The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development today awarded Value Added and Regional Food System grants to 18 Michigan producers, processors, and community development organizations. The grants are designed to help 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.
“The demand for Michigan’s food and agriculture products has never been higher, whether it’s globally, nationally, or locally,” said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. “And like any other business or industry, being able to meet an increasing demand in a timely way without compromising quality is critical to long-term success. These grants will help businesses and organizations across Michigan improve and expand operations, as well as help build a successful future for them and the communities they serve.”
MDARD received 118 eligible proposals with requests totaling nearly $9.1 million. Of those, MDARD awarded $1.3 million for the following 18 projects, leveraging nearly $4.8 million in matching funds:
- DeGreif’s Processing – Sault Ste. Marie – $95,765. Expand livestock processing for the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
- Trenary Toast Bakery Inc. – Trenary – $45,900. Expand the bakery’s oven capacity to increase capacity.
- Upper Peninsula Masonic Association – Marquette – $49,800. Expand the Masonic Arts, Theatre & Innovation (MÄTI) Company Community Kitchen’s equipment and programming for increased value-added food production to local food entrepreneurs.
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