Introducing MiFarmLink.org
The gateway to a new public-private
farmer initiative that strives to connect farmers
to land, each other, and key resources
WEST OLIVE It may not be obvious as you drive through Ottawa County, but this area's farming industry faces unique challenges, including farmland loss and a lack of new farmers entering the industry.
That's why last fall Ottawa County was awarded $44,885 from the United States Department of Agriculture's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. Ottawa County staff and community partners immediately got to work developing the MiFarmLink Project, a new public-private initiative to help West Michigan's farms and farmers continue to thrive.
Following a local agricultural survey, and careful research of beginning farmer needs, program developers identified four areas of focus: land access, succession, resources, and mentoring. Now, the public can explore hubs dedicated to each of these areas at MiFarmLink.org.
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"The MiFarmLink Project is meant to be a sort of facilitator. There's already plenty of resources for farmers out there; however, the maze of local, state, and national programs can be difficult to navigate."
Becky Huttenga,
Ottawa County Economic Development Coordinator
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"The MiFarmLink Project is meant to be a sort of facilitator," said Huttenga. "There's already plenty of resources for farmers out there; however, the maze of local, state, and national programs can be difficult to navigate. It is important that we organize and streamline these facets into digestible pieces on the website, focusing on the ones that data has shown us are most important in West Michigan."
Not only is it important to organize and streamline resources, but it is also important to coordinate and collaborate with other organizations, like the National Young Farmers Coalition. They recently hired Payge Lindow as one of two Beginning Farmer Technical Assistance Navigators, one based in Michigan and one based in Vermont. In collaboration with Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), she facilitates a pilot program to help connect small and beginning farmers with appropriate technical assistance resources. Seeing the value of this effort, MIFFS provided financial support for the development of the MiFarmLink.org website. "The timing could not have been better, with the MiFarmLink Project kicking off just as I began my role here in the Michigan. I hope that collaborating with the MiFarmLink Project will really help to amplify the impact we can make, especially in terms of land access for beginning farmers," said Lindow.
On top of the current information and resources, it's important to note the website is still expanding.
Currently visitors can:
- Learn more about the MiFarmLink program and its partners as a whole
- Research and schedule a succession planning consultation
- Explore mentoring opportunities
- Preview upcoming events, including a fall 2021 "Cultivating Connections" informational and networking event
- Submit agriculture land for lease or sale to be later posted on a 'LandLink' page, a searchable database where beginning farmers can easily find and connect with landowners looking to sell or lease valuable farmland.
 Submit property for LandLink
To develop the LandLink locator page, we need to aggregate available property. If you or someone you know owns valuable farmland and is either looking to sell or lease it, please visit MiFarmLink.org/list-your-land. There, you can enter some basic information about the property. Once we have enough listings, we will launch LandLink. And when the tool goes live, staff will notify you.
About the MiFarmLink Project
The MiFarmLink Project aims to help shepherd prime farmland from its current stewards into the hands of the next generation, and help these new farmers fill this vital role and be successful. With funding from the USDA, the County is building a local support system for new and prospective farmers.
Ottawa County is working closely with a number of partners, including:
- McShane & Bowie PLC
- The Agriculture and Animal Science Program at Careerline Tech Center
- Homestead Orchards LLC
Other collaborative organizations involved in the grant activities include Michigan Farm Bureau; Michigan State University Institute of Ag Technology - MCC Campus; DeBoer & Baumann PLC; and Michigan State University Extension.
Interested in MiFarmLink? Visit MiFarmLink.org today or click here for a video highlighting the project. To learn more about Ottawa County's efforts to support its vibrant agricultural industry, visit miOttawa.org/farmland, contact plan@miOttawa.org, or call 616-738-4852.
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