Our vision is a thriving economy, equity and sustainability for Michigan, the country and the planet through food systems rooted in local regions and centered on food that is healthy, green, fair and affordable.

Per the USDA announcement on July 15, 2025, the Regional Food Business Centers program was terminated, prior to its original end date of July 2028. Because of this, the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center halted operations on September 15, 2025 and was unable to responsibly launch the Business Builder Subaward and assistance programs. Please see our related press release.

Events

Oct 26

Farming While Black Film Screening and Farmer Panel - TOPP Partner Event

October 26, 2025 1:00PM – 4:00PM East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road East Lansing, MI 48823

Join us for a film screening of Farming While Black and a Black farmer panel discussion with Dr. Eunice Foster, Shara Trierweiler of Agape Organic Farms, Bruce-Michael Wilson of Groundswell Farms, and Barbara Norman of Barbara's Blueberry Patch.
Oct 26

Old City Acres Farm Tour with free transportation from Detroit - TOPP Partner Event

October 26, 2025 1:00PM – 3:00PM 6633 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Join us for a farm tour at Old City Acres Farm in Ypsilanti, MI. The farmer, Alex Ball, will show how Old City Acres manages its production and partnerships, and learn about innovative ways they’re connecting communities with fresh, locally grown food.
Oct 27

Farm to School Information Session for Farmers

October 27, 2025 3:00PM – 5:30PM Gavin Orchards 16495 40th Ave., Coopersville, MI 49404

Join us for a farm to school info session to learn more about selling to schools throughout West Michigan

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News

Business Spotlight: Agape Organic Farms

Published on October 24, 2025
Agape Organic Farms, a certified organic pork and mushroom farm based in Dansville, is a food sovereignty champion. With grant writing and network-building support from the Center for Regional Food Systems, Agape scaled its operations and impact.
Apply now for SARE Partnership Grants and SARE Professional Development grants

Published on October 23, 2025
Two grant programs support farm educators and agriculture professionals to address sustainable agriculture issues through collaboration with farmers or train-the-trainer projects.
Increased Local Food Sales to Schools and the Value of Grant Investment: Findings from the 2025 National Food Hub Survey

Published on October 21, 2025
Showcasing experiences from the 2024 calendar year, the initial findings from the 2025 National Food Hub Survey highlight increased sales to schools, as well as a high dependence on grant funding.