The michigan department of agriculture will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers with research and…

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development received a $2.58 million Specialty Crop Block Grant from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (CFDA 10.170) for the period of September 30, 2021 through September 29, 2025. The grant aims to enhance the competitiveness of Michigan's specialty crops through various marketing, research and development, education, and workforce projects carried out by the Department and its sub-awardees. Sub-awardees include Revolution Farms LLC, which will educate children and families on hydroponic farming, and ACSET, which will support specialty crop growers in pursuing food safety certifications and workforce development. Other sub-awardees focus on initiatives supporting the Michigan cider industry, hops growers collaborative, asparagus marketing, apple branding on social media, and distribution/processing for Eastern Market. The grant also funds projects building awareness of Michigan potatoes and sustaining specialty crop diversity through industry events.

The michigan department of agriculture will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops; expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers through a variety of activities/projects with their grant recipients. The H.R. 133 stimulus funding encourages states to prioritize projects that respond to covid-19 impacts. Beneficiaries include the residents of all 50 states, 5 territories, and the district of columbia. Performance evidence in the form of measurable outcomes is required.