NEWS RELEASE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
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LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is now accepting applications for the latest round underserved, value-added, and regional food systems grant. The Underserved, Value-Added, and Regional Food Systems Grant Program is designed to promote the expansion of value-added agriculture production and processing, help develop food systems, improve healthy food access, and expand underserved business development within the state to enhance Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. These grants will be focused on supporting the state’s agri-food business and farming operations. Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. (EST) on Oct. 29.
“Creating, expanding and supporting local supply chains is fundamental to healthy communities, economic development and ensuring everyone can ‘Make it in Michigan,” said Tim Boring, MDARD Director. “Thanks to continued investments through Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s bipartisan budget, MDARD is able to offer these grant funds to further support traditionally underserved businesses as they work to fulfill local needs while strengthening area supply chains.”
The maximum grant award eligible is $100,000 per proposal. Each project will require a minimum 30 percent match or a reduced match of 15 per cent for underserved entities, with self-certification, of the amount requested for the project. MDARD will accept proposals intended to establish, retain, expand, attract and/or develop value-added agricultural processing and underserved development with a focus on underserved areas in Michigan; expand or develop regional food systems; or expand access to healthy food, including farm markets, flower markets, urban & rural agriculture, and hoop houses.
"We all know how pivotal local access to good food is for any community. Full bellies help students learn, children grow, and families thrive,” said Rep. Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte). “This program shows Gov. Whitmer and the legislature's commitment to making sure that all Michiganders have what they need to succeed, and I encourage residents of my district and others around the state to apply.”
The department will host an informational webinar on Oct. 15 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. via Microsoft Teams virtual platform. No registration will be required for participation in the webinar. Details for the webinar can be found on our website.
“Gov. Whitmer and this Michigan legislature have shown they are continually focused on enabling opportunity for all Michiganders. Supporting food and agriculture businesses across Michigan is key towards sustained, economic growth,” said Jamiel Robinson, founder and CEO of Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB), an economic and business development organization.
MDARD strives to achieve wide-reaching prosperity and agricultural diversity within the food and agriculture industry. These grant opportunities reflect MDARD’s and Governor Whitmer’s commitment to ensuring that everyone can ‘Make it in Michigan’ by supporting traditionally underserved businesses and value-added agricultural processing. Those interested in applying can view the application and grant guidelines online. All applications must be submitted through the MiAgGrants system.
For more information about MDARD’s grant programs, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.
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