A learning center for positive change
Since 1984, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute has been devoted to developing an agriculture that can sustain the land and its resources. As a public, non-profit learning center, we seek to revitalize farming with research, education, technical assistance and public policy. A full breakdown of each of our activities can be found within the Programs section of the web site.
Our mission is to cultivate the ecological, social, economic, and spiritual vitality of food and farming systems through education, research, policy and market development.
MFAI highlights:
Send your comments on Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program by June 11th
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is now accepting public comment on its new Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program. Comments are due by Wednesday, June 11th. Many of you wrote letters, made phones and took action to support funding for this innovative state program. It’s time to let your voice be heard again.
» Take action
Farm Bill becomes law: new resources for sustainable food & farming
Congress recently took final action on the 2008 Farm Bill by overriding President’s Bush’s veto of the bill. While the failure of Congress to fundamentally reform commodity programs perpetuates many problems with current U.S. farm policy, the bill does include important building blocks for a more balanced and sustainable food and farm policy. Read the full article for some of the highlights of the 2008 Farm Bill.
» Read the full article
Mobile meat processing: making the local food connection
Small, local, inspected meat processing facilities are often an invisible link in a sustainable food and farming system. Local processors are of critical importance if we want to conserve our diverse farming landscape, support farm families and rural economies, insure humane harvesting of livestock and poultry, and have choice in what we eat and where we buy it.
» Read the full article
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: Glynwood Center’s 6th Annual National Harvest Awards
The Harvest Awards honor individuals, organizations, and businesses across the United States that do an exceptional job of supporting sustainable agriculture and regional food systems. Do you know visionary farmers who not only raise amazing food but have also developed innovations in growing, marketing, and collaborating with their community in new and exciting ways? Are there inventive individuals, organizations or businesses in your community that are developing cutting-edge models to connect people and sustainable, regionally produced food?
» Read the full article
New Workshops!
Click on the link below for the latest workshop additions to our series, including new renewable energy workshops and the latest on pest management for brassicas.
» Full list of workshops
Postharvest handling manual now available
As consumer demand for locally grown produce increases, more farmers are selling their products directly to supermarkets, restaurants, institutions and other large retailers. Selling to new markets can present new opportunities and challenges. A manual offered by FamilyFarmed.org is now available for farmers who want to improve their postharvest handling practices and increase their sales.
» More information
Upcoming events
Want to know more about generating your own renewable energy? We Energies is offering seminars, held at MFAI that will introduce you to current technology, site selection, system sizing, available financial incentives and installer selection. Also come experience the world's largest renewable energy fair in Custer, Wisconsin. Check out these upcoming summer events and more on the newly-redesigned MFAI event calendar.
» See all upcoming events
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