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

Sep 25

Michigan Farm to ECE Network Meeting - September 2025

September 25, 2025 11:30AM – 1:00PM

Save the date for our next virtual Michigan Farm to ECE Network Meeting on September 25, from 11:30am-1 pm.
Oct 2

Monthly Drop-in Organic Farming Q & A - October 2025

October 2, 2025 12:00PM – 1:00PM https://msu.zoom.us/j/94407160761 Passcode: TOPP

Join Michigan's TOPP Technicians Alex, Kim and Sam for monthly drop-in office hours to chat all things organic farming.
Oct 9

Organic Apple Orchard Tour at Third Leaf Farms - TOPP Partner event

October 9, 2025 4:00PM – 6:00PM 4 to 6pm ET Third Leaf Farm, 13993 10 Mile Rd NE, Greenville, MI 48838

Managing organic apples is complex! See this example from a 3rd generation orchard that has transitioned to organic over the last decade. Farmer Kyle Rasch will share insights on soil health, organic approaches to pest and disease management and more!

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News

Indigenous farmers needed for soil health testing

Published on September 11, 2025
Michigan State University Extension is working to collaborate with Indigenous farms on quantifying what is living below ground.
Download free curricula for beginning farmers

Published on September 5, 2025
Teach practical farming skills through hands-on activities and participatory learning methods.
Q&A with Michigan Farm to Family Program Manager, Cheyenne Liberti

Published on August 28, 2025
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's new program, Farm to Family, offers grants, networking opportunities, and more to strengthen agri-food systems across Michigan.