The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is comprised of six divisions that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public’s food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $104.7 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers; and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures

The Michigan Family Farms Conference is more than just a conference. Year after year, farmers, educators, and food system professionals gather to network, learn, and share resources and experiences. We also come together to celebrate diversity, expand our knowledge of sustainable agriculture, and strengthen the supportive network of farmers that we know is essential for building resilient farms.

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. A top global university, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better world while providing students with life-changing opportunities.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has been promoting sustainable living for over 40 years. Established in 1976, we are a national nonprofit with a mission of helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. In recent years, our agriculture work has also focused on small-scale intensive farming, urban farming, and local foods; assistance to small farmers, beginning and new farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and veterans wishing to become farmers.

The Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program provides grants to food processors, distributors, farmers markets, and producers to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against COVID-19. This program is authorized and funded under section 751 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. USDA developed the PRS Grant Program in response to extensive stakeholder feedback during listening sessions in March 2021, and written comments provided through March 30, 2021.

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) offers farmer-driven, grassroots grants and education programs. Since 1988, SARE grantees have been putting the principles of sustainable agriculture into practice on farms and ranches in every state and island protectorate.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is made up of 29 agencies and offices with nearly 100,000 employees who serve the American people at more than 4,500 locations across the country and abroad.

The organizational structure of the Farm Service Agency is laid out by Congress and overseen by the Secretary of Agriculture. The FSA administrator reports to an undersecretary of agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC).
The national farm program and farm loan program development and oversight functions are managed in Washington, D.C. Computational and statistical work is done in Kansas City. Implementation of farm policy through FSA programs is the responsibility of state and field offices based in counties and U.S. territories.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) provides leadership and funding for programs that advance agriculture-related sciences. We invest in and support initiatives that ensure the long-term viability of agriculture. NIFA applies an integrated approach to ensure that groundbreaking discoveries in agriculture-related sciences and technologies reach the people who can put them into practice. Since the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) authorized its creation, NIFA has taken significant strides toward enhancing the impact of food agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.

NRCS provides America's farmers and ranchers with financial and technical assistance to voluntarily put conservation on the ground, not only helping the environment but agricultural operations, too.