There are numerous challenges faced by the people who bring you fresh produce. They have to meet rigid standards, obtain pricy certifications and work hard to gradually “move up the food chain,” by getting more land and diversifying their crops over a period of years.

Underserved farmers are those who are outside the typical idea of a farmer - women, veterans, minorities. As a result of who they are, they face challenges in both getting into farming and moving up in the industry.

Michelle Napier-Dunnings is the executive director for Michigan Food and Farming Systems. She is here today to talk about this often unrecognized group of farmers.