Envisioning the Future of Northeast Michigan’s Food System: Insights from the NEMI Listening Session
On January 22, 2026, farmers, food advocates, community leaders, and partners gathered for a Northeast Michigan listening session with MDARD to discuss the future of the region’s food system. The conversation focused on a central question: What do we want the headlines to say about our food system in 2035?
Participants shared a hopeful vision for the next decade, one where local food systems are stronger, farmers are thriving, and every community member has access to healthy, affordable food. At the same time, they discussed the real barriers that currently stand in the way of that future and identified the resources needed to get there.
A Vision for 2035
Participants imagined a future where Northeast Michigan’s food system is resilient, equitable, and community-driven. Many of the headlines they envisioned reflected a region where local food is both abundant and accessible.Some imagined a future when farmers markets are full and food insecurity has declined, with communities celebrating through potlucks and shared meals. Others envisioned local producers supplying more than half of Northern Michigan’s food needs, marking a major shift toward regional food independence.
Participants also described a thriving agriculture economy. In this future, farms serve as hubs of community life, local food hubs support producers and buyers, and family-owned operations continue to flourish. Schools, senior centers, and after-school programs regularly serve locally produced meals, creating reliable markets for farmers while improving nutrition for residents.
Health and environmental benefits were another key theme. Participants imagined a region where regenerative agriculture helps restore soil health, chronic illness rates decline, and communities reconnect with fresh, whole foods produced close to home.
One powerful phrase captured this vision: “Healing soil, healing souls.”
Current Barriers Facing Farmers and Local Food Systems
While the vision for 2035 is inspiring, participants also spoke candidly about the challenges farmers and food system partners face today.
Navigating Regulations
Many farmers expressed difficulty understanding and navigating federal, state, and local regulations. Licensing requirements related to meat processing, eggs, honey, and value-added products can be complex, and zoning restrictions sometimes limit what farmers can produce or sell.
Infrastructure Gaps
A lack of critical infrastructure remains a major obstacles for many producers. Participants highlighted shortages of:
Cold storage and refrigerated facilities
Long-term storage for products like apples and root vegetables
USDA-inspected meat processing facilities
Commercial kitchens for value-added products
Reliable transportation and distribution systems
These limitations make it difficult for farmers to scale production or reach larger markets.
Financial and Marketing Challenges
Starting and maintaining a farm requires significant upfront investment. Farmers often struggle with the costs of equipment, land, insurance, and infrastructure. In addition, many producers face challenges connecting with larger buyers, building strong marketing strategies, and competing with out-of-region products. Access to financing and grant opportunities can also be difficult to navigate.
Unique Rural Challenges
Being located in a rural regional presents additional hurdles. Consumers often travel long distances to reach farmers markets or food retailers, and seasonal population changes affect demand. The region’s short growing season also create challenges for farmers hoping to supply institutions like schools that require consistent, year-round product availability. Technology limitations such as unreliable internet access needed for point of sale systems add another layer of complexity.
Opportunities for Growth and Collaboration
Despite these challenges, participants identified many opportunities to strengthen Northeast Michigan’s food system. Key areas of support include:
More funding for networking and relationship building among farmers, organizations, and institutions
Expanded grant opportunities for transportation, distribution, and storage infrastructure
Support for mobile processing units and value-added production
Programs that promote regenerative agriculture and soil health
Mentorship opportunities for new and emerging farmers
Youth engagement programs to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders
Marketing support and connections to larger retailers
Resources for farm succession planning to help preserve farmland for future generations
Participants also emphasized the importance of improving communication around available grants and ensuring that applications are accessible and manageable for busy farmers.
Building the Food System We Want to See
The Northeast Michigan listening session highlighted both the passion and the resilience of the region’s agricultural community. Farmers, organizations, and residents share a strong commitment to building a food system that supports local economies, improves health, and protects the environment. Achieving the 2035 vision will require continues collaboration, strategic investment, and policies that support farmers and rural communities, but the conversation made one thing clear: the people of Northeast Michigan are ready to work together to make that vision a reality.
The future headline participants hope to read is simple but powerful: Local farms thriving, communities nourished, and healthy food accessible to all.
