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Michigan Organic Listserv
October 12, 2021
From Desk of Vicki Morrone-Center for Regional Food Systems in Community Sustainability
The 2021 Organic Cost Share Deadline is FAST Approaching-Oct 31!!
If you want to receive up to $500 per organic certification visit your FSA office to apply for Organic Cost Share
Steps to secure your cost share funds
Michigan Good Food Gathering
Join us as we wrap up the Michigan Good Food Charter update process and
plan for the future of good food in Michigan! The event will take place on
Program will take place on
October 13-15 on a virtual platform with live workshops and networking
space.
This interactive agenda will bring together food systems advocates and
practitioners to:
● Preview components of the updated Michigan Good Food Charter
● Share feedback and big ideas for Michigan's good food future
● Plan for collaboration and next steps Micro Farm Policy Roll out by USDA AMS
This program offered through Whole Farm Revenue Protection
USDA Introduces New Insurance Policy for Farmers Who Sell Locally
https://rma.usda.gov/News-Room/Press/Press-Releases/2021-News/USDA-Introduces-New-Insurance-Policy-for-Farmers-Who-Sell-Locally
WASHINGTON, Oct 6, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is rolling out a new insurance option specifically for agricultural producers
with small farms who sell locally. The new Micro Farm policy simplifies record keeping and covers post-production costs like washing and value-added products.
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) created this new policy based on research directed by the 2018 Farm Bill, and it includes feedback from producers who grow for their local communities. The policy will be available
beginning with the 2022 crop year.
“We are excited to offer this new coverage for producers who work to provide their communities with fresh and healthy food,” said RMA Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy. “USDA is focused on supporting local
and regional food systems, and this new crop insurance policy is designed with this important sector of agriculture in mind.”
The new policy is offered through Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) and it has distinct provisions that can provide more access to the program, including:
To read the complete
story
click here
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OEFFA’s 43rd annual conferences-
Rooted and Rising
February 12 Saturday online and Thursday
February 17-Saturday, February 19, 2022 in Dayton, Ohio
We are planning for hybrid conference event, which will offer you the best of both worlds, and registration will open by
December. Read on for details and watch this page for more information as the big event comes together! https://conference.oeffa.org/
Beginning/Intermediate Farmer Training
Registration is open for the 2021 New
Farmer U, a training offered by MOSES and Renewing the Countryside to augment beginning farmers' business skills and support their farming success. New Farmer U will take place Oct. 29 and 30 at Camp One Heartland in Willow River, Minnesota. The
event includes workshops on topics such as accessing wholesale markets, online marketing, whole farm recordkeeping, land access and financing, and income diversification. The $50 registration fee covers workshops, meals, and lodging. Interpreting is available.
See the website for details.
New Farmer U Scholarships
Beginning farmers who need assistance accessing the training may apply
for a $35 scholarship. The scholarship application closes September 6th!
New Farmer U is supported by NIFA, USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.
Half-Day Farm Finances Workshop
It's back! Our popular workshop based on the book, Fearless Farm Finances, will
be offered in a half-day format Oct. 29 at Camp One Heartland in Willow River, Minnesota. The workshop, taught by book co-author Paul Dietmann, is offered in conjunction with New
Farmer U—take the workshop on its own or combine it with New Farmer U. Registration for the Fearless
Farm Finances workshop is just $25 and includes a copy of the book
For more information visit the
MOSES website.
Chuck Anderas, Program Specialist
MOSES—Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service
715-778-5775 x 700
[log in to unmask] | https://mosesorganic.org/
Pronouns: he/him/his
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Do you want to sell bake goods at a farmers market?
Michigan Cottage Food Law, October 19 3PM. Learn how to prepare
and sell foods to the public under Michigan’s Cottage Food Law. This two-hour workshop combines education about the Michigan Cottage Food Law and the food safety aspects of preparing and selling cottage foods safely and successfully. Michigan Cottage Food
Law allows residents to manufacture foods in home kitchens and storing those products at home. Topics include preparing, packaging, labeling, storing, and transporting cottage foods. Register here |
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Carbon Credit Survey
Carbon Yield is partnering with graduate student researchers at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability to
quantify the potential value of carbon credits for growers who have adopted regenerative growing practices and to better understand barriers to growers accessing carbon credit markets. Growers will receive a $200 gift card for participation. More info here
On-Farm Readiness Review to Help Assure Food Safety –
Sign-up for a FREE Assessment!
This free, voluntary, and confidential service is your next step towards FSMA Produce Safety Rule compliance. Many growers of fresh produce
want to know how ready they are with regards to being FSMA Produce Safety Rule compliant. In an effort to get people ready for a full implementation of FSMA, MSU Extension and the Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety Team are providing
FREE On-Farm Readiness Reviews to Michigan Produce Growers. More info here
Grant and Internship Opportunities
Regional
Watershed Management Research and Outreach Internship Program
We would like to share an exciting opportunity for undergraduate students in summer 2022. Undergraduate students from
across the North Central Region can apply to participate in this program that will take place at universities across
the upper Midwest.
While the internships will range in location, topic, and format, they each will provide students with broader perspectives and experience in water-related research and extension education. Students will gain real world experience with
the complexities and trade-offs associated with water-related decisions in rural and urban landscapes.
Seven students will be selected for the internship and placed at a university across the region. Internships are paid and full time over the summer. Students will be paid $15/hour in addition to up to $1,000 reimbursement for travel
to the program site and a stipend of roughly $3,420 for subsistence support. (Please note, compensation may vary slightly state by state.)
In addition to activities and products at their host institution in conjunction with their mentor, students will also be part of a virtual cohort that will work together across the region to address a regional watershed management issue.
As part of the virtual cohort, students will also engage in skills training throughout the summer and attend and participate in an in-person student learning summit near the end of their internship.
Any degree seeking student is eligible that has completed at least one year of higher education before starting the internship program. The
application is now open!
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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)
Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard.