Michigan Local Food Purchase Assistance Program – Impact Information Sheets
Shared from Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems From October 2022 – December 2026, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) coordinates the Michigan Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program to maintain and improve resiliency in the food and farm supply chain. Targeted investments in local food procurement programs like the LFPA produce measured impacts for […]
Explore the National Impacts of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA)
Shared from Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems The Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program was announced in December 2021 and led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) Commodity Procurement Program. This new resource, Local Food Purchase Assistance Impact Report: A Preliminary Assessment of the LFPA Program, explores the national […]
2025-2026 National Organic Farmer Survey
Your experience matters! OFRF’s National Organic Farmer Survey is open. It takes about 25 minutes, and your insights help shape research, education, and resources for organic farmers nationwide. Complete the survey by Feb. 28, 2026, and receive a Johnny’s Seeds discount + enter to win Muck Boots, FELCO pruners, or a farm consultation. About OFRFThe […]
MOFFA Organic Intensives 2025- Final Report and Participant Evaluations
On January 18th MOFFA held its annual Organic Intensives. The presenters were a mix of experts, local farmers, and producers. We had 72 people registered, which was a little less than our current average. Of those registered, 59 attended. Some cancelations that we are aware of were due to illnesses and lack of transportation. Those […]
Op-ed: Organic Programs in the 2025 Farm Bill
by Jessie Smith This op-ed was written several months ago when we still had an opportunity of passing a new Farm Bill before the end of 2024. Although we have had to settle on a one year extension, we are happy to say that the provisions that would invalidate Proposition 12 and similar laws are […]
Pollinator Profile: Mining Bees (Andrena sp.)
By Amber Barnes and Laura Jach Smith Female (left) and male (right) mining bees on golden Alexander leaf and flower—photo credit: Amber Barnes Here is a pollinator you have probably been seeing all spring: bees from the genus Andrena, known as mining bees. These solitary bees build their nests in sandy soils by mining tunnels […]
MOFFA Farm Profile- Gateway Farm (Part 2)
Welcome to another installment of the Farm Profile. In this space we will share some questions and answers posed to Michigan farmers pursuing the many roads to sustainable agriculture. We hope we can all learn something from their responses and experience. You can find part 1 of the Gateway Farm profile here. Farm Name: Gateway […]
MOFFA Farm Profile- Gateway Farm (Part 1)
Welcome to another installment of the Farm Profile. In this space we will share some questions and answers posed to Michigan farmers pursuing the many roads to sustainable agriculture. We hope we can all learn something from their responses and experience. Farm Name: Gateway Farm Hub, Washtenaw County Farmers and/or Employees: Around 20 (mostly seasonal […]
MOFFA’s Merry Clark Publishes “Dandelion Roots Run Deep”
Cassopolis, MI, June 12, 2024 –(PR.com)– “Dandelion Roots Run Deep” is the true story of three generations of tenacious Midwestern women, one in Illinois and two in Michigan. Merry is the third generation, and her mother Merrill, fought for organic agriculture and Michigan’s environment from 1967 – 2009. Merrill developed Alzheimer’s before finishing her book, so […]
Organic Seed Producers Directory
Organic Seed Alliance has announced the launch of the new Organic Seed Producers Directory. The easy-to-use online tool was created to help connect organic seed producers with seed companies and wholesale seed buyers. Seed producers are invited to create a profile in the new directory so wholesale purchasers can connect with them. Creating a profile […]