The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is awarding over $1.8 million in grants to 24 Michigan producers, processors, and community development organizations. These grants will help businesses improve their processes, supply chains, and address food insecurities.
One of the grant recipients is DeVries Meats in Coopersville. The company will use the grant money to purchase automated harvesting equipment to increase its capacity by 30 percent. This will allow DeVries Meats to meet the growing demand for its products.
Another grant recipient is Dennis Dairy Farms in Laingsburg. The company will use the grant money to install a Sani-Touch processor to improve the capacity and efficiency of its cage-free pasture raised egg production. This will allow Dennis Dairy Farms to expand its production and reach more customers.
Top Hops LLC in Goodrich will use its grant money to improve the processing capacity and product quality of its hop pelletizing line. This will allow Top Hops to meet the growing demand for its hops from craft breweries around the country.
Valley Farms in Imlay City will use its grant money to acquire a carrot polisher to increase carrot production. This will allow Valley Farms to meet the demand for its carrots from grocery stores and restaurants around Michigan.
Michigan Farm to Freezer in Detroit will use its grant money to establish a new production facility in Grand Rapids. This will allow the company to increase the volume and variety of “Grown in Michigan” produce sold in the Great Lakes Region and beyond.
These are just a few of the many businesses that will benefit from MDARD's grant program. The program is designed to help Michigan's agricultural businesses grow and succeed, and it is making a real difference in the state's economy.
The grants are part of MDARD's Value-Added and Regional Food System grant program. The program helps businesses retain, expand, attract, or develop agricultural processing in Michigan through targeted investments in technology and equipment, feasibility studies, healthy food access, regional food systems, and urban agriculture.
MDARD received 109 eligible proposals with requests totaling more than $8.6 million. Each proposal is competitively reviewed by a joint evaluation committee that makes recommendations to the MDARD Director for selection of award recipients.
The grants are a welcome investment in Michigan's agricultural industry. They will help businesses grow and succeed, which will create jobs and boost the economy. The grants will also help to ensure that Michigan is a leader in the production of healthy, high-quality food.
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Categories: Michigan, Business