This strategy enabled MIFFS in 2015 to offer 37 workshops with over 1,000 people in attendance, develop our two new incubator Farm Development Centers (Tilian, Ann Arbor Township and Women-in-Ag, Genesee County), offer both of our flagship events ~ Meet the Buyers at Great Lakes EXPO and the 13th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference, and grow our regional capacity to listen, co-create, and implement programs that connect beginning and historically underserved farmers to each other and to resource opportunities.

In 2016, opportunities for fulfilling our mission, playing a critical role in making smaller-scale farming an attractive and viable livelihood, are expanding.

More help for smaller-scale farming

Most recently, MIFFS has developed a strong relationship with Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI), an organization dedicated to advancing population health through public health innovation and collaboration.

MIFFS and MPHI are aligned in their dedication to ensure a healthy livelihood for all producers, their families, and their communities.  The MIFFS-MPHI partnership will allow growth in statewide services, coordinate equitable food and farming initiatives with public health work, and grow a more sustainable organization.

A few concrete steps will move this from “discussion” to “action!”

•Michelle Napier-Dunnings will continue as MIFFS Executive Director in a part-time capacity and move into a newly established, Chief Communications Officer position at MPHI.  There, she will support and grow MPHI’s connection to food & farming, facilitation services, events management , continuing education, and communications services.

•Jen Silveri, recently hired as MIFFS Assistant Director, will assume some of Michelle’s responsibilities and will work with the MIFFS team to expand our programs and services.

•MPHI will provide additional office space, immediately offering meeting rooms (with parking) and a proximity to the MPHI team members interested in food and farming endeavors.

•The MIFFS team and interested MPHI employees will explore fund development options together with the intention of increasing the impact of our joint work and building a sustainable roadmap for that work.