FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Janice Benson
616-952-1151
executivedirector@michiganfarmfun.com

MSU Student Organic Farm

July 20, 2016 (Lansing, Michigan)–The Michigan Agritourism Association and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) have teamed up to offer six farm-based field days at locations across the state in August and September. Field days are supported by a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development  (MDARD) Specialty Crop Block Grant and are free to attend.

Each field day is designed to help new, beginning and experienced specialty crop producers become more efficient and effective in their production and promotion practices. Farmer hosts will share methods they use to be successful at their own operations and offer hands-on training and technical assistance with support from farm resource providers.

“We are pleased to partner with the Michigan Farmers Market Association on this project,” said Janice Benson, executive director of the Michigan Agritourism Association. “Specialty crop producers of any experience level can benefit from opportunities to visit other farms. Exchanging ideas and information with your peers is one of the best ways to gain tried-and-true techniques that can help your business thrive.”

This year’s series includes: Orchard Management, Pruning and Value-added Products on August 9 in St. Johns; Scaling Up with Mechanization and Season Extension on August 15 in Felch Township; Vegetable Pruning and Trellising and an Introduction to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and Outdoor Hydroponics on August 22 in Traverse City and Cedar; Weed and Pest Identification on August 23 in East Lansing; Using Social Media for Special Events on September 12 in Grand Junction; and Display and Marketing Best Practices on September 20 in Flint.

Dru Montri, Executive Director of the Michigan Farmers Market Association commented, “As a farmer myself, I love the opportunity to visit other farms and to discuss production and marketing strategies with other farmers. I look forward to these events each year because I always come home with new ideas and new connections.”

Specialty crop producers and stakeholders that support the industry are encouraged to attend. These events are free to attend and registration is required. To register and learn more about each field day, visit www.mifma.org/farmbaseded or call 616-952-1151.

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Michigan Agritourism is a non-profit association that supports the agritourism industry through promotion, education, advocacy, problem resolution and networking. Its goal is to keep family farms sustainable, support local economic growth and provide rich and unique experiences for visitors to make lasting memories.

The Michigan Farmers Market Association advances farmers markets to create a thriving marketplace for local food and farm products.