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Michigan Organic Listserv

April 15, 2016

News for and about organic farming

This news is to assist you. It is not intended as promotion or advertisement for any businesses.

 

Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University

Desk of Vicki Morrone ([log in to unmask])

Organic and Farming News

Educational Events

Job Opportunities

Grants Available

Organic and Family Farming News

 

USA Taking Applications for New Western Lake Erie Basin Initiative

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced a new 3-year initiative this week to provide accelerated conservation assistance for agricultural producers in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) which includes land in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) will be used to fund applications.  The deadline for submitting WLEB Initiative applications is April 29, 2016.

Together with the projected $36 million in NRCS State EQIP allocations, the WLEB Initiative brings an additional $41 million to the WLEB for a total of $77 million in financial assistance available in the WLEB. These funds will be available for the 3-year period of fiscal years 2016-2018.

In the WLEB Initiative, targeting funds to obtain the greatest environmental benefits will happen in two ways – targeting locales within the basin and giving higher priority to applications containing the most effective systems of conservation practices to address water quality concerns. Applications with 100 percent of the land located within the western basin that contain soils with a high risk for leaching or surface run-off, land with high soil test phosphorus levels, and land with direct drainage to tributaries in the basin will receive priority over applications that do not address these conditions.

In Michigan, the Western Lake Erie Basin includes Lenawee and Monroe counties and portions of Branch, Hillsdale, Jackson, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. Landowners should make an appointment with their local NRCS office as soon as possible to begin the conservation planning process. USDA Service Center locations are listed online or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Additional information is available on the Michigan NRCS website atwww.mi.nrcs.usda.gov.

Applications for EQIP submitted by entities, such as farmers applying as a corporation, must register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), a process that can take up to 3 weeks. Information about CCR requirements, including obtaining a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number, is posted on the NRCS website at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill.

 

Survey to Characterize the Use of Soil Amendments in Organic and Sustainable Agriculture: Making Sure Organic Farmers Are Heard

 

In a national effort to evaluate the needs and concerns of organic producers surrounding the safe use of manure and compost in the production of organic produce, University of California-Davis, University of Minnesota, University of Maine, The Organic Center and Organic Trade Association are conducting a farmer-focused survey to characterize the use of manure and compost based soil amendments.  In addition to the survey a series of farmer-focused information gathering sessions were held in last months at organic farming conferences throughout the nation allowing farmers to voice their concerns, share their priorities and discuss their beliefs regarding the use of manure and compost and any potential associated food safety risks.

 

The overall goal of this project was provide critical information that can be incorporated into guidelines aimed toward developing research on risk mitigation of foodborne pathogens for organic and sustainable agriculture. Due to widespread comments on the originally proposed 9-month days-to-harvest interval for uses of raw manure as a soil amendment, the U.S. Food and Drug (FDA) revised the Produce Safety Proposed Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Specifically, it was recognized that the 9-month standard may be overly restrictive for some growers and more data is needed to better inform future risk management policy decisions intended to reduce the number of illnesses associated with the use of raw manure in agriculture. The new regulations do not object to farmers complying with the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) standards, which call for a 120-day interval between the application of raw manure for crops in contact with the soil and 90 days for crops not in contact with the soil.

It is critically important that organic producers are being heard on this issue.  FDA is currently asking for public comments by May 3 on their proposed risk assessment related to the use of raw manure as fertilizer (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/03/04/2016-04712/risk-assessment-of-foodborne-illness-associated-with-pathogens-from-produce-grown-in-fields-amended). The information collected in our survey will provide important data that we will incorporate into the comments. Farmers can also comment individually.

The Survey can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/manurefoodsafety. This survey will be open until May 15, 2016.

NCR-SARE Seeks Nominations for “NCR-SARE Hero” Recognition

 

To bring awareness of, recognize, and pay tribute to those who have made significant contributions to sustainable agriculture in the North Central region, the North Central Region - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) is accepting nominations for the “NCR-SARE Hero” recognition.

Recommendations received by April 17, 2016 will be considered for the 2016 award. The NCR-SARE Hero award will be announced in July 2016.

Coordinated by the NCR-SARE Alumni Organization, the award will recognize the leadership, vision, contributions, and impact that these heroes have made in the field of sustainable agriculture in the region. The NCR-SARE Hero Award recognizes individuals who have:

1)    provided service to NCR-SARE and/or national SARE,

2)    shown leadership in sustainable agriculture locally and regionally, and

3)    made lasting impacts to sustainability in the North Central region.

 

Nominations for the NCR-SARE Hero Award may be submitted by anyone. The official nomination form is available on the NCR-SARE website here: http://www.northcentralsare.org/About-Us/Regional-Initiatives/NCR-SARE-Hero-Recognitions-Program. The NCR-SARE Alumni Heroes Committee will review and recommend candidates to the NCR-SARE Administrative Council. Applications received will be kept on file for consideration in future years.

NCR-SARE is one of four regional offices that run the SARE program, a nationwide grants and education program to advance sustainable innovation to American agriculture. Since 1988, NCR-SARE has helped advance farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities through a nationwide research and education grants program. The program, part of USDA's National Institute for Food and Agriculture, funds projects and conducts outreach designed to improve agricultural systems.

 

USDA Announces New GroupGAP Program for the Produce Industry

 

Note From Vicki

Although Good Ag Practice certification (GAP) is not required yet for small farms this is a program that can help you and your farm obtain GAP certification, often required by many buyers. In Addition GAP is a way to verify and CERTIFY the practices that you and your farm staff follow to assure you are offering the safest food possible.  ALSO please note that your Organic Certification records will definitely help with this process, as traceability of produce is required by both programs, one of the most intensive part of record keeping for diverse farms. Yes there are a few more pieces of info to collect in addition to NOP Organic Certification, but that info data base will definitely be of use to complete this process and make it a bit easier for you to gain GAP certification.”

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced the official launch of GroupGAP, a new certification program that helps small and mid-sized growers and cooperatives meet retailers' on-farm food safety requirements.

"We know that GAP certification can sometimes be cost-prohibitive for smaller farmers," said AMS Administrator Elanor Starmer. "GroupGAP allows these farmers to demonstrate compliance with strong food safety standards and share the cost of certification across a group of growers. That means greater market access for farmers, more options for consumers, and strong verification of food safety practices. It is a true win-win. We're proud to have developed this innovative solution in partnership with our stakeholders."

After a robust three-year pilot, AMS will today begin accepting applications for enrollment in GroupGAP, which certifies that grower groups are following industry-recognized food safety practices. By leveraging economies of scale and increasing efficiencies, GroupGAP improves market access for small and midsized farmers and benefits the entire produce industry.

 

The AMS Specialty Crops Inspection Division (SCI) performs Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) audits, which are voluntary audits to verify that farms are following industry-recognized food safety practices and recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration. Produce buyers, large and small, are increasingly requiring suppliers to be GAP certified. Under GroupGAP, farmers, food hubs, and cooperatives work together to obtain group certification. Their participation in the program in turn benefits retailers and other large-volume buyers, who are better able to meet the increasing demand for local foods and broaden their base of suppliers.

 

AMS GroupGAP audits include an analysis of the group's system of oversight, a site visit to ensure compliance with various procedures, and spot checks to verify appropriate on-farm implementation. For more information or to submit an application, visit the GroupGAP Website atwww.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/groupgap. You can learn more about the AMS GAP Audit Program at www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing.

GroupGAP is just one example of the many AMS programs and services that support strong local and regional food systems, as described at www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional. Across USDA, the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative coordinates the Department's policy, resources, and outreach efforts related to local and regional food systems. You can read more about the results of USDA investments in local food on the USDA website.

 

Educational Events

 

Wild Mushroom Foraging Certification Programs Scheduled for Spring

 

Midwest American Mycological Information (MAMI), in partnership with the Michigan Farmers Market Association and the Institute for Sustainable Living, Art and Natural Design, will offer two educational courses this spring to train and certify foragers who commercially harvest and sell wild mushrooms in Michigan. Successful completion of the program is recognized by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as sufficient to qualify as an approved mushroom identification expert.

 

Michigan’s Food Code requires that mushroom species picked in the wild must be obtained from sources where each mushroom is individually inspected and found to be safe by an approved mushroom identification expert. Organizations and businesses such as restaurants, retail grocery stores and farmers markets who either buy direct from mushroom sellers or provide space from which such people may sell, are required by law to ensure all sellers of wild-foraged mushrooms do so in accordance with federal and state law.

 

The certification program is designed to ensure a participant will, upon successful completion, qualify to meet the requirements of Michigan to harvest, broker and sell wild-harvested mushrooms in the state. The full-day training session will focus on the biology and morphological characteristics used in the identification of mushrooms, as well as a review of every species of wild-foraged mushroom approved for sale in Michigan. The day will include hands-on work with specimens, direct interaction with mycologists, and a written exam at the end of the day.

 

Participants must study all materials beforehand and come prepared to pass the test. The workshop should be considered a review session to confirm what has already been studied, and to clarify with mycologists any information that may not be clear after reviewing the study material. A study guide and sample test are available on MAMI’s website at www.midwestmycology.org.

 

A test score of 80 percent or higher is required to receive a certification as an approved mushroom identification expert, and the certification is valid for five years. Refunds will not be issued to those who do not pass the test.

 

Cost for the training, which includes lunch, is $175 per person for those who wish to be certified. Farmers, farmers market managers, chefs, restaurant owners, purchasing agents for grocers, and others who may have interest in attending a workshop but not necessarily in obtaining certification, may attend for the reduced rate of $85.

 

Registration is available online at www.midwestmycology.org. Payment must be made in advance when you register. Space is limited so register early.

 

Training dates and Locations:

 

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan (exact location TBD)

Registration 8:30 am; Training Session 9 am – 5 pm

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Les Cheneaux Culinary School, Hessel, Michigan

Registration 8:30 am; Training Session 9 am – 5 pm

 

For more information, contact Chris Wright, Midwest American Mycological Information, at [log in to unmask].

 

Heart of the Lakes Conservation Summit

 

Join us for a fun and inspirational day focused on innovative conservation tools for agricultural lands, networking with colleagues and new food and farming partners, and more. A special focus of the day will be on new communication tools and innovations for farmland preservation, including an afternoon workshop presented by the National Young Farmers Coalition. This is a great opportunity to meet land conservancy leaders from around the state and bridge connections between land conservation and other organizations supporting Michigan food and farming.  Together, we can all help maintain a long-term business environment for agriculture,  lower the barriers for beginning farmers, and stem the loss of farmland in the state. Please join us and feel free to forward this invitation to others in your network who might be interested.

 

Registration Here

 

When: May 19, 2016 at 9:30 to4:30 PM

 

Where: City Flats Ballroom, 83 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

 

Agricultural Marketing Service Free Webinar

 

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) Specialty Crops Program(SCP) invites you to a free live, interactive webinar on the Food and Drug Administration’s(FDA) recently finalized “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption” regulation under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The webinar will be led by Leanne Skelton, Biological Science Specialist with the AMS, SCP and the USDA’s FDA Liaison, and Samir Assar, Director of FDA’s Division of Produce Safety.

 

Leanne and Samir will present highlights from the regulation. IN addition to the Produce Safety regulation, FDA is putting significant effort into strategies for implementation and compliance, training, outreach and education, and research. USDA is also leading a joint project with FDA to review its USDA GAPs program to ensure it aligns with the FDA Produce Safety regulation. Join us to learn about:

 

·         The Key provisions of the final regulation

·         The applicability of the regulation to your business

·         Strategies for how to comply with the new regulation

·         Technical assistance and resources available to you, including upcoming training from the Produce Safety Alliance and Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance.

 

Register here

 

Proposed Rule and Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Webinar

 

The public comment period for the Proposed Rule on Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices is now open. Comments will be accepted through June 13, 2016.

The proposed rule would clarify existing USDA organic regulations related to livestock and poultry production requirements, thereby ensuring consistency among organic producers and protecting the integrity of the USDA organic seal.  

We have also updated the Proposed Rule Questions and Answers document; it is available at the link above.

 

Webinar Session on Proposed Rule

AMS will host a public webinar about the proposed rule on April 15, 2016, from 2:30-3:30 PM Eastern.

 

Step 1: Dial In by Phone:

Toll-Free (U.S. & Canada): 866.740.1260

Access Code: 7202000

To call in from outside the U.S., visit  https://www.readytalk.com/account-administration/international-numbers and enter access code 7202000. Then, select your country to get a number.

 

Step 2: Also Access the Web:

Meeting URL: http://www.readytalk.com      

On the left side of the screen, enter Participant Access Code: 7202000

 

Webinar Details

·         All callers will be on mute throughout the call.

·         You will be able to ask questions online through the webinar chat feature. Activate on the left side of your screen. Your chat will be seen by the presenters but not other participants.

·         The webinar will be recorded and a link will be posted in regulations.gov.

·         This is not a public comment session. All public comments to the proposed rule must be submitted using instructions on regulations.gov.

 

Whole Farm Planning Workshops

 

$20 for series of two workshops or $15/class

 

Whole Farm Financial Planning for Profit & Quality of Life

Date and time: Wednesday, April 20, 4:30-7:00 p.m.

Cost: $15, or $20 for both workshops

Location: North Central Michigan College, SCRC 536, 1515 Howard St., Petoskey, MI 49770

Presenter: Larry Dyer, Holistic Management® Certified Educator

A successful farm needs to be profitable and provide the quality of life you want from farming.  Holistic Management® Financial Planning integrates all aspects of the farm operation, manages cash flow, controls expenses throughout the year and creates financial benchmarks for achieving profitability.

 

Whole Farm Planning for Farmer Well-Being

Date and time: Wednesday, May 4, 4:30-7:00 p.m.

Cost: $15, or $20 for both workshops

Location: North Central Michigan College, SCRC 536, 1515 Howard St., Petoskey, MI 49770

Presenter: Larry Dyer, Holistic Management® Certified Educator

Farming is a complex, risky business and we want it to be both profitable and create a desirable way of life. Holistic Management® Whole Farm Planning can help farmers integrate the production, environmental, financial and social elements of their farm to create their desired quality of life.

These workshops are presented in a collaboration between North Central Michigan College (NCMC) and Crosshatch, with funding from a USDA Risk Management Agency grant and sponsorship by Holistic Management International (HMI).

 

Register here or call 231-348-6613 to register

 

Job Opportunities

 

Urban Farmer Internship at Urbandale Farm

 

LUFP is the non-profit organization that operates Urbandale Farm. Its mission is to produce fresh, affordable produce and to develop community-building programs, all in a sustainable way.

 

LUFP is offering seven unpaid urban farmer internships for summer 2016. Interns work with farm staff to plant, weed, tend, and harvest crops. They also help prepare for markets, participate in community outreach, and complete other farm tasks and projects.

Qualified applicants will have strong communication skills, a desire to work as part of a farm team, willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and the ability to perform a diverse set of farm tasks that includes lifting and carrying heavy objects (as much as 40 lbs at times).

Schedule: There are two internship schedules to choose from—a schedule that meets once a week over three months or a schedule that meets daily for one month. One day/week internships run from May 11th-August 25th either on Wednesdays 8am-noon or Thursdays 8am-noon. Monthly internships run Tuesdays through Fridays 8am-noon over one month of time, usually in May, June, July, or August. Specify schedule preference in letter of interest.

 

Interested applicants may email a Letter of Interest and Resume with contact information to Caitlin at [log in to unmask]. Positions open until filled, apply as soon as possible. For more information, email or call us at 517-999-3916.

 

Agriculture Program Coordinator/Specialist

 

The National Wildlife Federation is looking for an Agriculture Program Coordinator/Specialist to join our team in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There is some flexibility in the location for this position. The Agriculture Program Coordinator/Specialist will take the lead in some aspects of NWF's cover crop program. This Coordinator/Specialist will take the lead in training and educating NWF's cover crop champions who conduct outreach to farmers across the Upper Mississippi River Basin and Great Lakes. This includes taking a lead in conducting an annual training for new champions, providing ongoing support, education, and group facilitation, and development of information and messaging to improve outreach effectiveness. In addition, this position will also lead in maintaining the cover crop champions' listserv and updating the cover crop champions' online information database and online presence. The Coordinator/Specialist will also assist in other tasks related to the cover crop program including: fundraising, grant writing, developing factsheets, press releases, surveys, and other assigned projects.

In this role you will:

·         Take the lead in providing training and guidance to NWF Cover Crop Champions, including development of messaging and communications strategies

·         Take the lead in managing the NWF cover crop champions' listserv, NWF Cover Crop Champions resources, online media, and increase program participation and expansion into new regions

·         Assist in other cover crop program tasks including developing factsheets, press releases, surveys, and other assigned projects

·         Assist in grant writing and pursue fundraising opportunities for the Cover Crop Champions program

Qualifications:

·         Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in communications, agriculture, social sciences, natural resources, or public policy

·         At least 2 years professional experience in communications, agriculture, public policy, outreach/education, and/or program implementation.Knowledge/experience in working with or conducting outreach to agriculture producers and stakeholders required

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to translate complex information into easily understood information. Excellent interpersonal skills. Self-starter, ability to work independently, but also coordinate and work with a team.

·         Regular travel (8-12 trips/year) required within Upper Mississippi River Basin, Great Lakes, and/or Washington, DC

Interested candidates should submit both a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume.  We offer excellent benefits, competitive compensation, and a flexible work environment.  The National Wildlife Federation is committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Apply here: https://nwf.applicantpro.com/jobs/368083.html

 

OEFFA Certification is Hiring

They are now hiring a full-time Certification Specialist to work in their Columbus office. View job description here.  Applications received by April 22, 2016 will be assured full consideration.

 

Urban Garden Development Coordinator

 

Just in time for spring, Keep Growing Detroit is actively looking for great candidates for their Urban Garden Development Coordinator position. The Urban Garden Development Coordinator will be responsible for providing technical assistance and support for community groups and organizations with interest in growing vegetable gardens in the city as well as assisting groups with programming and maintenance support, including occasional instruction of basic garden concepts, development of lesson plans and/or activities at early childhood centers, and supervision of volunteer groups. The Coordinator will also assist with activities that support the Garden Resource Program, including support with outreach, resource distribution and community events.

 

View job description here

 

Grants Available

 

USDA Conservation Funds Available

 

Farmers and forest owners are encouraged to submit applications for U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation assistance by Dec. 18, 2015. Conservation financial assistance is available for implementing a wide variety of practices to reduce soil erosion, improve wildlife habitat, protect water quality and manage private forest land.

“USDA conservation programs help farmers and private forest owners protect the resources we all share, including our lakes and rivers, wildlife and the air we breathe,” said USDA State Conservationist Garry Lee.

 

Conservation financial assistance is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Complete applications received by Dec. 18, will be ranked and considered for fiscal year 2016 funding. Financial assistance is available for implementing designated conservation practices such as windbreaks, nutrient management plans, cover crops, forest management plans, crop residue and tillage management, animal waste storage facilities and many others. Applications are ranked and selected for funding on a competitive basis.

During fiscal year 2015, Michigan farmers and forest owners received over $12 million in conservation financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. A portion of USDA conservation funding is targeted to state-level conservation priorities. These include funds for farmers seeking Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program verification, water quality practices in the Western Lake Erie Basin, high tunnel systems in Wayne County, honey bee habitat, organic producers and producers transitioning to organic production, and energy conservation.

 

Conservation activities receiving financial assistance must be part of an agricultural or forest operation’s conservation plan. Producers should work with their local NRCS or conservation district staff to develop a conservation plan before applying for the program. Successful applicants enter into a contract with NRCS to implement conservation activities and are reimbursed for a portion of the cost.

 

NRCS provides higher levels of financial assistance for beginning farmers and historically underserved producers. More information about conservation financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program is available at local NRCS offices and online at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov.

 

Value Added Producer Grants

 

The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of this program. You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain. Grants are awarded through a national competition. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on Grants.gov.

 

How do I get started?

 

Before you apply:

·         Request a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number if your organization doesn’t already have one. It should not take more than a few business days to get your number. However, you should plan on requesting it at least a month before the application deadline because you’ll need that number for the next pre-application step (see below).

·         Register your organization with the System for Award Management (SAM) if you aren’t already registered. The registration is free, but you need to complete several steps. It’s a good idea to start the registration process at least a month before any application deadline. Before you start the registration process, we suggest reading through the HELP materials available on the SAM website. Then, you’ll need to create an account. After you create your account by setting up a user ID and password, you can register your organization. Remember, you’ll need your DUNS number to complete your registration. Also, make a note of your CAGE code and expiration date because you’ll need those for your application.

 

Additional requirements:

 

You need to read the Federal Register notice for the details on what is needed for an application. Make sure you start putting together the required information at least a month before the application deadline because you may need to provide letters of commitment or support from other organizations, a work plan and budget, and other information that will take you some time to look up or write. You may also need to fill out required forms.  You can get copies of those forms from your nearest Rural Development Office. Below are links to optional forms that may assist you in developing your application.

 

More information about this grant here




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