Dr. George Bird, from Holt, MI   (Board member since 2002).  George is Professor of Nematology at Michigan State University where he serves as Associate Chairperson of the Department of Entomology and Coordinator of Diagnostic Services.  He is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Rodale Institute.  He is a former National Director of the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program and recipient of the 1995 Michigan State University Distinguished Faculty Award.   In addition to his expertise in nematology, George is a specialist in the areas of sustainable and equitable development, soil biology and organic agriculture.

Dr. Jim Bingen, from Okemos, MI  (Board member since 2002).  Jim is a Professor in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies at Michigan State University. With a background in Political Science, Jim’s domestic research focuses on organic agriculture and rural development policy.   He recently completed a study of Michigan farmers’ market managers and an analysis of organic growers in Michigan. Jim is a member of the Council of Michigan Integrated Food and Farming Systems.   He co-authored a report for MOFFA of roundtable discussions with over 50 Michigan farmers.

Nancy Jones Keiser, from Marne, MI  (Board member since 2001).    Nancy grew up on a farm in southeast Pennsylvania and has been farming, gardening and teaching others that  'we are all connected.'  With her husband Paul, they own the business, Agriculture & Health Alive, LLC,  which sells natural fertilizers and feed supplements.  They raise ducks, chickens, sheep and farm seasonal vegetables on certified organic land. They came to Michigan in 1997 to establish a community supported agriculture farm with a charter school. 

Douglas Murray, from Paw Paw, MI  (Vice Chair, Board member since 2002).  Doug is a graduate from Michigan State University, with a Masters in Entomology.  He has owned and operated Murray Pest Management in southwest Michigan since 1981, with a long-time interest in organic farming.  His clientele range from conventional apple growers in southwest Michigan to biodynamic avocado growers in Australia.  In the past seven years, he has farmed 20 acres of certified organic apples and 20 acres of certified organic blueberries.  He is very concerned about the nutritional level of our food and is working with others across the U.S. to document the healthy soil/ healthy food paradigm.

Taylor Reid is a student-activist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Plant and Soil Science from The University of Massachusetts and a Masters in Botany and Plant Pathology from MichiganState.  He has worked as a farmer, horticulturist, nematologist, tree surgeon, agronomist, land policy researcher, and even used to water Cher’s plants for a living.  He is currently a Doctoral student in Community, Food, and Agriculture at MSU.  His research projects include changes in organic certification under the NOP, the increasing corporate influence in land grant research and government, and the motivations, learning processes, and innovations of first-generation Michigan farmers.  Taylor currently serves on the MIFFS Agricultural Stewardship Committee and was a founding member of the Michigan State Sustainable Agriculture Network – now the Student Organic Farm/Ecological Food and Farm Stewardship. 

Patricia Whetham, from Flushing, MI  (Board member since 1991).   Patricia has been involved in organic farming and food issues and organizations the past 18 years. Beginning in 1986 as editor of the Michigan Organic News, she has informed and educated growers and consumers about the hows and whys of organic farming in a variety of ways. In addition to managing Whetham Organic Farm with husband Clarke,  she is currently the Vice President of Organic Growers of Michigan, Treasurer of Great Lakes Organic Processors Cooperative, and an active organic inspector.