To assist bipoc, immigrant, and veteran farmers in michigan, wisconsin, and illinois in developing critical skills needed to maintain long term careers in farming and regional food systems through…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Advocacy and Outreach awarded a 3-year, $703,714 Project Grant under the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers (CFDA 10.443) program to the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, Inc. The grant will assist BIPOC, immigrant, and veteran farmers in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois in developing critical entrepreneurship and marketing skills needed to maintain long-term careers in farming and regional food systems. The Institute will provide education, training, and technical assistance to this underserved population of farmers, with a focus on supporting sustainable agriculture practices, conservation efforts, and economic development. Key activities will include mentorship programs for beginning farmers, research on soil health and food-grade grain production, and the delivery of technical assistance for conservation planning. The Institute has also engaged in sub-award partnerships with organizations like Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, and University of Wisconsin System to collaborate on research projects related to sustainable agriculture.

To assist bipoc, immigrant, and veteran farmers in michigan, wisconsin, and illinois in developing critical skills needed to maintain long term careers in farming and regional food systems through entrepreneurship and marketing skills.