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.

New Workshops!

Join specialists Paul Whitaker and Erin Silva for this in-depth look at biological controls for insect pests of brassicas. Take advantage of the reduced cost of this workshop.
ONLY $15 - thanks to sponsorship from Wisconsin Fresh Market Vegetable Association, Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) and USDA North Central Region – SARE. Brochure
Full list of workshops

Seeking sustainable solutions to the food crisis

Hunger has been a perennial scourge long facing the world's poorest people. But what once was considered the plight of the so-called "bottom-billion" has begun to ensnare an ever-growing number of people as world food prices continue to climb. Since 2006, prices of the two major global food crops, rice and corn, have risen 217% and 125% respectively, according to the Center for Research on Globalization. From Mumbai to Mississippi, the World Food Crisis is beginning to squeeze those in developed countries, and the poor - particularly the rural poor - of America.
» Read the full article

Governor Doyle announces Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grants

On July 17th in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Governor Doyle announced the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grant awards. Requests for Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin funding far exceed available funds with 94 applications seeking over $3 million in grants. For more information, check out the news releases below.
» MFAI news release | DATCP news release

Controversial animal identification system: good for the family farm?

Wisconsin is a key player in the development of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), but many farmers within the state are opposing the adoption of the program. Although the implementation of NAIS may not directly put family farms out of business, many farmers believe that this government-controlled system is causing yet another roadblock for the already diminishing number of family farms in the state.
» Read the full article

MFAI welcomes new staff person, Susan Gravelle

MFAI proudly announces the receipt of a grant from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation Community Grant Fund to establish the position of Organizational Effectiveness Officer (OEO) in its East Troy, WI office. Susan Gravelle has been named as OEO, bringing her corporate experience as the former Director of Client Care and Director, Business Coaching at E-Myth Worldwide in Santa Rosa, California.
» Read the full article

Wisconsin Eat Local Challenge

Want to find local farmers in your area? Want to eat more fresh, healthy food? The second annual Wisconsin Eat Local Food Challenge will take place from September 5th to 14th. Join the challenge and spend 10 percent of your food budget on local food. To sign up for the challenge and get tips on finding local food in your area, see the Wisconsin Eat Local Challenge, linked below.
» More information

Upcoming events: MFAI Harvest Festival and more

See where good food comes from by joining us at the MFAI Harvest Festival! Enjoy delicious farm-fresh food, discover the delights of the gardens and have lots of fun. A perfect way to spend an autumn day in the country. The Harvest Festival will take place on Saturday, October 4th from 9am to 4pm and will feature wagon farm tours, a bee hive walk, antique farm equipment, a farmers market, wholesome children's activities and hands-on demonstrations.
» Harvest Festival | Full list of upcoming events

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