News

Congratulations to Michigan’s SARE grant recipients

Published on May 1, 2025
Learn more about the 10 new Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) projects funded for 2025.
Where to find sustainable farm jobs in Michigan

Published on March 13, 2025
A map, a job posting form, a webpage and a listserv connect farm employers and farmworkers.
Boost your farm or food business: Online grant writing course now available

Published on January 24, 2025
This free course is self-paced and available online to provide food and farm business owners with a better understanding of the grant writing process.
Announcing Two Open Positions with the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center

Published on November 4, 2024
To support the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center, CRFS will hire 2 new positions in fall 2024. These positions will build capacity to connect available resources to farmers, producers, and other food business owners throughout the region.
Videos of Michigan SARE grantees highlight sustainable farm innovation

Published on October 24, 2024
Michigan hosts the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education administrative council and coordinators from 12 states for farm tours and video with grantees.
Seeking a Student Data Management Assistant

Published on October 23, 2024
The MSU Center for Regional Food Systems Farm to Institution Team is seeking a graduate level research assistant to support data management for the Michigan Farm to Institution Network and Cultivate Michigan.
Connecting the Dots: The 2024 Upper Peninsula Food Distribution Symposium

Published on October 14, 2024
On September 24, 2024, over 80 representatives invested in the food system, including farmers, institutional buyers, and funders, gathered to discuss community-led solutions to this issue at the UP Food Distribution Symposium held in Marquette.
National Urban Agriculture Conference 2024: Connecting Growers in Detroit and Beyond

Published on October 3, 2024
On August 4-6, 2024, the National Urban Agriculture (NUag) Conference took place in Detroit for the first time. Several CRFS team members presented or facilitated discussions.
Apply now for SARE Farmer Rancher and Youth Educator Grants

Published on September 17, 2024
USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education funds farmer-led innovations and connecting youth with the land.
Grants for farm research and outreach as well as building partnerships

Published on September 10, 2024
SARE grants available to foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers.
Michigan child nutrition programs farm to school efforts recognized by Vilsack and Stabenow in recent events

Published on May 28, 2024
Michigan farm to school programs were highlighted at recent events with USDA Secretary Vilsack, Senator Stabenow, and other policymakers.
Family Farms Conference workshop recordings highlight sustainable agriculture

Published on May 17, 2024
Videos include farmer SARE grant projects, farmer wellness, farm to school, agritourism, small-scale livestock and more.
2024 Michigan Family Farms Conference Brings Farmers Together

Published on April 16, 2024
Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) convened over 300 farmers, producers, and representatives from food systems organizations at their 20th annual Michigan Family Farms Conference at Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC).
Announcing Opportunities with the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center

Published on January 30, 2024
To support the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center, CRFS will hire 5 new positions in 2024. These positions will build capacity to connect available resources to farmers, producers, and other food business owners throughout the region.
The Lake Michigan School Food Systems Innovation Hub is Coming Soon

Published on November 27, 2023
The Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub is a USDA-funded grant-making initiative that reimagines students’ meals.
Deadline extended: Seeking Director of Farm to Institution Programs

Published on October 25, 2023
We're hiring for an outreach specialist position that will provide overall direction and coordinate outreach, education, research, and evaluation activities for existing and future farm to institution efforts at MSU Center for Regional Food Systems.
Community partnership results in “Shared Abundance”

Published on July 13, 2023
Northwest Lower Michigan has developed into a thriving food system—the book “Shared Abundance” details the community partnerships that made it happen.
Asparagus: Michigan’s Anticipated Spring Crop

Published on April 20, 2023
As the seasons change, so does the availability of Michigan-grown foods. Asparagus is the crop we can all count on every spring.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture awards MSU Center for Regional Food Systems $3.45 million to Expand Culturally Relevant Support for Farm and Food Business owners

Published on March 30, 2023
Over the next five years, MSU CRFS will work with MSU Extension, Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), and the Julian Samora Institute to develop resources for inclusive farm business engagement.
School Food System Innovation Hub to Bring Innovative Supply Chain Solutions to the Lake Michigan Region

Published on March 29, 2023
MSU CRFS will serve as the state lead for the Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub which will improve access to nutritious, locally grown food in the Great lakes region, along with partners in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Northern Indiana.