The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded a $749,999 Project Grant to Michigan Integrated Food & Farming Systems under the Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program (CFDA 10.334).
The grant funds the expansion of Michigan State University's Heroes to Hives program, the nation's largest beekeeping education initiative. The program will add hands-on educational sites in Minnesota, Nebraska, and Missouri, and develop new online modules covering small business development, financial risk management, and opportunities in the commercial beekeeping industry. Since 2015, the program has trained nearly 1,000 alumni operating over 4,000 beehives across the U.S. Expansion aims to further support veterans in starting beekeeping businesses, diversifying existing farm operations, and pursuing employment in the sector. The three-year award runs from September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2024.