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Michigan Organic Listserv
March 20, 2019
Center for Regional Food Systems
Questions or something to share? Contact Vicki Morrone-
[log in to unmask]
News to help you as you grow and sell organic produce and products.
What’s up? Click on event title to get to section:
Farm Bill Update
NSAC's Blog-http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/fy2020-skinny-budget/
March 11, 2019
Contact: Reana Kovalcik
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
202-547-5754, [log in to unmask]
President’s Budget Puts Agriculture Back on the Chopping Block
Family farmers, rural communities, and food insecure families face $2 billion cut to services
Washington, DC, March 11, 2019 – Seemingly unphased by Congress’ resounding rejection of his previously proposed budget cuts to agriculture spending, today the President recommended $2.2 billion (a roughly ten percent cut compared to FY 2019 enacted
levels) in cuts to federal food and farm programs as part of his FY 2020 budget proposal. Although the President’s “skinny budget”
is historically light on details, there are a few specifics of note:
The proposal also makes several recommendations that would require policy changes and/or affect farm bill mandatory spending, including:
“While the budget released today doesn’t give us all the details on the President’s priorities for FY 2020, the $2.2 billion in cuts targeted to agriculture and food programs sends a clear message that America’s farmers and rural communities don’t make the
list” said NSAC Senior Policy Specialist Wes King.
“The 2018 Farm Bill made historic investments in key initiatives like support for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, organic research, and local/regional food systems, and that is the path on which we need to keep moving in FY 2020.
Implementation of the farm bill’s programs – including new programs like the
Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) and long-standing programs like SARE and CSP – need adequate funding to do the work mandated by Congress. We ask that Congress not turn their backs on the promises of the 2018 Farm Bill, and that they instead build
upon the bill’s pledged investments.”
“Although we support the President’s aims to increase agriculture research funding and make long-overdue reforms to federal crop insurance and commodity programs, we reject his proposal to cut billions in vital USDA programs
and services that support our nation’s farmers and rural communities, and urge Congress to do the same.”
Earthwork
Farm Skill Swap
This June 1, the Skill Swap returns. Crosshatch, along with Earthwork
Music
and Human
Nature School, present a full day of hands-on workshops and so much more. We are located in Lake City, MI at 5399 N 7 Mile
Rd. The event will be from 10-6 on Saturday June 1, 2019.
Choose from 20+ classes in the categories of Earth, Art, Tinkering, the Real Home Ec. Learn songwriting, crafting hard cider, how to make beeswax wraps, chainsaw basics and a slew of other workshops. Human Nature School joins us again to offer a track focusing
on buckskins, nature walks and fire making. Discussion circles are new this year with topics such as knitting and non-violent communication. All workshops are taught by the community for the community. See
the full list of sessions at our website.
Come for this full day of workshops and stick around for an on-farm, locally procured dinner featuring chef Loghan Call
of Planted Cuisine. End the evening with a full concert in the barn. A contra dance hour is followed by music from (we
can barely contain ourselves!) Samuel
Nalangira and the evening’s headliner, Mady
Kouyate.
Tickets are on sale now. Join us for this start-of-the-summer event where you meet new friends, connect with old ones, eat great food, build skills and dance in the moonlight at Earthwork
Farm.
Early bird pricing is available until April 4th.
Early-Bird-All-Access tickets are $75 which includes dinner, concerts, and camping. Daytime only passes and youth pricing also available. Prices will increase starting April 5th .
See
full pricing information at our
website.
Michigan State University Extension Beginner Farmer Webinar Series
Note you can watch them live or in pre-recorded version
Each webinar is 'Getting started with....'
o
Cover Crop Types and Uses on your Farm -
Vicki Morrone, MSU Center for Regional Food Systems
Hunter Park-Allen Street Neighborhood offers gardening workshops, Lansing MI
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Soil Care: How to Assess and Improve the Soil in Your Backyard, Garden, or Farm
Saturday, March 23, 12-2pm, Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12
Learn how to create healthy soil for your backyard or garden space. Workshop facilitated by Kat Logan, Allen Street Market Exchange Food Hub Manager and Gardener Graciously sponsored by Hammond Farms! *Workshop
required for Urban Gardener Certification. Register at https://soilcare.eventbrite.com
·
The Pruning of Trees and Woody Ornamentals
Saturday, March 30, 10am-12pm, Hunter Park Orchard, $12
we will cover the basics of pruning from the first year through advanced age. The emphasis will be on homeowner/gardener scale production. Bring your questions and favorite pruning tool! The workshop will be led by John Hooper who has decades of experience
in fruit tree care and pruning and runs his own tree care business, Tree Keeper. Register at https://pruningtrees.eventbrite.com
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Vermicomposting
Saturday, April 13, 12-2pm, Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12
Learn about vermicomposting and how to start your own outdoor worm composting bin at home. Workshop facilitated by Brooke Comer, graduate research assistant at MSU’s Department of Horticulture and Donny Comer, Program and Education Coordinator at the Greater
Lansing Food Bank. *Workshop required for Urban Gardener Certification. Register at https://wormz.eventbrite.com
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Healing with Plants: Herbs, Oils, Spirits
Saturday, April 20, 12-2pm, Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12
Basics of holistic healing explored through use of home and garden plants of our area. How to make a tincture, sharing medicinal teas and potting common herbs for your home garden! Workshop facilitated by K’Anna Burton, former GardenHouse Program Director
and current Holistic Health practitioner and educator. Register at https://herbz.eventbrite.com
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Gardening 101
Saturday, May 4, 12-2pm, Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12
Are you new to gardening? Learn the basics and skills to become a successful gardener. This is the place where it is okay to be embarrassed and have a lot of questions! Workshop facilitated by Hunter Park GardenHouse Manager, Egypt Krohn. Graciously sponsored
by Hammond Farms! Register at https://garden101.eventbrite.com
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Organic Management of Insect Pests for the Small Farm or Garden
Saturday, May 18, 12-2pm, Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12
Cover ecological approaches to pest management for the small farm and garden. It will provide an overview of insect biology and ecology and some common organic pest management approaches. Workshop facilitated by Dr. Matt Grieshop of the MSU Department of
Entomology. Graciously sponsored by Hammond Farms! *Workshop required for Urban Gardener Certification. Register at https://pestz.eventbrite.com
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Tiny Spaces Gardening
Saturday, June 22, 12-2pm, Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12
Come learn how to grow your own herbs and produce on the cheap and with little space! A lot of us are too busy/too tired to cultivate our dreamy #goals garden but we can breakdown what is possible for each of us and build from there. Learn local resources
for getting free seeds and plants as well as skills for helping your plants flourish in whatever space you have them in. Facilitated by Karalyn Grimes, local community organizer passionate about eliminating racism, classism, and oppression in our food systems.
Register at https://aptmntgarden.eventbrite.com
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Converting Your Lawn Into a Pollinator Paradise
Saturday, June 29, 12-2pm, Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12
Learn the best species selection for converting grass turf along roadways and in yards into wildflowers and how to prep. Workshop facilitated by John Krohn, Garden Program Manager at the Ingham County Land Bank. Register at https://pollinator.eventbrite.com
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Intermediate Beekeeping: Tips for Increasing the Productivity of Your Apiary
Saturday, July 13, 12-2pm, Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12
This workshop will cover topics like making successful splits, re-queening your hives to prepare for fall, monitoring for mites, integrated pest management strategies for pests and diseases. Workshop facilitated by Chris Robbins Owner of Nature’s Harvest Honey
& Produce in St. Johns, MI. Register at https://beez2.eventbrite.com
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WyldWalkin’-Urban Foraging
Saturday, July 20, 12-2pm, Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12
Learn how to identify, harvest, & utilize local plants for food & health! This class will empower people to go in to their own back yard & use common weeds like dandelion in a salad, tea, or an herbed vinegar to support our livers; plantain leaves to poultice
for any topical wounds or stings we may get while gardening or being outside; and lamb’s quarters, (which is much more nutrient dense than spinach!), just to name a few. Workshop facilitated by Patti Akley, Eastsider, certified homeopath/natural health consultant,
herbal grower & producer, Reiki Reflexologist, Master Gardener, & homesteader. Register at https://urbangreenz.eventbrite.com
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Backyard Peeps!
Saturday, August 3, 12-2pm, Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12
Welcome to a round-table discussion for local chicken keepers to share their experiences, & give tricks and tips for those new to tending urban chickens. We’ll discuss health concerns, local feed resources,
housing, fencing, & more! Workshop facilitated by Patti Akley, Eastsider, certified homeopath/natural health consultant, herbal grower & producer, Reiki Reflexologist, Master Gardener, & homesteader. Register at https://chickenz.eventbrite.com
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Flower Arranging
Saturday, August 24, 11:30am-1:30pm, Hunter Park Pavilion, $12
Learn how to create gorgeous hand-cut bouquets and plant the gardens that grow
them. This year the workshop will include building your bouquet by cutting directly from the Hunter Park GardenHouse flower beds! Workshop facilitated by neighborhood expert Barb Laxton. Register at https://flowerz.eventbrite.com
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In effort to offer exceptional gardening workshops to our community, we try to price the workshops to cover our costs of hosting them, while keeping the registration affordable for
our neighbors. We ask that neighbors pay $12 to attend a workshop. If this is not possible for you, we still want you to attend our workshops! Reduced or waived workshop entry is available, no questions asked. Please still RSVP to gardening educator Kat Kepski
at gardening [log in to unmask] to reserve your spot!
·
Dig deep into gardening, small scale farming, and homesteading topics, while supporting Hunter Park GardenHouse programs by purchasing a season pass to the Hunter Park Garden House Workshop Series! For $120, you
can gain entry to all fifteen 2019 workshops- this represents a $60 savings! For more information on purchasing a season pass, contact Garden House manager Egypt Krohn at [log in to unmask] or inquire in person at Allen Neighborhood Center.
Season passes make a wonderful gift for the farming/homesteading enthusiast in your life!
MDARD Announces Value-Added Grant Opportunity
For immediate release: March 18, 2019
Media contact: Jessy Sielski,
517-284-5725
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development is now accepting applications for its latest round of value-added grants. The Value-Added Grant Program is designed to help
retain, expand, attract or develop agricultural processing in Michigan through targeted investments in technology and equipment, feasibility studies, food access and regional food systems. Grant proposals must be received by 3:00 p.m. (EST) on May 8, 2019.
The maximum grant award eligible is $125,000 per proposal. Each project will require a minimum 30 percent match. The value-added proposals will be evaluated through a competitive selection process.
Applicants for grant funds will be asked to describe how the project will impact and produce measurable outcomes for Michigan’s food and agriculture industry.
MDARD is accepting proposals intended to help expand value-added agricultural processing and food hub development in the state as well as access to fresh nutritional Michigan grown foods. Those interested
in applying should visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants to
view the application and grant guidelines.
Any additional communications concerning this Request for Proposal should be sent to [log in to unmask].
Proposals must be received via email at [log in to unmask] no
later than 3:00 p.m. (EST) on May 8, 2019. Proposals received after 3:00 p.m. will not be considered.
For more information about MDARD’s grant programs, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.
USDA announces Organic Research Extension Initiative grant application now open
Organic
Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative
The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research,
education, and extension activities. The purpose of this program is to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. Priority
concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. The OREI is particularly interested in projects that emphasize research, education and outreach
that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning by delivering practical research-based information. Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers. Fieldwork must be done on certified organic land or on land in transition
to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals and objectives.
Refer to the USDA
National Organic Program for organic production standards.
Who is eligible to apply:
1862 Land-Grant Institutions, 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, For-profit Organizations Other Than Small Businesses, Other or Additional Information
(See below), Private Institutions of Higher Ed, State Agricultural Experiment Stations, State Controlled Institutions of Higher Ed
More on Eligibility:
The following entities are eligible: 1. State agricultural experiment stations; 2. colleges and universities; 3. university research foundations; 4. other research institutions
and organizations; 5. Federal agencies; 6. national laboratories; 7. private organizations or corporations; 8. individuals who are United States citizens or nationals; or 9. any group consisting of 2 or more of the entities described in subparagraphs (1) through
(8).
Posted Date: Thursday, March 14, 2019
Closing Dates: Thursday, May 2, 2019
Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-ICGP-006730
Estimated Total Program Funding: $20,000,000
The IRC in Atlanta is hiring a New Roots Coordinator. Job Description is below. Please apply at this link: https://rescue.csod.com/ats/careersite/jobdetails.aspx?site=1&c=rescue&id=4194
Tilian Farm Development Center
Job Title: Farm Assistant
Travel Required: Yes
Location: 4400 Pontiac Trail Position Type: Part Time Seasonal
Level/Salary Range: $12.50/hour Date Posted: 03/15/2019
Will Train Applicant: Upon hire Posting Expires: 03/31/2019
HR Contact: Michigan Food & Farming Systems Posting URL: miffs.org/tilianfarmassistant
Applications Accepted By: EMAIL:
[log in to unmask]
Subject Line: Tilian Farm Assistant
MAIL: Tilian Farm Development Center c/o MIFFS
480 Wilson Rd. Room 172, East Lansing, MI 48824
The Tilian Farm Development Center (FDC) resides on preserved farmland in Ann Arbor Township and is currently leased and managed by Michigan
Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS). The mission of Tilian FDC is to facilitate year-round farm development for beginning farmers while increasing diversified production for local markets, and to actively remove critical barriers to aspiring farmers like access
to land, resources, equipment, and
education.
Job Description
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
On a weekly basis, the farm assistant would be responsible for the following:
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Mowing/brush hogging open areas of the farm
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Landscape maintenance at entrance of farm
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Mowing along the electric fence line
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Maintenance of electric fence
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Seeding cover crop
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Dumpster and waste management upkeep
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Mail retrieval from mailbox
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Other items that are not on a scheduled basis:
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Assistance in maintenance of unrented plots
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Cooler temperature maintenance
PREFERRED SKILLS
Farm knowledge and experience
Tractor experience
ADDITIONAL NOTES
This is a seasonal position that will assist in maintenance of grounds rented from the township. The self-motivated individual
will work closely with resident farmers which will provide an opportunity to both gain new experience and share personal experience and knowledge with the farmers. Hours range from 10 to 20 hours per week from April until October. Starting wage is $12.50 and
will be reviewed after 30 days for additional compensation. Please submit resume including 3 references, a short description of your experience and why you think the job is a good fit for you. Michigan Food and Farming Systems is the off-site management of
Tilian and will be reported to on a monthly basis by the farm assistant.
Tenure Track Position in Community Food Systems
The University of Florida is looking for a 12-month tenure-track social scientist in Community Food Systems. The successful candidate will develop a statewide
program in Community Food Systems with responsibilities in research and Extension. This will be a fun and interesting position in a beautiful part of Florida. The position is at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Mid-Florida Research and Education
Center in Apopka and the home department is Family, Youth & Community Sciences. If you or someone you know enjoys working with colleagues from the biological and social sciences and with the many stakeholders in building thriving food systems, including producers,
intermediaries, and consumers this is a great opportunity. For a full description, go to https://apply.interfolio.com/60264
Julie Grossman, PhD
Associate Professor, Soil Agroecology and Organic Food Systems
Organic Programs Coordinator, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences | University of Minnesota
Department of Horticultural Science | 454 Alderman Hall | 1970 Folwell Ave. | St. Paul, MN 55108 | tel: 612-625-8597 | email: [log in to unmask] | web: http://grossmanlab.cfans.umn.edu
Learn what is happening in organic agriculture at UMN! Visit https://www.organicag.umn.edu
2019 Internships with Seed Savers Exchange
For more than 43 years, Seed Savers Exchange, a non-profit, nationally-focused organization based in the Driftless Region on the outskirts of Decorah,
Iowa (near where Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota converge on the Mississippi), has focused on conserving and promoting America's culturally diverse but endangered garden and food crop heritage for future generations. Seed Savers Exchange was a pioneer in the
advocacy for preserving these heirloom varieties for generations to come, and is committed to keeping these varieties where they belong—in our gardens and on our tables.
Seed Savers Exchange is filling 3-5 internships for summer 2019. These are non-exempt seasonal position, working 40 hours per week for up to 12 weeks.
Internships run for 12 weeks starting in late May/early June and running through mid to late August, but dates are flexible. The interns will assist preservation
and field staff through all stages of seed regeneration, evaluation, and other garden duties with an emphasis through all of the internships on learning how to grow, harvest, and save seeds.
Applications accepted through March 30, 2019.
Job Title: New Roots Program Coordinator
Employment Category: Fixed Term
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: USA-Atlanta, GA
Job Overview/Summary:
The New Roots Program Coordinator leads the IRC’s New Roots program which works with IRC clients and community in two main areas: 1) youth gardening & food justice and 2) food security and
nutrition. The program’s goals are to connect IRC clients and the community with access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food options; provide nutrition education in the U.S. context; and facilitate participation in gardening/food production
programs. This position is a limited-term, 6-month position, with the possibility of extension pending grant funding.
Major Responsibilities:
Program Design and Delivery:
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Design and implement all aspects of the New Roots program in Atlanta.
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Develop and implement educational programs, including gardening and food justice activities for youth, along with nutrition, food security, and gardening programs for adults.
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Assist with the development of community-based collaborations around food and food justice.
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Provide technical advice to support community-based, and school-based gardens, and assist with garden site maintenance.
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Conduct community outreach and manage recruitment of New Roots participants.
Resource Development:
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Collaborate with the Atlanta Resource Development Team, Deputy Director, and Youth Programs Supervisor to create and implement a plan for continued funding for New Roots.
General Support:
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Maintain thorough and accurate records for all New Roots activities, ensuring program compliance with its goals through required reporting to funders and internal stakeholders.
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Work with Atlanta’s Finance Manager to track spending for New Roots and ensure adequate use of funding.
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Attend Youth Education Team meetings and complete administrative duties, including but not limited to reporting, timesheets, and expense reports.
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Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Job Requirements:
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BS or BA degree in agriculture, nutrition, or related field and/or a minimum of two years of relevant experience.
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Strong knowledge of agriculture and production.
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Experience coordinating a program and designing and delivering food and agriculture programming.
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Experience developing and implementing educational programs.
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Proven record of successful development of grant proposals.
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Reliable, professional, resourceful, team-oriented and sensitive to cultural differences.
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Able to occasionally work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
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Must have reliable transportation and maintain valid driver’s license and insurance coverage for vehicle.
Time is split between a standard office work environment and program delivery in community gardens.
Please apply through the link here: https://rescue.csod.com/ats/careersite/jobdetails.aspx?site=1&c=rescue&id=4194
______________________
Vicki Morrone
Organic Farming Specialist
Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University
480 Wilson Rd
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-282-3557 (cell)
sorrone11 (skype)