News

Cultivating local farm economies

Published on April 21, 2021
Farm viability requires flexibility, innovation in local government planning and zoning to allow for farm income diversification.
Planning commissions can strengthen inclusion with gender neutral policy language

Published on April 7, 2021
Are people of all gender identities represented in your planning commission bylaws, policies, and other documents? Many organizations have taken steps to update policies and replace gendered language with gender neutral options.
Unlock the door to food business expansion at the Making It In Michigan virtual conference

Published on April 1, 2021
Michigan food businesses are invited to participate in the event starting April 27, 2021.
What does carbon impact look like on a food label?

Published on January 14, 2021
Carbon labels communicate a product’s impact on climate change, similar to how Nutrition Facts communicate a food’s impact on your health.
Farm Business Incubator — growing farmers in the central Upper Peninsula

Published on November 20, 2020
Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center is now accepting applications for its Farm Business Incubator program.
What’s in a planning commission’s annual report?

Published on November 6, 2020
The annual report is a requirement of all local government planning commissions and is an opportunity to provide the community and elected officials with a review of planning commission activities and achievements.
Empowering young entrepreneurs to increase retention in rural areas

Published on October 29, 2020
Learn and share best practices to empower our youth to become entrepreneurial in your hometown.
Working from Home

Published on October 7, 2020
A list of five lessons about working from home and the potential implications for land use and urban planning.
Collaborative to enhance aquaculture education in Great Lakes region

Published on September 22, 2020
Interactive online event will showcase the region’s aquaculture production, and includes a culinary competition.
Upcycling: Can food waste be transformed into profit?

Published on August 14, 2020
Upcycled foods turn traditional waste streams into savvy consumer products. This opens a potential to have your cake (environmental impact) and eat it too (at a profit).