INSIDER
Lots of indoor farms are shutting down as their businesses struggle. So why are more being built?
Read full article: Lots of indoor farms are shutting down as their businesses struggle. So why are more being built?Across the country, more indoor farms are launching or expanding even as others founder.
This homegrown gourmet mushroom business sprouted during the pandemic
Read full article: This homegrown gourmet mushroom business sprouted during the pandemicWhether pretty in pink, or fluffy like a lion’s mane, mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and no one knows that better than Sienna Wolgast.
How important is farming still to the U.S.? These facts and figures might surprise you
Read full article: How important is farming still to the U.S.? These facts and figures might surprise youFarming might not be a glamorous job for many, but simply put, we might not exist without the hardworking farm owners and laborers out there.
Michigan farm owner says human waste contamination was ‘oversight,’ ‘not intentional’
Read full article: Michigan farm owner says human waste contamination was ‘oversight,’ ‘not intentional’The owner of a Michigan farm accused of using raw, untreated human waste on fields of produce, which triggered a widespread consumer alert, says the incident was an “oversight.”
Washtenaw Community College to host dig site exploring historical activity
Read full article: Washtenaw Community College to host dig site exploring historical activityFrom July 21-23 and July 28-30, participants will work with professional archaeologists to dig up a survey site and excavate artifacts to learn about historical activity.
Fighting food deserts: urban farming a solution for lack of fresh food
Read full article: Fighting food deserts: urban farming a solution for lack of fresh food12% of Americans don’t have enough access to fresh food, according to the USDA. The health impacts of eating processed junk food are too long to list.
Metro Detroit farmers struggle to make ends meet amid rising fuel costs
Read full article: Metro Detroit farmers struggle to make ends meet amid rising fuel costsThe owners of Crooked Creek Farm Fairy are the last generation that will be on this land. But even in their final years of loving and living the farm life, it has gotten incredibly difficult.
Community fridges offer free food for those who need help
Read full article: Community fridges offer free food for those who need helpYou’ve probably seen a community library pop up, as they’re often spotted in different neighborhoods. They’re typically filled with used books that people in the neighborhood can take, as well as drop off books they are finished with.
‘We are facing extinction’: Black farmers in steep decline
Read full article: ‘We are facing extinction’: Black farmers in steep declineOn top of that, many Black farmers say racial bias at all levels of government has effectively pushed them off their land. When the state's Black Farmers Association was formed 21 years ago in the wake the Pigford settlement, the group had 53 members, she said. AdMany Black farmers say it's still not enough. The Justice for Black Farmers Act, which was introduced in November, seeks to protect remaining Black farmers from losing their land, provide land grants and reform USDA's civil rights process. “Nicodemus is a clear picture that we are facing extinction as active farmers in this country,” said John Boyd Jr., a Virginia farmer who is president of the National Black Farmers Association.
U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum accepting applications for 2021 internships
Read full article: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum accepting applications for 2021 internships(Meredith Bruckner)ANN ARBOR – Are you a college student with a strong interest in farming, gardening and environmental education? Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are now accepting applications for the 2021 internship season, which include various paid positions. Required qualifications include a university or college student with enthusiasm for teamwork, willingness to learn and a good work ethic. In-person internship work will take place in accordance with strict COVID safety protocols. As part of the University of Michigan we adhere to university policy and guidelines for all public and employment programs.
‘It’s an environment of hope’ -- Thousands protest in Detroit in support of Indian farmers
Read full article: ‘It’s an environment of hope’ -- Thousands protest in Detroit in support of Indian farmersDETROIT – More than 1,000 Indian-American across Metro Detroit held a car rally Sunday in support of Indian farmers. The image of an elderly Sikh man being beaten by an Indian paramilitary officer has galvanized more support than any other. The protest in Detroit joined protests happening all around the world with residents fighting to protect their way of life on the other side of the world. “That’s what common people want.”“The way of life for so many families -- including mine -- is farming,” said Manvir Sandhu. “This shows democracy.”“It’s an environment of hope,” Manvir Sandhu said.
Hundreds rally in Canton in support of India farmers facing controversial legislation
Read full article: Hundreds rally in Canton in support of India farmers facing controversial legislationCANTON, Mich. – Despite the cold weather and ongoing health crisis, on Saturday Metro Detroiters joined in on protests happening in several countries in support of Indian farmers. Hundreds of Indian-Americans from across Metro Detroit gathered in Heritage Park in Canton for a peaceful rally to show support for farmers. “There are farmers out there who need our help,” said Michigan Rep. Ranjeev Puri. Related: India farmers press on with protest despite offer to talkOne Michigan protester, Dr. Amanjot Sarao, comes from a long line of farmers. “I was shocked.”Protesters said they felt proud of their Metro Detroit neighbors for coming together and speaking up for those whose voices are being silenced in India.
U-M Campus Farm hiring for two positions in Ann Arbor
Read full article: U-M Campus Farm hiring for two positions in Ann ArborANN ARBOR – Are you a University of Michigan student and passionate about farming? The University of Michigan Campus Farm is currently hiring two part time student manager positions to start in January 2021. The Campus Farm was founded in 2013 as a spinoff of a a sustainable food student group at U-M. The Campus Farm is at 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. To learn more about the Campus Farm, visit its website.
Detroit’s first Black-owned cider mill opens on city’s west side
Read full article: Detroit’s first Black-owned cider mill opens on city’s west sideDetroit Farm and Cider is tucked away near The Lodge and Webb Avenue. Blighted homes are a symbol of what once was, but right across the street are four acres of fresh fruits, farm animals and now a cider mill. King owns Detroit Farm and Cider. I tread lightly because there’s so much that needs to be addressed in our community,” King said. Detroit Farm and Cider runs Friday through Sunday from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.READ: More community coverage
Detroit organizations raise $40,000 for Black Farmer Land Fund
Read full article: Detroit organizations raise $40,000 for Black Farmer Land FundDETROIT A number of organizations in Detroit are raising money to help Black farmers purchase land in Detroit. Members of Keep Growing Detroit launched a fundraising effort on GoFundMe with a goal of raising $20,000 to help Black farmers purchase the land they are currently growing on or plan to grow on. Keep Growing Detroit -- in collaboration with the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm and the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network -- has surpassed their initial goal, raising more than $40,000 as of Saturday. Organization members say Black farmers face more barriers when it comes to land ownership than White farmers do in Detroit. Black farmers can begin applying in July and awardees will be announced in September.
What is The Michigan Urban Farming Initiative?
Read full article: What is The Michigan Urban Farming Initiative?DETROIT The Michigan Urban Farming Initiative is a nonprofit organization in Detroit that works toward social justice and is dedicated to urban agriculture. Mitch Albom reports on the initiative and shows how theyre growing food to feed the community. Watch the video above for the full reportClick here for more Heart of Detroit reports
Michigan crops damaged as temperatures plunge below freezing
Read full article: Michigan crops damaged as temperatures plunge below freezingCHARLOTTE, Mich. Fruit growers are assessing the damage on their orchards after temperatures plunged below freezing in south-central and southwest Michigan, threatening tender blooms on apple, peach and other fruit trees. Last weekends morning freeze was the worst of its type since one that hit the area in May 2002, according to the Lansing State Journal. Cold, dry air blowing in from Canada dropped temperatures into the low- to mid-20s for nearly nine hours, according to the Lansing State Journal. We won't realize the extent of the damage until maybe next week, said Audrey Sebolt, a horticultural specialist with the Michigan Farm Bureau. Sebolt noted that though insurance won't totally replace fruit that was lost, it will provide an economic safety net.