Qualified Distiller Program, Research Grants, MI Wine and Grape Survey, Craft Spirits Month, and more!

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INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER

September 2022

 

Michigan Craft Beverage Council Announces Applications Now Open for Qualified Small Distiller Program

The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced the opening of the application period for the new qualified small distiller program. The online application will be open from September 1 – September 23, 2022.

Michigan small distillers or an out-of-state entity that is the substantial equivalent of a small distiller may file an application with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to be certified as a qualified small distiller. This announcement follows a bill signing by Governor Whitmer in June to cut costs for small Michigan distilleries and supports the state’s grain farmers.

View the online qualified small distiller application and learn more about the qualified small distiller program, including fees and frequently asked questions here. Questions about the qualified distiller program can be directed to MDARD-QualifiedDistiller@michigan.gov.

Read the full press release.


Michigan Craft Beverage Council Now Accepting 2023 Research Grant Proposals

Proposals must be received no later than 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 13

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The MCBC is accepting 2023 research grant proposals with a maximum grant award of $50,000. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. (EDT) on Thursday, October 13, 2022.

While any research topic will be accepted, the Council has identified annual funding priorities. A full list of the MCBC’s research priorities and evaluation criteria are available online.

All proposals will be reviewed by a Joint Evaluation Committee in December 2022 with funding decisions expected in January 2023. Approved projects can commence after grantees receive notification of the award.

Proposals must be received via email at MDARD-CraftBev@Michigan.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. (EDT) on October 13, 2022. Proposals received after 3:00 p.m. will not be considered.


MSU Grape Researchers Seek Input from Industry Members

Michigan wine grapes

The Michigan State University grape team has an educational needs assessment survey to develop an educational plan for 2023. They are looking forward to hearing from both grape growers and wine producers to help meet their educational needs.  Please contribute to improving the relevance and quality of education by filling out a brief survey. The poll has multiple-choice questions and takes around 3–5 minutes to complete.

Take the survey.


Whitmer Proclaims September as Michigan Craft Spirits Month

Michigan Craft Distillers Association logo

The Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA) is proud to announce September has once again been proclaimed “Michigan Craft Spirits Month” by Governor Whitmer. Michigan currently ranks #7 in the national for the number of licensed craft distilleries (with nearly 90) as noted by the annual “Craft Spirits Data Project” released by the American Craft Spirits Association.

MCDA currently represents nearly 40 craft distilleries with over 50 unique tasting room locations around the state, as well as a handful of distillery in-planning members and nearly 20 Allied members, providing goods and services to the distilling industry.

Read the full press release.


Michigan Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference

November 16, 2022 in Grand Rapids

Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference logo

The Michigan Women in Hospitality Leadership initiative was launched by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) with a mission to build community through education, mentorship and social responsibility with women in our state's hospitality industry.  Join other attendees in Grand Rapids for an impactful day of learning, recognition, community, and support with your hospitality industry peers who have been blazing a trail and those who are looking to create their own path. ​Learn more and register for the conference. 


In the News

Mother Nature couldn’t stop the UP beer festival

Michigan Craft Beverage Council seeks applications from distillers to qualify for reduced state markup on products

Enjoy fall colors and red wine at 21 Leelanau Peninsula wineries

Brewvine: Learn about making wine and growing grapes at Aurora Cellars

Michigan’s Iron Fish Distillery allocates 900k towards expansion

Michigan’s top craft breweries see resurgence


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Contact the Michigan Craft Beverage Council:

Michigan Craft Beverage Council
PO Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909

517-930-0696

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