MSU Center for Regional Food Systems

06/04/2026

Keep up to date with the latest from the Michigan Local Food Council Network (MLFCN) Resource Digest!

You'll find the most recent information on grant opportunities, upcoming events, career openings, research highlights, and more. the MLFCN supports councils across Michigan in strengthening vibrant, equitable local food systems.

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🔗 Read the full Digest: https://conta.cc/4x191gb

06/04/2026

Michigan Cottage Food entrepreneurs now have access to a new, voluntary online registration system for business owners who do not want to list their home address on their product labels.

👉 Learn more here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/productcenter/cottage-food-business-voluntary-registration

06/03/2026

Interested in Organic's? The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPPS) is a great group to learn from.

06/03/2026

“Michigan’s 10 Cents a Meal program is exactly the kind of high-impact, bipartisan solution that pays for itself.”

Through a national survey, at least 5 states reported successfully launching a local food purchase incentive program by leveraging the demonstrated results of 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms 10 Cents A Meal. Since its launch in 2016, 10 Cents a Meal has been seen as a model for other state’s programs.

Learn more about how Michigan shaped the field in this new brief from Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems and National Farm to School Network!

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/the-national-impact-of-michigans-10-cents-a-meal-program

06/03/2026

Michigan agriculture officials are expanding local food initiatives aimed at connecting farmers with schools, hospitals and consumers while improving access to healthy food. More than $2 million in Last Food Mile grants will support 21 projects across the state, including two Houghton County farms t...

06/02/2026

Thanks to all presenters who joined us in hosting the Emerging Farmer Learning Series Sessions! Millie Chu of Global Entrepreneurship Business Lab, Paul Green of Marrow, Erika Tebbens of Taste The Local Difference, Carolina Estevez of HR BIS Human Resources Bilingual International Services, Carolyn Johnson of LightStone Law, Andrew Larson of Food Finance Institute, and Alex Ball of Old City Acres: we are so thankful for your time, thoughtfulness, and energy you put into these sessions! Additional thanks go out to our partners at the Michigan Good Food Fund in supporting this series!

All recorded sessions are available at https://www.canr.msu.edu/michigans-emerging-farmers/

06/01/2026

Bringing locally grown food to more groups and institutions is a win-win – helping both our farmers and our communities across the state,” said Dr. Tim Boring, the director of Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD).

Congratulations to the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Community Action Agency (CLMCAA) in the Upper Peninsula for being selected as a Good Food for Michigan Project grant recipient! Through a $16,000 grant award, this program will support services to increase the amount of Michigan-grown and produced foods served at senior nutrition sites and in their meals on wheels program, as well as develop relationships with farmers in the region.

This program is a partnership with Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD , Center for Good Food Purchasing, and CRFS.

Upper Peninsula community advocate among first recipients of new ag initiative to bring Michigan-grown food to local ​institutions, schools

06/01/2026

American Farmland Trust (AFT) Brighter Future Fund: National Farm Viability Grant will open June 8th!

To learn more visit: https://conta.cc/4urCnma

06/01/2026

“We are excited to help boost the great work already being done by the food service team at Bendle Public Schools to bring local food to students, teachers and staff. Together, we are positioning Bendle as a Good Food anchor institution in the region so other districts can see some of the best practices to increase the Michigan-grown food served in their cafeterias.”
- Melanie Tran, Michigan impact manager at the Center for Good Food Purchasing, on Bendle’s new partnership with Good Food.
Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
MSU Center for Regional Food Systems

Read more about our project: https://goodfoodpurchasing.org/bendle-public-schools-mi/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRu_PVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwQzlkOUZyQUFZU0RQcnFEc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqxETt3xVOKUdQ8xTrZEDIlW6wVpH7_6rH1dPTZafjO8wdGbLD_i3mFsFGsu_aem_FV-SWKFBVGjukUDqf-axSQ

05/29/2026

Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision-Making Guide

MSU Extension has published a new guide! Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision-Making Guide

The Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision-Making Guide provides a pathway to resources a new farmer or decision-maker may need to get started and support their production journey.

Starting with production in mind, resources give farmers an introduction to important farming topics and direct them to education and decision-making tools as well as how to connect with agricultural partners.

Learn more & download the guide here: https://conta.cc/4slhsQV