters).
Develop newsletter articles and updates about the garden program.
Attend weekly staff meetings and report on contacts, activities, and progress made.
Qualifications
Knowledge of horticulture (food production), dietetics, and fitness
Physical ability to perform hands-on tasks associated with gardening (bending, lifting, kneeling)
Ability to work well with a diverse socio-economic and ethnic population
Ability to take initiative, work independently, and manage time effectively
Ability to manage multiple tasks without compromising organization or attention to detail
Comfortable working at multiple sites
Ability to thrive in a small, fast‐paced non‐profit environment that values collaboration, creativity, and strong work ethic
Public speaking skills
Ability to work nights and weekends as needed
Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, and PowerPoint
Reliable transportation
Other Skills/Abilities Preferred
Summer-only AmeriCorps members will be required to complete 450 service hours from June 6 through August 26. They must also attend a mandatory AmeriCorps orientation at the Ingham County Health Department on June 6, 8, and 9.
Compensation: Members will be provided extensive training (on and off site), a $3,125 living allowance, a $1,415 educational award at the successful completion of the service term, and loan forbearance for qualified student loans.
For more information about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov. Contact Katie Ellero, AmeriCorps Program Coordinator, to apply. ([log in to unmask], 517-887-4596)
Vicki Morrone
C. S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems
Outreach Specialist for Organic Vegetable and Field Crops
303 Natural Resources
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542/517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (Fax)
www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu<http://www.michiganorganic.msu.edu/>
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
