Join Food Safety experts to learn more about the importance of food safety, and what the new FDA Food Safety Modernization Act means for growers. In addition, learn about the GAP and GHP programs, additional resources, buyer specifications, and participate in creating an example SSOP for your farm. Speakers will include Jill Ball, a Food Safety Scientist at DATCP; Larry Hood, managing director of the food safety consulting company, Technical and Business Services; Steve Ingham, Administrator of the Division of Food Safety at DATCP; and Tim Leege, Program Manager with DATCP.

The Wisconsin Local Food Network (WLFN) has embarked on a new project titled Collaborating to strengthen local and regional food systems in Wisconsin.  This project is building upon current work and strengthening the statewide structure of local food system development by identifying priority topic areas, facilitating working groups, and identifying local/regional projects that WLFN can support with education, information, communication channels and small infusions of funding.  WLFN has received support from a UW-Extension Program Innovation Fund grant and the Department of Agricu

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is currently accepting proposals for Value Added Services Funding.  DATCP is collaborating with the Wisconsin Agriculture Innovation and Development Center (AIDC) to solicit proposals, evaluate submissions, and award funds.
 
Proposals are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2011.  
 

Whole Farm Workshops bring the benefits of sustainable agriculture to beginning farmers, advanced growers and consumers. This year learn all about the pests and diseases that affect your vegetables through our workshops on pests, diseases and weeds. We have classes on tractors and innovative ways farmers are improving their marketing. Take a grant writing class. Maybe you’ve thought of raising chickens or goats or rabbits. Look into biodynamic agriculture or growing grapes biodynamically. What about improving your soil, the heart of your farm?

A broad range of local food system development stakeholders are expected to attend, including farmers, agricultural educators, health care providers, school food service staff, USDA and WiDATCP employees, tribal representatives, community gardeners, food co-op members, chefs and more.
 

On February 22, 2010, Supt. Evers recognized nine outstanding projects:

At Michael Fields, you will engage with our Farmer Faculty in interactive workshops and on-site field training. Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is training the next generation of sustainable farmers. Join us in East Troy, Wisconsin where beginning farmers and advanced growers develop the skills they need to take their agricultural careers to the next level. REGISTER for Whole Farm Workshops 2010.

The new Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin email discussion list is now available. Click here to sign up!

Download a list of resources from the Wisconsin Local Food Network here.