By Andi Anderson
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has awarded more than $250 million in grant funding since 2019 to strengthen Michigan’s food, forestry, and agriculture economy.
The funding supports job creation, rural prosperity, research, sustainability, and protection of natural resources under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration.
"Michigan's $125 billion agriculture industry powers our economy, supports global supply chains, and makes our state one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Amid a lot of tariff-driven uncertainty at the federal level, I'm committed to supporting farmers and rural communities across Michigan. These historic investments are helping strengthen small and medium sized farms, support sustainable agriculture and good, local food, and protect our precious natural resources. Let's keep supporting farms and farmers and making Michigan the best place to live, work, and raise a family."
MDARD Director Tim Boring emphasized the importance of state-level support during uncertain economic times.
"As federal policies fuel rising costs and greater uncertainty for farmers and families, it's more important than ever for state government to invest in resilient and sustainable agricultural systems," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "MDARD is leveraging its grant programs to create more economic opportunities for Michigan farmers and food processors and to give Michigan families more access to nutritious, locally grown foods."
Since 2019, MDARD has invested more than $38.3 million in food and agriculture business development, including grants for value added production and the Food and Agriculture Investment Program.
More than $26.2 million has supported rural infrastructure such as drinking water systems, energy, food processing, transportation, and county fair improvements.
The department has directed over $44 million toward research and education. This includes $17.8 million in specialty crop block grants supporting fruit and vegetable production, and nearly $3 million for craft beverage research.
Nearly $108.6 million has been invested in protecting soil, water, forests, and farmland. New initiatives include the Farm to Family Program and the Regenerative Agriculture Program, both designed to strengthen local food systems and sustainable practices.
Together, these investments aim to secure Michigan’s agricultural future while supporting farmers and communities statewide.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle