Specialty Crop Grant Awards Announced to Boost Michigan's Food and Agriculture Industry

Michigan's Food and Agriculture Industry

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan has received $1.9 million in federal dollars to create, enhance, or expand specialty crop agriculture development ventures across the state. The grants will further expand the marketing, research and education of these vital crops to our state’s economy.

“These grants help fuel the development and expansion of specialty crop production in our state, while strengthening Michigan’s economic reinvention," said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams. “Michigan’s diverse food and agriculture sector continues to play a critical role in the state.”

MDARD’s allocation from the United States Department of Agriculture is similar to that of last year due to previous changes in the Farm Bill where the funding originates. Projects have a maximum award of $100,000 based on criteria established by USDA.

The department received a variety of proposals from throughout the specialty crop industry. Grant applications were evaluated, scored, and ranked by a Joint Evaluation Committee composed of MDARD and industry representatives not directly involved in any grant proposals.

Projects selected to receive funding are: Cherry Marketing Institute, of DeWitt, Development and Implementation of IPM Decision Support Tools for Michigan Fruit Growers - $72,709
Cherry Marketing Institute, of DeWitt, Run on Red - $100,000

FarmLogix, LLC, of Evanston, IL, Technology Tools for Administration of the USDA Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits/Vegetable in Michigan - $50,000

Institute for Sustainable Living, of Bellaire, Specialty Crop Producer Education in Honey, Mushrooms and Agroforestry at the NMSFC and Farm School - $38,903

Lakeshore Environmental Inc., of Grand Rapids, Water Repurpose and Use Reduction at Michigan Food Processors - $60,517

Lakeshore Environmental Inc., of Grand Haven, Treatment and Disposal of Food Processing Wastewater through Aspiration and Evaporation - $41,820

Marquette Food Co-op, of Marquette, Marquette Food Co-op Specialty Crop Cooking Classes - $21,806
Michigan Agritourism Association, of Three Rivers, Farm-based Education to Enhance the Competitiveness of Specialty Crops - $58,375

Michigan Apple Committee, of Lansing, Building on Progress:  Engaging Local Fresh Apple Consumers via Social Media and In-Store Activities - $100,000

Michigan Apple Committee, of Lansing, Advertising to Promote Michigan Apples - $55,535   Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, of DeWitt, Increasing Consumer Awareness of Michigan Asparagus through Print, Web, and Internet Based Promotion - $36,269

Michigan Bean Commission, of Frankenmuth, Constraints Associated with High Performance Production Systems - $99,995

Michigan Carrot Committee, of DeWitt, Aster Yellows Detection in Leafhoppers to Provide Management Solutions to Michigan Carrot and Celery - $29,495

Michigan Carrot Committee, of DeWitt, Optimizing Cover Crops for Weed, Nematode and Nitrogen Management - $81,677

Michigan Christmas Tree Association, of Howell, Promoting the Use of Fresh Michigan Christmas Trees through Care and Handling Informational Program - $59,050

Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council, of Lansing, Michigan Sustainable Wine Grape Industry:  Education and Engagement - $59,725

Michigan Integrated Food & Farming Systems, of East Lansing, Growing a Food Safety Culture with Beginning Farmers - $99,624

Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, of Okemos, Development of Innovative Weed Control Programs for Michigan Nurseries - $75,000

Michigan Onion Committee, of DeWitt, Creating a Website to Promote Michigan Onion Consumption - $8,000

Michigan Potato Industry Commission, of East Lansing, Bettering the School Nutrition Platform for Students in Michigan through Increasing Accessibility to Potatoes - $92,130

Michigan State University Extension, of Clinton Township, Increasing Capacity in the Institutional Use of Michigan Specialty Crops - $66,498

Michigan Vegetable Council, of Erie, Cucurbit Downy Mildew Management Strategies:  Facing New Challenges - $99,042

Michigan Vegetable Council, of Erie, Developing Strategies to Protect Squash and Pumpkin from Phytophthora Blight - $62,510

National Grape Cooperative Association, Inc., of Berrien Springs, Development of Vineyards for Maximum Production of Juice Grapes-Economic Impact Analysis and Grower and Industry Outreach - $26,800
Pickle Packers International, Inc., of Washington, DC, Promotion of Industry-Wide GAP Food Safety Program and Audit Scheme for Processed Pickles and Peppers in Michigan - $100,000