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Happy Thanksgiving to all and wishing you health and happiness as you share this day with special family and friends. Peace to all! Michigan Organic Listserv Michigan State University C.S. Mott Group For Sustainable Food Systems Nov 22, 2011 Vicki Morrone [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> This info is to share and learn. MSU does not promote or endorse any product or company mentioned in this news Farm Bill Proposal Delivered to Super Committee House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders finally worked out a deal for 2012 Farm Bill. Compiled by staff Published: Nov 21, 2011 Nearly three weeks after their self-proclaimed deadline, leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees completed a proposal for the next farm bill and presented it to the deficit reduction Super Committee. The deal is contingent on the Super Committee reaching an agreement by this Wednesday's deadline for action, which at this time looks unlikely. Should the Super Committee fail, the Agriculture Committees next year would have to write the bill and it would be open to amendments from anti-agriculture lawmakers. Reports indicate that direct payments, Average Crop Revenue Election program, and the Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance program would be eliminated under the proposed commodity title while crop insurance would be expanded. Conservation programs would be reduced, a new dairy support program would be implemented replacing current dairy policy, and SNAP criteria could be changed. Most Rural Development programs will continue unchanged, including the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, the Biobased Market Program and the Refinery Assistance Program, although blender pumps and feasibility studies were excluded from the Rural Energy for America Program. The sugar program was continued, which drew fire from opponents. Larry Graham, Chairman of the Coalition for Sugar Reform and President of the National Confectioners Association, says the coalition is outraged by reports that the Agriculture Committees have recommended to the Joint Select Committee, extension of the current U.S. sugar policy. "The Agriculture Committees' proposal extends a costly government-controlled subsidy program that serves to benefit Big Sugar and other agribusiness interests," Graham said. "As other agriculture commodities are being rethought and modified, the sugar program should be thoroughly reformed to lower consumer costs and provide relief for American small businesses who are being crushed by the current, overly intrusive government program." Meanwhile, the cotton industry is pleased that a new crop insurance program for upland cotton was included in the proposal. The Stacked Income Protection Plan would address shallow revenue losses on an area-wide basis with producer premiums offset to the maximum extent possible using available cotton program spending authority. National Cotton Council Chairman Charles Parker says STAX provides an income safety net by making available for purchase an affordable revenue-based crop insurance program consistent with crop insurance delivery and complementary of existing crop insurance programs. National Farmers Union Press Release; Contact: Melisa Augusto, 202-314-3191, [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>; Tony Jarboe, 202-314-3104 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Agriculture Appropriations Bill a Disappointment for Family Farmers WASHINGTON (Nov. 17, 2011) – National Farmers Union<http://e2ma.net/go/10914633772/4046184/111590465/5030/goto:http://www.nfu.org/> (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement about the passage of H.R. 2112, the “minibus” legislation that includes the agricultural appropriations bill, along with two other appropriations bills and the continuing resolution to keep the federal government running through mid-December: “While NFU appreciates that the Agriculture Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2012 largely maintains overall discretionary funding levels, it is a disappointment for family farmers and ranchers. The bill prevents additional rulemaking for the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration rule that would have addressed the fundamental problem of competition and consolidation in the livestock marketplace. The bill also undercuts the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act by limiting funding for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. “These are two extraordinarily important issues for NFU members. We cannot allow the influence of the consolidated meat processors and Wall Street to trump the interests of family farmers and ranchers. NFU will continue to fight for the restoration of fairness in markets.” National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership. Educational Events and Opportunities Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable Expo http://glexpo.com/ Dec 6-8, DeVos Center in Grand Rapids, MI Thursday is Organic Day. Cost for single day registration is Buyers Reception at the Great Lakes Expo! To see all events for that day and each day visit: http://glexpo.com/index.php?c=highlights Thursday’s registration fee is only $40. To register for all 3 days the cost is $90 and then for a spouse of a registered person its only $25 and children under 18 are FREE. College students are $25 with ID. Only in person registration is available now. For more details visit: http://glexpo.com/ The following are the educational sessions planned for Thursday during the Expo Organic Soil Management Thursday morning 8:30 am Where: Gallery Overlook (upper level) Room A CCA Credits: SW(3.0) Moderator: Vicki Morrone, Outreach Specialist for Organic Fruit and Vegetable Growers, MSU 8:30 am 8:30 am ABC’s of Soil Biology • Florian Chirra, Extension Educator, The Ohio State Univ. 9:15 am Cover Crop Management on A Vegetable Farm-Different Farms, Different Systems • Tom and Vicki Zilke, Zilke Vegetable Farm, Milan, MI • Lee Arboreal, Eaters Guild Organic Farm, Bangor, MI 10:15 am Compost-Getting It TO and ON the Vegetable Farm • Rebeca Titus, Titus Farms, Leslie, MI 11:00 am On-Line Cover Crop Selector Tool-How It Works • Victoria Ackroyd, Crop & Soil Science Dept., MSU • Dean Baas, W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, MSU Extension 9:15 am Organic Marketing Thursday morning 9:00 am Where: Gallery Overlook (upper level) Room D Moderator: John Biernbaum, Horticulture Dept., MSU 9:00 am Organic Vegetable Production and Marketing at Au Naturel Farm •Paul and Alison Wiediger, Au Naturel Farm, Smiths Grove, KY Current Issues in Organic Fruit Production Thursday afternoon 1:00 pm Where: Grand Gallery (main level) Room C Recertification credits: 2 (1C, COMM CORE, PRIV CORE) CCA Credits: PM(1.5) CM(1.0) Moderator: Matt Grieshop, Entomology Dept., MSU 1:00 pm Update on Fungal and Nematode Based Biopesticides • Pete Nelson, Entomology Dept., MSU • Mark Whalon, Entomology Dept., MSU 1:15 pm Tending the Orchard Floor in Organic Systems • David Granatstein, Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, Washington State Univ. 2:00 pm Year Two of the MSU Organic High Tunnel Raspberry Project • Ben Gluck, Horticulture Dept., MSU • Eric Hanson, Horticulture Dept., MSU 2:15 pm Update on the Apple Flea Weevil • Matt Grieshop, Entomology Dept., MSU • Anne Nielson, Entomology Dept., MSU • John Pote, Entomology Dept., MSU 2:30 pm Organic Management of Fire Blight Roundtable • Jim Koan, Al-Mar Orchards, Flushing, MI • George Sundin, Plant Pathology Dept., MSU • David Granatstein, Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, Washington State Univ. • Matt Grieshop, Entomology Dept., MSU Organic Vegetable Production Thursday afternoon 1:00 pm Where: Grand Gallery (main level) Room A & B Recertification credits: 2 (1B, COMM CORE, PRIV CORE) CCA Credits: PM(0.5) CM(1.5) Moderator: Daniel Brainard, Horticulture Dept., MSU 1:00 pm Trap Cropping Strategies for Organic Vegetables • Sally Ann Miller, Plant Pathology Dept., The Ohio State Univ. 1:45 pm Post Harvest Management of Organic Vegetables • Randy Beaudry, Horticulture Dept., MSU 2:30 pm From Field to Market: Grower Perspectives on Post-Harvest Management • Lee Arboreal, Eaters Guild Organic Farm, Bangor, MI 10:15 am 11:00 am MOFFA will Host a Meet and Greet All Are Welcome!! Thursday, December 8, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Gallery Overlook (upper level) B, DeVos Place Convention Center This gathering is sponsored by the Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance (MOFFA) and is for farmers and others interested in organic farming. This will be an opportunity to meet MOFFA members and others interested in organic farming and organic food. You will learn what MOFFA has to offer and its membership opportunities, as well as tasting some of Michigan's organic foods. Meet The Buyers Reception hosted by MIFFS The event will take place Dec 6 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Imperial Ballroom of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) and partners will host the 2011 “Meet the Buyers” reception on December 6 in Grand Rapids during the 2011 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo to link Michigan growers with wholesale buyers and work toward getting more Michigan produce on store shelves and into restaurants. Mark your Calendars for the 2011 Meet the Buyers Reception at the Great Lakes Expo! The Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference http://smallfarmconference.com/ This is a vehicle to promote and build a local vibrant agriculture community, to equip the small farm community with the tools to be successful, and to be a forum for the open exchange of ideas within the small farm community. 13th Annual NMSFC Theme: Growing a Regional Food and Farm Legacy Located at the Grayling High School<http://www.casdk12.net/ghs04/>, in Grayling, MI Saturday, January 28, 2012 8:00am to 5:00pm $50/person, $35/additional person from same family or farm Registration form coming soon.. 2012 Michigan Family Farms Conference “Building Your Success with Local Products, Partnerships and Planning" http://www.miffs.org/mffc/index.asp When: Saturday, January 14, 2012 Where: Lakeview High School 15060 Helmer Road South Battle Creek, MI, 49015. Map it!<http://www.mapquest.com/maps?name=Lakeview+High+School&city=Battle+Creek&state=MI&address=15060+S+Helmer+Rd&zipcode=49015&country=US&latitude=42.289964&longitude=-85.238249&geocode=ADDRESS&id=6546750> Save the Date for the 9th annual Michigan Family Farms Conference on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, MI! This year’s theme is “Building Your Success with Local Products, Partnerships and Planning”, and the day-long conference is packed with 18 educational sessions to help participants succeed on their family farms. Sessions include pesticide certification, social media marketing, Cottage Food Law, hops production, careers in agricultural and natural resources, hoophouses, free-range poultry, cheese-making and more! Mark your calendars for this great conference. Registration will open in November. See the Save the Date card...<http://www.miffs.org/mffc/2012/2012MFFCcard.pdf> Mission Statement: The Michigan Family Farms Conference is a forum for beginning, small-scale and culturally diverse farmers to network, learn and build sustainable family farms. Keynote Speaker: Dan Carmody, President of the Eastern Market Corporation, is this year’s keynote speaker. Eastern Market has been feeding Detroit since 1891 and is one of the nation’s oldest and largest public markets. It has grown and evolved with the times, from the boom of the automotive industry to today’s recession, and is still offering fresh produce to Michigan families each Saturday. More than 350 people attended last year's conference to learn about sustainable agriculture, family farms and new opportunities to help farmers connect to resources, and to network and improve their operations. Mark your calendars now! Job and Graduate Student Opportunities Seeking Research Assistant The Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation & Resource Studies (CARRS) at Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) announces the availability of a research assistantship (RA) in Agri-Food Systems: Consumer Research beginning Fall Semester, 2012. This two-year project will focus on consumer perceptions of bird control techniques in agriculture, and involve the following research components: 1) focus groups, 2) a nationally representative online survey utilizing a conjoint format, and 3) experimental auctions. The results will characterize consumer willingness-to-pay for potential methods for limiting bird damage to specialty fruit crops, such as grapes, apples, blueberries and cherries. It will thus give producers information to make more informed decisions to adopt bird control techniques, and has the long-term potential to inform the development of more consumer-responsive ecolabels. The research assistant will contribute to all phases of this research, including design, implementation, analysis and public outreach, in collaboration with faculty members Dr. Phil Howard and Dr. Chi-Ok Oh. The time commitment will be 20 hours per week throughout the academic year, with the potential for summer employment. Compensation will be at the standard RA rate based on degree and workload, as well as health benefits and a tuition waiver. CARRS is an interdisciplinary department committed to engaged scholarship within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. Our teaching, research and public outreach address critical issues at the interfaces of agriculture, natural resources, recreation, and communities. The graduate program is very flexible, with opportunities to design a program of study with coursework from many other departments. Qualifications: Research assistants are expected to be highly motivated and interested in agri-food issues as part of their graduate study. They are also expected to be committed to interdisciplinary work and possess 1) exceptional analytic ability, 2) a strong background in statistics, and 3) well-developed writing skills. PhD students preferred, although master's students will be considered. Applicants should send a letter of application, resume/CV, copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to the address below. In your letter, please address your reasons for interest in the position and your training in academic research. Phil Howard 316 Natural Resources Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824–1222 Employment will begin August 16, 2012. Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and progress toward the student's degree. Review of applications will begin February 1, 2012 and continue until the deadline of March 1. Graduate program admission must be addressed separately and awarding of this RA is contingent upon acceptance into the graduate program. See http://www.carrs.msu.edu<http://www.carrs.msu.edu/> for more information. Contact: Phil Howard, [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>, (517) 355-8431<file://localhost/tel/%2528517%2529%20355-8431>. Philip H. Howard, Assistant Professor Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies (CARRS) 316 Natural Resources, Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 http://www.msu.edu/~howardp phone: 517-355-8431 MSU, Dept of CARRS seeking Academic Specialist A position description summary is listed below. Individuals interested in learning more about this position and/or applying should go to: https://jobs.msu.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1321557704946 to review additional position information. If the link above does not get you directly to the job posting, go to: https://jobs.msu.edu<https://jobs.msu.edu/> and search for faculty/academic staff position # 5469. Application deadline is December 8, 2011 Individuals with questions about the position can contact me at the e-mail below. Rich Pirog – Senior Associate Director, C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems Position Summary · Play a lead role in coordinating and submitting large research grant proposals on behalf of the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems (C.S. Mott Group); · Serve as the point of contact for inquiries about the C.S. Mott Group's research and/or outreach programs; · Coordinate development and expansion of the C.S. Mott Group's web site, posting research and outreach project results as well as marketing of the C.S. Mott Group's programs; · Play a lead role in coordinating and submitting large outreach grant proposals on behalf of the C.S. Mott Group; · Check in regularly with staff and faculty affiliates to stay abreast of project opportunities and provide support on existing grants where needed; · Provide presentations on the C.S. Mott Group's research and outreach programs to · MSU and non-MSU audiences as needed; · Serve as coordinator for C.S. Mott Group's advisory board meetings. Rich Pirog Senior Associate Director C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems CARRS 313 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Phone: 517-353-0694 E-mail: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Web:: www.mottgroup.msu.edu<http://www.mottgroup.msu.edu/> Safe Food Assessment & MAEAP Technician Posted on November 15, 2011<http://natureiscalling.org/maeap-job-opening/> by John Gessner<http://natureiscalling.org/author/john-gessner/> The Grand Traverse Conservation District is looking for a full-time Safe Food Assessment/MAEAP Technician! Please review the job description<http://natureiscalling.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Safe-Food-Assessment_MAEAP-Technician-Job-Description.pdf> to see if you’re qualified. To apply, all interested candidates should download the application<http://natureiscalling.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/GTCD-Application.pdf>, fill it out, and send it to Christine at [log in to unmask] along with a current resume and cover letter. Applications are due by 4:30 pm EDT, Tuesday, 29 November 2011. A brief position description: The Safe Food Assessment & MAEAP Technician will assist farmers through theMichigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and the Safe Food Risk Assessment program. S/He is responsible for preparing for and conducting on-site MAEAP and Safe Food Assessments; providing technical training and support to farmers and their employees; assisting in the development and implementation of farm-specific safety plans to help reduce environmental risks; assisting the MAEAP Water Stewardship Technician as needed; and participating in the Food and Farm Network. University of Michigan Seeking candidate in School of Public Heath Hi everyone - please help us spread the word about this open position, as part of the Cluster Hire in Sustainable Food Systems at the University of Michigan. This position will be based at the UM School of Public Health (Departmental home to be Environmental Health Science, Epidemiology or Health Behavior and Health Education, to be determined based on the best fit for the successful candidate). This is one of five new positions across the University intended to broaden and deepen theUniversity's commitment to research and teaching in the area of sustainablefood systems (http://ur.umich.edu/1011/Jun20_11/2428-final-interdisciplinary-junior). This is a unique and exciting opportunity for scholars in the area of Sustainable Food Systems working in the area of human health and the environment who will engage with a "cluster" of scholars across units at the University of Michigan. Please help to spread the word to those who may have an interest in applying! See attached for greater detail. Thanks everyone - Best, Amy Schulz, PhD, MPH Professor, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education University of Michigan School of Public Health Seeking an Agroecologist Prescott College is in the process of hiring an agroecologist (see link to ad below from the Chronicle of Higher Ed). I would greatly appreciate it if you would forward this announcement to anyone you think may have interest in the position. And one point of clarification--the position announcement indicates that it is not a tenure track job. This is true, but that is only because Prescott College does not have tenure, but instead hires faculty members with 1, 3 and then 5 year contracts. http://chronicle.com/jobs/0000700748-01/ With best wishes, Tim Crews, Ph.D. Environmental Studies and Agroecology Prescott College 220 Grove Ave. Prescott, AZ 86301 (928)350-2215 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR - ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Division of Plant and Soil Sciences Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design West Virginia University Rank and Salary: The Division of Plant and Soil Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design is seeking to fill a 12-month full-time position at the rank of Research Assistant Professor. This position is non-tenured track, but promotable using standard University promotion criteria. The position will begin April 1, 2012 or as soon thereafter as the position can be filled. The initial appointment will be for one year and is renewable contingent upon availability of funds. It is anticipated that the position will be for a minimum of three years and longer if the position develops as envisioned. Responsibilities: The position is being created to provide leadership and outreach on the Division’s Certified Organic Research Farm. The responsibilities will include grant writing, coordination of multiple activities on the farm, supervision of personnel, record-keeping essential to maintenance of the organic certification and working through Extension to disseminate information. The organic farm has been certified for over 10 years and focuses on a comprehensive organic farming system. It consists of approximately 50 acres and has areas devoted to horticulture crops, animal production and agronomy crops. There are faculty in horticulture, agronomy, animal science, economic and related disciplines who have an interest and conduct research on the farm. Several graduate students use the farm in their graduate research. Undergraduates are involved as interns and summer employees. Classes use the farm for field trips and a field day is held annually. The person hired will work closely with the faculty who conduct research and carry out academic activities at the farm. The person employed will be expected to teach an existing class in organic crop production. The opportunity to develop otherclasses and programs exist. The person answers to the Director of the Division of Plant and Soil Sciences. Qualifications: An earned doctorate in a field related to agriculture sciences is required. It is essential that the individual have experience in sustainable/organic agriculture and in farms systems research; the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team; ability to provide leadership in grant writing; good interpersonal skills; a willingness to provide outreach to clientele; and the ability to work with people from various backgrounds. Location: West Virginia University is located in Morgantown, a vibrant community of 45,000 in the Appalachian Mountains on West Virginia’s northern border adjacent to Pennsylvania. Morgantown has been recognized as one of the best small cities in the U.S. World-class healthcare, recreation, education, and art facilities complement a strong business community. West Virginia University is a Division I Research institution and serves as the state’s major research, doctoral degree-granting institution, serving over 26,000 students in 175 degree programs offered by 13 academic schools and colleges. Division: The Division of Plant and Soil Sciences is one of five Divisions in the College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design. Disciplines within theDivision are Agronomy, Entomology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, and Genetics. Undergraduate degrees are offered in agroecology, agronomy, horticulture, applied and environmental microbiology, soil science, and environmental protection. An M.S. degree is offered in Plant and Soil Sciences and a Ph.D. is offered in Agriculture Sciences. The College has about 1600 undergraduates and 250 graduate students. There are numerous collaborations among faculty in the various Divisions in research and academic programs. Application: Qualifiedapplicants should submit an application letter (with specific information about disciplinary focus, professional activities and other information relevant to meeting the position qualifications), curriculum vitae, transcripts, the names, addresses and phone numbers of three references, and sample publications to: Dr. Barton S. Baker, Director, Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, PO Box 6108, Morgantown, WV 26506-6108. PH: (304) 293-4817; FX (304) 293-2960. Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2011 or until the position is filled. WVU is committed to widening its faculty diversity. Women and minorities and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Visit our home page at http://plantandsoil.wvu.edu/ West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Jim Kotcon Associate Professor West Virginia University 304-293-8822 (office) MS Graduate Student Project Opportunities University of Kentucky, Department of Horticulture I am currently recruiting 2 MSc students for May or August 2012 to work on projects focused on soil quality and plant productivity in organic horticultural systems. One project will focus on developing diverse crop rotations in movable and non-movable high tunnels, and exploring the economic tradeoffs and environmental benefits of incorporating agroecological approaches into intensified organic vegetable production. The second project will focus on optimizing organic conservation tillage across a range of production scales. Both projects will involve field sampling of plants and soils, laboratory analysis of soil nutrients, and analysis of production economics. Students will be encouraged to develop interdisciplinary, systems level approaches and exercise their creative intellect on both of these projects. Work will take place at the University of Kentucky Organic Farming Unit, in collaboration with a vibrant team of students, staff and faculty. The UK OFU is home to the UK Sustainable Agriculture ProgramCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA) project, and is a highly visible venue for teaching, research and extension in sustainable horticultural systems only 5 miles from the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington. Studentswill be expected to work extensively in the field with support staff to maintain their experimental systems, so experience or interest in organic horticultural production is desired. Students with educational background/training/experience in horticulture, ecology, plant and soil science, natural resource management or related areas are encouraged to apply. Strong verbal, written and analytical skills, as well as a strong academic drive are essential. Interested applicants should send their CV, statement of purpose/cover letter, GRE scores (unofficial is acceptable at this phase), and contact information for 3 references. Selection of a student will be based on academic achievements, a passion for sustainable agriculture and organic horticulture, reference letters and applicable previous research experience. Successful applicants will be asked to apply to UK’s Plant and Soil Science Graduate Program (http://www.ca.uky.edu/pss/index.php?p=584 ). Interested parties should submit their information by January 15th but earlier submission is highly encouraged. For more information contact Dr. Krista Jacobsen at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Krista L. Jacobsen, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Horticulture University of Kentucky N-310C Agricultural Sciences North Lexington, KY 40546 phone: 859.257.3921<file://localhost/tel/859.257.3921> fax: 859.257.2859<file://localhost/tel/859.257.2859> email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> www2.ca.uky.edu/sustainableag<http://www2.ca.uky.edu/sustainableag/> Grant Opportunities Don’t delay – you only have two weeks! Farmer Rancher Grants due December 2 If you have ideas on enhancing sustainable agriculture on farms, you still have time to submit an individual, partner or group NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant. Published November 17, 2011 Dale R. Mutch, Michigan State University Extension As you harvest your crops and are thinking of new and innovative ways to reduce inputs while increasing profits, consider putting those ideas into a grant proposal to North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education<http://www.northcentralsare.org/> (NCR-SARE). NCR-SARE offers farmers and ranchers opportunities to experiment and try sustainable practices on their farms. NCR-SARE has a grant program with approximately $400,000 available this year for these farmer ideas. A farmer/rancher has up to 25 months to complete their projects. There are 12 states that make up NCR-SARE. Farmer/ranchers from this region can write grants tosupport and implement their sustainable projects. There are three types of competitive grants: • Individual grants ($7,500 maximum). • Partner grants for two farmers/ranchers from separate operations who are working together ($15,000 maximum). • Group grants for three or more farmers/ranchers from separate operations who are working together ($22,500 maximum). Projects must be completed in 25 months. Farmer Rancher Grants provide opportunities for farmers/ranchers to use sustainable agriculture practices and their own innovative ideas to solve problems on the farm or ranch and to share their ideas. Sustainable agriculture is farming and ranching that is ecologically sound, profitable and socially responsible. Sustainable agriculture practices may include, but are not limited to: • Integrated pest management (IPM<http://www.ipm.msu.edu/>) • Rotational grazing (e.g., management grazing and mob grazing) • Soil erosion control • Soil quality improvement • Water quality improvement and wetlands • Cover crops • Crop and landscape diversity • Nutrient management • Agroforestry • Value-added and direct marketing • Wildlife preservation • Beneficial insects • Poultry and small-scale livestock production • Holistic and systems approaches to farming and ranching • Organic agriculture • Proactive weed control (e.g., interseeded cover crops, crop rotations, planting row crops in warm soils) To qualify for a partner project, there must be two farmer/rancher participants from separate operations. To qualify for a group project, there must be at least three farmer/rancher participants from separate operations. Partners and groups must designate a farmer/rancher project leader who will submit and sign the proposal, be responsible for reporting, and assume tax liability associatedwith the grant, if there is any. Talk with a tax consultant if you have questions. Grant recipients may participate in one individual grant and one partner or group grant annually. Previous farmer/rancher grant recipients are eligible to apply if reports from previous grant projects are up to date. Proposals from previous grant recipients will be evaluated on a competitive basis with all other proposals. To see farmer/rancher grants that have been funded in the past, go to www.sare.org<http://www.sare.org/>, put your cursor over the “Project Reports” tab until a drop-down menu shows, then click on “Search the database.” You cannot delay;these grants are due December 2, 2011. Details on how to apply for the Farmer Rancher Grants can be found on the NCR-SARE<http://www.northcentralsare.org/> website. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and on the right side under “Open Call for Proposals” click on “2011 NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Call for Proposals<http://www.northcentralsare.org/content/download/62425/850529/FRG_CFP_2011.doc>.” You can contact Dale R. Mutch<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or Dean G. Baas<mailto:[log in to unmask]> if you have any questions. Related articles: • “NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program<http://www.news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/ncr_sare_farmer_rancher_grant_program>,” Michigan State University Extension “So you want to write a farmer/rancher grant<http://www.news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/so_you_want_to_write_a_farmer_rancher_grant>,” Michigan State University Extension Student Scholarship Available A reminder that Annie's Organics has their open applications for student scholarships posted. The deadline is Dec. 15th. Don't be deterred by the application requirements - SAFS student Brendan Sinclair received a scholarship for the 2010-2011 year! They want to hear from students like you. http://www.annies.com/doing-good Go to this website and scroll down to the "sustainable agriculture scholarships" section Vicki Morrone Outreach Specialist for Organic Production 303 Natural Resources East Lansing MI 48824 517-353-3542/517-282-3557 (cell) 517-353-3832 fax 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