Michigan Organic Listserv
September 26, 2016
Michigan State University
Center for Regional Food Systems
Brought to you by Vicki Morrone, Organic Farming Specialist.
Questions or comments:
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What’s up?
·
Organic Cost Share Certification due Oct 1
·
We need your 2 ¢-Educators to align food safety training with farmers’ needs
·
Soil Health programs held across the state by Dan Ketering
·
New Organic Training Programs-online and in Michigan
o
E-Organic Webinars on various topics
o
New High tunnel systems bulletin offered
NOP COST SHARE
Her ye here ye all you CERTIFIED organic farmers!!
Organic Cost share is due Oct 1!!!
If you paid for organic certification for one or more USDA organic certifications this past year (such as one
for poultry and the other for vegetables) then you are eligible to receive some of that money back from the US Government. Michigan Department of Ag and Natural Resources is running this program so you can apply for reimbursement through them. Note that each
certificate is eligible for cost share. You can fill out a separate application for each certificate but mail then in one envelope. Clip each certification application separately to assure accurate processing.
You may have received an invitation to participate in this program through the mail but if you did not, then
NO WORRIES! You can get all the info online.
You will need a filled-in application form found at this link http://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1568_37188-333288--,00.html
All applications must be postmarked no later than October 1, 2016. Applications submitted after the October
1st deadline cannot be accepted – this is a requirement of our Finance Division and is not flexible.
To receive your cost share of up to $750 or 75% of what you paid…
YOU WILL NEED
a copy of your organic certificate dated within the last year
A copy of receipt of the money you paid to your certifying agency
Complete form found at the above web site.
To register as a state vendor so a check can be deposited to your bank account. Note you only need to sign up
one time, once signed up this year you can use that sign in all following years. Find the forms and instructions at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdard/2016_Cost_Share_Application__Instructions_Revised_526103_7.pdf
SEEKING YOUR INPUT
Food Safety Certification
is soon to be a reality for many farmers, nationwide.
Seeking farmers’ input on their Food Safety preparedness needs (Food Safety Modernization Act)
All farmers we are seeking your input of needs and preferences for future training and assistance for food safety
certification. Please take about 15 minutes (next rainy day perhaps?) and complete this survey so we at Michigan State University and all the great agriculture organizations seeking to provide assistance can target your needs. Here is the link. Just click,
let it open and answer the questions as they apply to your farm.
Here is the Box link:
https://uofi.app.box.com/files/0/f/7362084753/1/f_94459839753
Thanks,
Mary Hosier
Project Manager
NCR FSMA Training Center
S-332 Turner Hall / 1102 South Goodwin Avenue / M/C 046
Urbana, IL 61801
Phone 217-333-7512
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Webinar Series on Organic Seed Production
A six-webinar series on organic seed production will provide training for seed growers and seed production.
This series, offered by Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) and the Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA), will cover a range of topics, from planting to harvest
to the economics of seed production.
The series is delivered as part of a new seed internship program offered by OSA and MESA with support from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The
webinars are open to the public and appropriate for farmers, interns, students, and other agricultural professionals.
Here is the link for recorded WEBINARS
http://www.extension.org/pages/25242
The webinar starts at 2PM Eastern (1PM Central, 12PM Mountain 11AM Pacific Time).
Please send your questions, comments and feedback to:
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How To Join The Webinar
This webinar meets 2 times.
Add to Calendar:
Outlook® Calendar |
iCal®
1. Click the link to join the webinar at the specified time and date:
https://global.gotowebinar.com/join/1033801889354662914/171609453
Before joining, be sure to
check system requirements to avoid any connection issues.
Note: This link should not be shared with others; it is unique to you.
2. Choose one of the following audio options:
TO USE YOUR COMPUTER'S AUDIO:
When the webinar begins, you will be connected to audio using your computer's microphone and speakers (VoIP). A headset is recommended.
--OR--
TO USE YOUR TELEPHONE:
If you prefer to use your phone, you must select "Use Telephone" after joining the webinar and call in using the numbers below.
United States: +1 (213) 929-4232
Access Code: 886-394-695
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the webinar
Webinar ID: 150-607-899
E-Organic Offers More Fall Webinars
Join us on Tuesday September 20th for the next webinar in the
Organic Seed Production Six Webinar Series! This webinar features 2 farmers in addition to Micaela Colley and Laurie McKenzie of the Organic Seed Alliance: Keith Kisler of Finn River Farm, and Sam McCullough of Nash's Organic Produce. They will
be discussing Seed Quality, Harvesting Techniques and Equipment. The webinar takes place at 2PM Eastern, 1PM Central, 12PM Mountain, 11AM Pacific Time.
Register now at
http://articles.extension.org/pages/73816
Register for any or all of our fall webinars at the links below, They are free and open to the public and advance
registration is required. You'll find past webinars archived on the Check out the
eOrganic YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/user/eOrganic
|
September 20, October 18, November 15, 2016 |
Organic
Seed Production Six Webinar Series-register just once for the whole series and attend as many as you wish |
Micaela Colley, Laurie McKenzie, Jared Zystro, Organic Seed Alliance; Sam McCullough, Nash's Organic Produce;
Keith Kisler, Finn River Farm |
|
October 5, 2016 |
How
to Implement and Verify Biodiversity Conservation Activities in Organic Agricultural Systems |
Jo Ann Baumgartner, Wild Farm Alliance; John Quinn, Furman University |
|
October 11, 2016 |
Fabian Menalled, Devon Ragen, Perry Miller, Montana State University |
|
|
October 19, 2016 |
Viral
Diseases in Cucurbits: Identification and Management Strategies |
John Murphy, Auburn University |
|
December 6, 2016 |
Managing
Cucurbit Downy Mildew in Organic Systems in the Northeast |
Chris Smart, Cornell University |
Building Soil Fertility and Growing Nutrient Dense Produce
Dan Kittredige, founder of the Bionutrient Food Association (http://bionutrient.org/)
on Monday, October 3 from 3:00 to 5:00 at the Allen Neighborhood Center Market Place, located at 1629 E. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing, behind Allen Neighborhood Center’s main office.
Dan is a dynamic presenter, lifelong organic farmer, and the founder of the Bionutrient Food Association (http://bionutrient.org/).
Participants will get an overview of how biological growing methods:
•
Improve the quality and nutrition of food crops, which improves profitability and promotes human health and
environmental vibrancy
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Reduce the need for off-farm inputs thereby cutting costs
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Adjust soil chemistry and biology to build organic matter and optimize plant health
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Change agriculture from a greenhouse gas emitter to a carbon sequestering activity
Participants will get an overview of how biological growing methods:
•
Improve the quality and nutrition of food crops, which improves profitability and promotes human health and
environmental vibrancy
•
Reduce the need for off-farm inputs thereby cutting costs
•
Adjust soil chemistry and biology to build organic matter and optimize plant health
•
Change agriculture from a greenhouse gas emitter to a carbon sequestering activity
Additional times and locations
·
Detroit – Earthworks Urban Farm - Sat. Oct. 1 - 1264 Meldrum Street - 2-4PM
·
Ann Arbor – Sunward Cohousing - Sun Oct. 2 - 424 Little Lake Drive - 1-3PM
·
Ypsilanti – Growing Hope - Sun. Oct. 2 - 922 W. Michigan Ave – 5-7PM,
2-day intensive soils workshop titled “High Bionutrient Crop Production”
November 12-13, 2016 at the Washtenaw Food Hub near Ann Arbor.
The cost is $200 but efforts are underway to provide farmer scholarships. To find more information about the soils
workshop, see: http://bionutrient.org/workshops.
Here are some links to more information about Dan through videos, podcasts and publications.
·
Southeast Iowa Food Hub fundraiser appearance (18 min):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z89jhbkix9c
·
Carbon Farming Conference at Tufts University (about 20 min):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOtsWsMbabg
·
Dan’s perspective on Bionutrient Rich Food and Health:
http://bionutrient.org/bionutrient-rich-food/bionutrient-rich-food-health
Partially sponsored by
The Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance (http://www.moffa.net),
The Greater Lansing Food Bank Garden Project (http://greaterlansingfoodbank.org)
and the Allen Neighborhood Center (http://allenneighborhoodcenter.org)
USDA WEBINAR: Local Food Financing and Cooperative Business Models
Margaret Bau and I will be presenting a Webinar this Thursday at 2 pm EST so please join us and share this widely
with your networks. It’s free and open to the public!
When:
Thursday, Sep 29, 2 pm – 3:15 pm EST
Need capital? Where do you turn? There are many sources for financing food enterprises and cooperatives, including
grants, loans, investors, and member equity. In this webinar, you’ll hear from food systems and cooperative development experts on various financing options available, and key considerations in choosing the right option based on the type of business and stage
of development.
Speakers:
James Barham, Food Systems Specialist, USDA Rural Development
Margaret Bau, Cooperative Development Specialist, USDA Rural Development
Join Webinar by Clicking:
https://cc.readytalk.com/r/2asq8uq2rmsd&eom - no need to pre-register
Farm Incubator Program in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with MSU
Program Description:
The Apprentice Farmer Program is a farm incubator program that aims to serve as the launching point for individuals interested in starting their own farming
enterprise. This two-year, residential program provides farming entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and assistance needed to ensure a solid start to their farming career. Land, equipment, tools, and mentorship are provided to qualified applicants so they
can develop a business plan, establish accounts, build capital, and fine-tune skills. The farmers will grow alongside the talented North Farm staff and other farmers, sharing ideas, techniques, and labor. Program runs for two growing seasons, beginning in
March.
****Apprentice Farmers Will Receive:***
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Access to organically managed land – 1/4 acre plot for the first year, 1/2 acre for the second year.
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Access to shared infrastructure – storage space, walk-in cooler, root cellar, hoophouse space, washing/packing shed
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Access to equipment and tools
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Mentorship from the North Farm staff and other stakeholders
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Opportunities to network with other area growers and food enthusiasts
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Opportunities to participate in competency-based workshops and trainings
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Optional housing at the North Farm
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Assistance in developing a transition plan off the North Farm after the two-year program
Cost of Participation
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$700 per growing season for land and resources.
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Optional on-farm housing provided at $175 per month.
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Optional custom tractor work as needed is also available for a small fee.
Farm Description:
The Michigan State University North Farm is an education, research, and production farm located in Michigan's
beautiful Upper Peninsula. The goal of The North Farm is to promote sustainable agricultural practices to ensure a robust food system in and around the UP. We utilize organic production practices, emphasize food safety, and work to grow in our challenging
northern climate. We are dedicated to providing the training opportunities and resources necessary to help beginning farmers realize their farm dreams.
For more information, please visit http://www.msunorthfarm.org/apprentice-farmer-program.html.
Collin Thompson
Extension Educator – Farm Manager
The North Farm at the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center
Michigan State University
t: (906) 439-5058
On-line Beginner Farmer Training
A wide range of online course offerings for beginning farmers out of
Cornell University and the Northeast Beginning Farmers Project. For more
information on course schedule and topics:
http://www.nebeginningfarmers.org/online-courses/annual-calendar-of-courses/
Kelly Henderson
Begin Farming Program Coordinator
Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association
41 Croswell Rd.
Columbus, OH 43214
Phone:(614) 421-2022 x213
Fax:(614) 421-2011
High Tunnels and Other Season Extension Techniques Now
Available
By West Virginia University Extension Specialist Lewis Jett and his colleagues funded by a USDA SARE grant.
Spurred by enthusiasm and growing markets for local agricultural products, farmers are increasing the availability
of their crops beyond the traditional outdoor growing season. Find out how with SARE’s High
Tunnels and Other Season Extension Techniques, a collection of practical resources for experienced growers and those who are new to season extension.