Guides

Beginning Farmers: 10 Steps to Loan Readiness

Published on October 30, 2017
At some point, most farmers need to make some changes and grow to sustain their business. Based on his lending work with hundreds of Michigan farmers, Mike Jordon developed the 10 steps contained in this guide to aid the growth of farming operations.
Beginning Farmers: Crowdfunding for Small Farmers

Published on October 2, 2017
Crowdfunding is becoming more popular for small and beginning farmers. This guide aims to address how small and beginning farmers can use crowdfunding as a fundraising tool.
Beyond the Numbers, Food Business Decision Making Series: Buying or Leasing a Food Hub Truck

Published on August 9, 2017
This guide presents the pros and cons of a food hub buying or leasing a truck for distribution.
Tools for Assessing Economic Impact: A Primer for Food System Practitioners

Published on July 11, 2017
Designed for local food system practitioners, this guide presents summaries and comparisons of several tools for assessing economic impact and growth, along with related examples.
Local Food for Little Eaters: A Purchasing Toolbox for the Child and Adult Care Food Program

Published on June 8, 2017
This toolbox supports early childhood programs in starting local food purchasing initiatives to help meet Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines for healthy meals.
Healthy Soil for Healthy Crops and Seeds: Action Learning Curriculum for Small-Holder Farmers

Published on April 1, 2017
This curriculum can be used by any educator as a guide to engage farmers to better understand soils and how management of soil impacts the crop.
Meat Marketing Series: Inventory Management Through Buffers

Published on February 20, 2017
This guide outlines methodology for managing inventory via buffering. It is intended for meat marketers that provide direct delivery to wholesale customers.
Making Michigan Recipes Work

Published on December 19, 2016
Making Michigan Recipes Work is a collection of resources for institutional food service professionals to learn handling and culinary skills specific to fresh, Michigan produce.
Meat Marketing Series: Selling the Whole Animal and Managing Variability

Published on June 9, 2016
Demand for local meat has been growing exponentially for years. Actually building a successful and profitable meat marketing program is easier said than done. Our report outlines a general solution for the problems.
An Annotated Bibliography of Farm to Institution Research in Michigan

Published on November 18, 2015
Farm to Institution work in Michigan centers on efforts to increase the amount of local foods purchased and used in food service programs at schools, early childhood programs, hospitals, colleges, and other institutions.
Farm to Early Childhood Programs: A Step-By-Step Guide

Published on June 12, 2015
This Farm to Early Childhood Program guide provides tools and resources to help early childhood program providers of all types and sizes purchase and use local foods in their meals and snacks.
Using Food Hubs to Create Sustainable Farm to School Programs

Published on April 15, 2015
This resource explores the key roles that food hubs can play in the development, support, and maintenance of successful farm to school programs.
2014 Charter Summary

Published on October 1, 2014
This summary reports on progress made toward achieving the 2020 goals set by the Michigan Good Food Charter.
Purchasing Michigan Products: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on November 15, 2013
This purchasing guide offers guidance on preparing for and undertaking local produce purchasing in a school environment.
Food Innovation Districts: An Economic Gardening Tool

Published on April 5, 2013
This guide can help planners and other stakeholders in developing food innovation districts that promote positive business environments, spur regional food system development, and increase access to local food.
Michigan Produce Availability Chart

Published on March 29, 2013
This handout outlines the availability of Michigan-grown vegetables, herbs, and fruits throughout the year.
Local Food Resources: MI Organizations and Programs Supporting Local and Regional Food Systems

Published on October 29, 2012
This guide catalogs information about the programs, expertise, and services of Michigan organizations engaged in food systems work.
Fostering Farm-to-MSU Efforts: Research to Guide Closer Ties with Michigan Agriculture

Published on August 31, 2010
This study overviews current local food purchasing practices at MSU and develops models that could enhance and strengthen MSU’s engagement in buying local and Michigan-produced food items.
Better Choices Through Local Foods

Published on August 13, 2010
This guide helps demonstrate how food purchases impact communities.
Food Connections: Capital Area Community Food Profile

Published on August 13, 2010
This guide is intended to transform the way we think about food systems.