 The Business and Science of Farming
Classes to help startup farmers
An eight-session workshop series tackles farmers’ two biggest challenges, business plans and production— including sessions on business planning, soil fertility, pests and diseases, and more.
Classes start March 3, 2010
Wednesdays and Thursdays
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Michigan Works Conference Room
1209 Garfield, Traverse City
contact Jim Sluyter, 231-941-6584, ext. 15, or jimsluyter@mlui.org
Click here to download the flyer
 MAEAP Phase 1 Meeting
and
GAP Audit Workshop
Monday, February 22
Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station Traverse City
Michigan Ag Environmental Assurance Program 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Good Agricultural Practices Audit Workshop 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Presenters:
Nikki Rothwell and Erin Lizotte, NWMHRS Dan Busby, Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program
This program costs $5 and includes lunch. Register with Jackie Baase at 231-946-1510 while space is available!
Contact Jim Sluyter, 231-941-6584 ext 15 or jimsluyter@mlui.org for information.
Click here to download the flyer
Here are some of the workshops we’re preparing. Check in often for scheduling information.
- The Business and Science of Farming: An eight-session workshop series tackles farmers’ two biggest challenges, business plans and production— including sessions on business planning, soil fertility, pests and diseases, and more. Wednesdays and Thursdays at Michigan Works in Traverse City, 6:30 – 8:30 pm starting March 3.
- Developing a Successful Food Safety Plan: Food safety is crucial to growers; some retailers require Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) audits. So, we are planning food safety workshops and a “mock GAP farm audit” this summer.
First food safety workshop: February 22, NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station.
- Renewable Energy: Make Hay While the Sun Shines: Wind, solar, and other clean energy can work for growers. We’ll explore them at the workshop and learn more by visiting the off-the-grid Five Springs Farm, near Manistee.
- Organic Grapes/Table Grapes: We have a strong wine industry, but consumers and producers also want organic options. Also, demand is strong for table grapes, but growers aren’t producing enough. This workshop looks at both opportunities.
- Direct Marketing: There are many ways to market local food products, and we’ll consider many of them, including farmer’s markets, community supported agriculture, restaurants, food distributors, and direct sales. Dates to be announced.
- Cranberry Farming: There’s a strong demand for cranberries, which produce strong profits from small acreage. But infrastructure is expensive. Learn about this colorful crop, from planting and tending to harvest and marketing.
Farm tours will be announced in the spring and summer. Watch this space! For information, call Jim, 231-941-6584 or 231-889-0199, email jimsluyter@mlui.org |
 Accepting Bridge Cards at Michigan Farmers Markets
Everyone should have access to fresh, local food. Farmers markets area a great place to purchase local food and connect with the community. These training sessions are organized for market organizers, managers, farmers and vendors to provide step by step information for accepting Bridge Cards at your farmers market.
Thursday, March 18, 2010 from 1-4 pm
Online webinar
Registration is required.
Sessions are FREE to members of the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) and the Michigan Land Use Institute (MLUI).
A $15 fee is required for all other participants to cover the costs of resource materials. To register, download the flyer and use the registration form. For more information, contact Amanda Segar at 517-432-3381 or segarama@msu.edu.
Click here to download the flyer
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