Hannah Stevens...In cold climates, gardeners and growers have had success with lengthening the growing season in spring and fall by using row covers, low tunnels and various types of greenhouses. More recently, a trend towards buying local has lead some producers to explore on-farm winter storage as well as the production of fresh greens that survive and thrive in these structures during the winter.

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Rufus Isaacs...We are working with a diverse group of researchers and farm educators to develop a strategic research and education proposal to the USDA Specialty Crops Research Initiative grant program. The focus of the proposal is on understanding the role of native bee pollinators in specialty crops and how to improve habitat and farm management to increase pollination by bees.

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What does “organic” mean? The University of Minnesota’s Jim Riddle and Bud Markhart have created a new publication, “What is Organic Food and Why Should I Care?” which explains in simplified terms USDA National Organic Program requirements and presents footnoted summaries of scientific studies about organic food and farming. View handout.

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The Michigan Land Use Institute’s Get Farming! project will present two workshops about food safety on the farm. Both sessions are free.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture published the first edition of a program handbook designed for those who own, manage or certify organic operations. Prepared by the National Organic Program (NOP), the handbook provides guidance about the national organic standards and instructions that outline best program practices. It is intended to serve as a resource for the organic industry that will help participants comply with federal regulations.

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Do you have a food business idea you want to explore? Or want to make your current food business more profitable? Then mark your calendars for MSU Product Center’s 4th annual “Making it in Michigan” premiere specialty food show and conference.

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This year’s conference will be held November 1-3, 2010 at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont. This event brings together farmers, ranchers, educators, agricultural service providers and activists.

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