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Heather Throne
Grant and Commodity Program Manager
As we move into fall, MDARD’s Agricultural Development Division is gearing up for new grant cycles. These grants provide an opportunity for new projects across Michigan. Each grant program has unique requirements, eligibility, and criteria. There are opportunities for businesses looking to add new product lines, development of food access within a community, rural infrastructure projects, and more.
Our team offers informational webinars via Teams when each grant round opens. The one-hour webinars provide an educational walk through of the grant guidelines, application, and a question/answer forum. No registration is required for the sessions. For 2022/2023 we will have the following opportunities:
A full list of grants offered by MDARD can be found at www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.
In this issue of the Food & Ag Business Development Bulletin:
Contact us at MDAgrants@Michigan.gov for more information on our upcoming grants.
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MDARD PRESS RELEASE
 The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced Michigan is joining the federal Dairy Business Builder Grants program, which aims to support small- to medium-sized dairy businesses in diversifying on-farm activity, creating value-added products, enhancing dairy by-products, and creating or enhancing dairy export programs. Michigan now joins Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Kansas, and Wisconsin as partners in the Dairy Business Grants program.
Dairy farmers, manufacturers, and processors in Michigan can apply now until November 10 at 5:00 p.m. (CT) for a new round of Dairy Business Builder grants through the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin – Madison (CDR). The reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 each aim to support small- to medium-sized dairy businesses.
MDARD PRESS RELEASE
 The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service recently awarded over $2.1 million in the Fiscal Year 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding to Michigan effective October 1. This USDA grant will help the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education, and research.
"Michigan's food and agricultural industry is unique and innovative. We're home to a wide variety of specialty crops, from asparagus to cherries to onions," said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. "I deeply appreciate USDA’s continued support for Michigan producers through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. These investments will allow for more innovative research and new market opportunities in Michigan's specialty crop sector."
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SUCCESS STORY
 Cherry Marketing Institute at the National Restaurant Association Show.
Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI) exhibited for the first time in the Michigan Pavilion at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Illinois. This exhibition was made possible via the U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant program, administered through MDARD's International Marketing Program. Through this opportunity, CMI made a variety of international and domestic buyer connections which resulted in over 300 trade inquiries to cherry processors and marketers.
The partnership with MDARD provides the cherry industry the opportunity to participate in trade missions and international shows to reach new international buyers at a reduced cost. This enables CMI to leverage grower assessments, educate and build awareness among consumers and buyers/importers by showcasing Michigan cherries on the world stage. Gordon believes that partnerships like this are key to a successful business.
“The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provides CMI the opportunity to partner with them at trade shows and events both domestically and internationally which has been a huge asset for our organization,” said Julie Gordon from the Cherry Marketing Institute.
MICHIGAN CRAFT BEVERAGE COUNCIL
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Stories from the latest issue of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council Industry Newsletter:
- Michigan Craft Beverage Council Announces Applications Now Open for Qualified Small Distiller Program
- Michigan Craft Beverage Council Now Accepting 2023 Research Grant Proposals
- MSU Grape Researchers Seek Input from Industry Members
- Whitmer Proclaims September as Michigan Craft Spirits Month
- Michigan Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference
- In the News
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Farewell Allison
We are saying a fond farewell to Allison Miller, International Marketing Program Coordinator. Allison has decided to pursue another opportunity outside of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Thank you and best of luck, Allison!
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Welcome Jessica
Please extend a warm welcome to Jessica Zelasko, MDARD International Marketing Intern. Jessica will support international marketing activities by working with MDARD's International Marketing Program and the Food Export Association of the Midwest. Jessica is a Michigan State University student majoring in international relations.
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SIAL Paris
October 15-19, 2022 | Paris, France
Focused Trade Mission to Korea
October 26-28, 2022 | Seoul, South Korea
The Global Produce and Floral Show
October 27-29, 2022 | Orlando, FL
National Restaurant Association Show
May 20-23, 2023 | Chicago, IL
Sweets & Snacks Expo
May 22-25, 2023 | Chicago, IL
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Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Agriculture Development Division
MDARD-AgD@Michigan.gov
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