Extension staff member receives leadership award

Extension staff member receives leadership award

Michigan State University Extension program instructor and MSU Product Center innovation counselor Wendy Wieland received the Food and Farming Network Chapman Award for leadership in building a robust community food system in northwestern Michigan.

Our View: While not perfect, Farm Bill is a step in the right direction

Our View: While not perfect, Farm Bill is a step in the right direction

While there are measures we wish would have made it into the just-passed Farm Bill, we’re pleased that it includes renewal of funding for programs that only started to see serious funding in the 2008 Farm Bill-renewable energy, beginning farmers, organic farming, local food economies, and support for farmers who grow the food we really need to eat, fruit and vegetables. While still a small slice of the Farm Bill spending, it is a positive direction.

Regional Book Club Carries Forward Work of Local Activist

Regional Book Club Carries Forward Work of Local Activist

The idea behind the new reading project is a simple one: In each season of the year, a broad community will come together to read one of the books recommended by Bob, discuss its themes and lessons, celebrate the region’s strengths, and acknowledge the work that remains.

Speak to FDA about food safety rules

Nov. 15 is the deadline for the public to comment on rules developed by the Food and Drug Administration to implement the Food Safety Modernization Act. It’s imperative that those who want to buy or sell locally grown produce weigh in.

GM, Ford, Chrysler and food

GM, Ford, Chrysler and food

We’re a big, proud, two-handed state. For an entire century we’ve been known for greatness, and the one proud thing to rule them all is the great American automobile. It started here, innovated here, and is still struggling to reemerge here. Just like our local food economy.