Our vision is a thriving economy, equity and sustainability for Michigan, the country and the planet through food systems rooted in local regions and centered on food that is healthy, green, fair and affordable.

Per the USDA announcement on July 15, 2025, the Regional Food Business Centers program was terminated, prior to its original end date of July 2028. Because of this, the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center halted operations on September 15, 2025 and was unable to responsibly launch the Business Builder Subaward and assistance programs. Please see our related press release.

Events

Oct 1

Applications for the 2026 Organic Farmer Training Program are now open!

October 1, 2025 – February 22, 2026 Scholarship application deadline is November 15. Applications for Detroit encouraged by November 15. Applications accepted until the cohort is full.

New farmers in can now apply for the 2026 MSU Organic Farmer Training Program in Detroit, East Lansing and our new site in Grand Rapids. More info at https://www.canr.msu.edu/organic_farmer_training_program/about/apply-now
Oct 23

Nutrient Management for Organic Farms Webinar - Part 1

October 23, 2025 12:00PM – 1:00PM Zoom Webinar

Join us for a two-part webinar series discussing nutrient risk management for organic farms.
Oct 26

Farming While Black Film Screening and Farmer Panel - TOPP Partner Event

October 26, 2025 1:00PM – 4:00PM East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road East Lansing, MI 48823

Join us for a film screening of Farming While Black and a Black farmer panel discussion with Dr. Eunice Foster, Shara Trierweiler of Agape Organic Farms, Bruce-Michael Wilson of Groundswell Farms, and Barbara Norman of Barbara's Blueberry Patch.

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News

Increased Local Food Sales to Schools and the Value of Grant Investment: Findings from the 2025 National Food Hub Survey

Published on October 21, 2025
Showcasing experiences from the 2024 calendar year, the initial findings from the 2025 National Food Hub Survey highlight increased sales to schools, as well as a high dependence on grant funding.
The Impact of 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms

Published on October 21, 2025
The unfunding of 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan's Kids and Farms is a blow to Michigan’s food system that reduces the financial ability of grantees to serve local produce to children, and will shrink a significant market opportunity for farmers.
Now Open for Applications! Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub Spark and Innovation Collaboration Awards

Published on October 17, 2025
The Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub supports people working to improve school meals across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Two grant opportunities are available for up to $200,000 per year. Apply by January 23, 2026.