Michigan State University's Student Organic Farm (SOF) has been awarded a generous $50,000 grant from Farmers Advocating for Organic, a grant program supported by the Organic Valley cooperative. The grant aims to provide support and education for the next generation of organic farmers and consumers, with a specific focus on MSU undergraduates who have historically been underserved and underrepresented within the agricultural community.
The grant will enable the Student Organic Farm to implement various initiatives that bridge the gap between organic agriculture and historically underserved populations. Workshops and educational programs will cover a range of topics, including regenerative agriculture, cooking with native plants, permaculture, and more.
Laurie Thorp, the director of the Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment and co-founder of the Student Organic Farm, emphasized the significance of this grant in addressing the historical injustices within the food system. The farm is dedicated to collaborating with students and campus partners to promote the reintroduction and education surrounding native foods, fibers, and medicinal plants.
The SOF project is scheduled to commence during the upcoming fall season, marking an exciting milestone in advancing organic farming practices and fostering inclusivity within the agricultural landscape at Michigan State University.
Photo Credit: Organic Valley
Categories: Michigan, Education