December 18, 2018

The Huron Shores Local Food Coalition Envisions a Return to a Northeast Regional Food System

Being the second most diverse agricultural producer in the nation, Michigan has no shortage of specialty crops. In fact, lake effect microclimates are generally the most ideal for…

November 26, 2018

Terra Madre : Where the Joy and Justice of Food Meets

Every other year, in late September, the northwestern Piedmont region of Italy transforms into the town square for the global Slow Food movement’s gathering, Terra Madre. In the…

November 25, 2018

Who is Michigan Farmers Union?

Michigan Farmers Union is a grassroots organization that works to protect the social and economic well-being of family farmers throughout the Great Lakes State. Our members are our…

November 19, 2018

A Farmer’s Diary: Beginning Farmer Institute, Part 2

Our second session with the 2018-19 National Farmers Union’s (NFU) Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI) took us into the country’s heart of organic produce, the salad bowl of America,…

October 8, 2018

 Building the Market for Local Flowers: The Michigan Flower Growers’ Cooperative

It’s a Wednesday morning at the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace and the room is fragrant with fresh, cut flowers overflowing in buckets. There’s dahlias from Luella Acres, zinnias from…

October 3, 2018

NFU Fall Legislative Fly-in and the Farm Bill

The National Farmers Union (NFU) was founded over 110 years ago and advocates for grassroots policy change that supports the welfare of family farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and consumers.…

June 6, 2018

Tollgate: MSU Farm Keeps Agricultural Legacy Alive

Located near the intersection of three major highways and just over the rise from a sprawling shopping mall, there is a 160-acre oasis of rolling hills, green pastures…

June 5, 2018

Lavender Lane: A Scent-Sational Farm

Lavender Lane is a specialty lavender farm located 15 minutes south of Ann Arbor in Milan.  As educators, my wife and I founded our farm in 2014 and…

June 4, 2018

Lady Jane Seed Co.: Understanding the Hemp Plant

Hemp is a plant we’re hearing more about these days. However, there is a lot of confusion around this delicious and versatile plant. Many people wonder if hemp…

June 4, 2018

A Watershed Moment for NE Michigan’s Regional Food System

America’s highly productive food system is one of its beloved accomplishments. But the environment has paid a high price for this abundance, especially our rivers, streams, and lakes.…