MSU Student Organic Farm and Organic Farmer Training Program

The MSU Student Organic Farm is housed in the Culinary Division of Student Life and Engagement at Michigan State University. It occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples, specifically land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw. The farm is dedicated to education, serving as a platform for educational programming for various groups and undergraduate student farmers. As a certified organic farm, they emphasize soil health, believing it leads to healthy plants and people. The farm uses a CSA model to provide fresh, local produce while supporting students and the farm's operations through upfront funds for seeds, supplies, and labor. They grow over 40 crops and 100 varieties, ensuring diverse shares for members. The farm also offers u-pick opportunities for CSA members and hosts a farm store during CSA distribution when extra produce is available. The farm relies on shared university spaces for CSA distribution and encourages members to bring their own bags and containers for pickup. They communicate with members via a weekly newsletter detailing share contents and farm announcements. Payments are managed through Cashnet/Transact, accepting credit cards or ACH, and checks by mail. Cash payments are not accepted. The farm also offers a discounted Student Share for current MSU students, made possible by a generous donation, to ensure access to fresh, local vegetables. They also offer tours and volunteer opportunities. The farm is part of Michigan State University, which was founded in 1855. The farm's commitment to organic methods and sustainable agriculture is central to its mission, aiming to provide a bountiful harvest while acknowledging the inherent risks of agriculture due to weather fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors. They also offer a Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP) and collaborate with MSU faculty for courses, internships, and research opport