The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently gave out grants worth almost $2 million to help farmers in 24 communities. This is great news for local food producers, processors, and community groups. The goal of these grants is to improve Michigan's agricultural supply chain and make healthy food more accessible to people in the state.
These grants are a big boost for farmers. They can use the money to buy new technology, equipment, and help develop local food systems. This is especially important for communities that don't have easy access to fresh and healthy foods.
The MDARD Director, Tim Boring, said that these investments show how Michigan supports its food and agriculture businesses. It helps them become better and also prepares them for challenges like climate change.
Every two years, Michigan gives out these grants to help its food and agriculture industry. They can give up to $100,000 for different projects. These projects can create or improve places that process food in the state. It also includes things like farmers markets and urban hoop houses.
The people who get the grants need to match 30% of the money they get. This year, they received 109 applications from almost every county in Michigan. Out of these, 24 projects were chosen to get funding:
$100,000 Grants-
- DeVries Meats in Coopersville will buy equipment to help harvest their products.
- Valley Farms in Imlay City will get a carrot polisher to produce more carrots.
- Michigan Farm to Freezer in Detroit will start a new facility to make frozen foods.
- Farm Club in Traverse City will expand their kitchen and farm market.
- Lake Effect Distillery in Escanaba will make their grain milling facility bigger.
- Dutton Farm in Rochester Hills will give better access to healthy foods in Oakland County.
- Request Foods Inc. in Holland will improve their soup production line.
- Kids Food Basket in Grand Rapids will make healthy foods more accessible in West Michigan.
- Tim Campbell Farm in Imlay City will improve a vegetable packing line.
- Zingerman’s Creamery in Ann Arbor will build a new garage for their dairy products.
- St. Julian Wine in Paw Paw will get new equipment for their wine production line.
$50,000+ Grants
- The Community Foundation for Muskegon County got $70,000 to make their food facility better.
- Flatwater Farms in Buchanan got $74,000 to provide more fresh, organic produce.
- BK Slaughter House in Grass Lake got $95,000 to buy equipment for meat production.
- Brinks Family Creamery in McBain got $79,000 to sell more dairy products and support a smaller dairy farm.
- Anavery Fine Foods in Traverse City got $60,000 to start an egg production facility.
- Myrtle & Maude’s in Williamsburg got $99,000 for a new kitchen.
- Swanson Grading & Brining got $75,000 to expand their pickling operations.
$20,000+ Grants
- Dennis Dairy Farms in Laingsburg got $31,000 for new equipment for their egg and beef production.
- Top Hops in Goodrich got $21,000 to produce more hop pellets.
- Lazy Ballerina Winery got $40,000 to make more grapes and other fruits.
- Rowlands Family Farm in Swartz Creek got $23,000 to provide more local beef, pork, and poultry.
- Lake Superior Oil & Vinegar got $25,000 to make new oil and vinegar flavors.
- Shady Side Farm in Holland got $30,000 to improve their grain and bean processing facilities.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy