The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced $2.3 million in Underserved, Value-Added, Regional Food Systems and Supply Chain Grants to accelerate business growth and strengthen food systems across the state. Many of the grants fund broader projects that will support new jobs in Michigan communities. MDARD Director Tim Boring said smart investments in the state’s food and agriculture systems boost business growth, build stronger communities, and improve quality of life for Michiganders, adding that the grants will create new jobs and cultivate new economic opportunities for Michigan farmers and food businesses while giving Michiganders more access to nutritious, locally grown foods.
Mid-Michigan
Blue Mitten Farms in Okemos received $100,000 for infrastructure improvements that will expand production capacity across multiple greenhouse structures, helping create one part-time job.
Northern Michigan
Lakeview Hill Organic Farm LLC in Traverse City received $99,744 to increase year-round production of organic produce by constructing new climate-controlled hoophouses, helping create one full-time and one part-time job.
Z&N Farm in Bear Lake received $89,921 to increase the volume of fresh, locally grown produce for Manistee County and surrounding rural communities by expanding cold storage, upgrading post-harvest handling systems, increasing retail display capacity, and installing a greenhouse with climate control upgrades.
Southeast Michigan
Forget Me Not Farms in Lambertville received $100,000 to construct three hoop houses that will help expand production of fresh cut flowers, reduce seasonal supply gaps, and improve supply chain reliability in winter when imported flowers dominate, helping create one part-time and two full-time jobs.
Dutton Farm, Inc. in Rochester Hills received $100,000 to expand its horticultural program, increasing equitable access to hands-on agricultural training, helping create 20 part-time jobs.
MDARD’s Underserved, Value-Added, Regional Food Systems and Supply Chain Grants help expand Michigan food and agriculture production while increasing community access to nutritious, locally grown foods. A joint evaluation committee reviews all grant applications using a rigorous and competitive process based on the impact and measurable outcomes that each project will have on Michigan’s food and agriculture industry.
Source: MDARD
