MIFarmLink 2024-2028 Strategic Plan Executive Summary

Click here for the full Strategic Plan.

Introduction

MIFarmLink, a program of the Washtenaw County Conservation District, aims to keep Michigan farmland in cultivation by connecting farmers seeking land with owners looking to sell, lease, or create tenure arrangements. This strategic plan, developed through workshops and expert consultation, outlines our goals and action items for the next five years.

Mission and Vision

Our mission is to secure Michigan’s agricultural heritage for future generations by bridging the gap between farmers seeking land with farmland owners. Our vision is a thriving and diverse agricultural economy where Michigan farmland remains in the hands of farmers.

Strategic Goals

  1. Optimizing mifarmlink.org Online Platform

        -Enhance website functionalities, improve user experience, and maintain up-to-date content.

2. Creating a Long-Term Financial Plan

       -Develop core funding strategies, explore revenue-generating opportunities, and identify potential funders.

  1. Providing Resources and Connections for Farmers

       -Offer land tenure, training connections, and promote diversity through targeted communication.

  1. Building Brand Recognition

       -Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, develop a marketing plan, and enhance our reputation as Michigan’s farmland matchmaker.

  1. Identifying and Creating Key Partnerships

      -Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with relevant organizations to strengthen our network.

  1. Working to Identify a Statewide Administrative Home

      -Evaluate long-term organizational structure and explore the creation of regional hubs.

  1. Defining Benchmarks for Success

      -Track key metrics such as farm properties listed, connections made, and conservation practices applied.

  1. Establishing Operational Systems

       -Develop legal, communication, and operational guidelines to ensure effective program management.

Conclusion

This strategic plan, a collaborative effort by MIFarmLink staff and Advisory Committee, is designed to guide our work through realistic and attainable goals. It will be reviewed annually.