MDARD Awards Two Million in Specialty Crop Block Grants

By Andi Anderson

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has announced the allocation of $2.08 million in funding to 19 food and agriculture entities through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This funding supports innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in Michigan’s specialty crop industries, including fruits, vegetables, and nursery crops.

“Specialty crops are the backbone of Michigan’s agricultural success, but market uncertainty, unpredictable weather, and labor constraints are making them harder to grow and get to market,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These grants are strategic investments that will help Michigan farmers boost yields and access new markets, giving Michiganders more access to locally grown foods and enhancing community health and prosperity.”

Michigan, a top-five U.S. producer of specialty crops, will use these funds to strengthen sectors such as apples, asparagus, blueberries, dry beans, squash, and nursery plants—key contributors to the state’s $126 billion food and agriculture industry.

The 2025 awards support 22 projects across the state, including:

• Michigan Apple Committee: $125,000 to expand marketing and brand loyalty for Michigan apples.
• Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board: $100,000 for climate-resilient asparagus production and soil management.
• Michigan Blueberry Commission: Two grants totalling over $165,000 for disease control and pest management research.
• Cherry Marketing Institute: $122,500 to strengthen the digital presence of the cherry industry.
• Michigan Christmas Tree Association: $89,444 for root rot management research.
• Michigan Grape Society: $97,941 for sustainable vineyard establishment strategies.
• Michigan Potato Industry Commission: $85,630 to study nitrogen fertilizer distribution within potato plants.

Additional funding will enhance workforce development, support pest management research, and promote Michigan’s specialty crops internationally through MDARD’s International Marketing Program, which received $158,395.

The USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program helps states improve the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crop production. MDARD administers the funds annually to eligible Michigan entities through a competitive selection process.

These projects will help ensure that Michigan remains a national leader in specialty crop production, supporting local farmers, strengthening communities, and growing the state’s agriculture-based economy.

Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska