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In September of 2021, the Finland/Michigan Forest Bioeconomy Working Group was formed and then expanded to include the state of Maine. This group focuses on five key areas: advanced wood construction, biorefining, new wood-based products, smart forestry, and policy.
At the end of May 2022, Consul General Okko-Pekka Salmimies led a Finnish delegation to Michigan to advance this collaboration. From May 21st-26th, 2023, the state of Michigan had 27 delegates that participated in an outbound trade and study mission to Finland. There were connections made connecting businesses, research institutions, and other professional organizations to advance the forest bioeconomy collaboration.
This mission had two tours: 1) Wood building products and cross-laminated timber, and 2) Smart Forestry and new weed-based products. The mission concluded on Friday, May 26th, with a Climate Based Solutions Through Biobased Products Workshop funded partly through the U.S. Embassy in Finland. This workshop had over 100 participants from Michigan, Maine, Washington, and Finland.
As an important mission that took a lot of planning and collaboration across states and countries, it was wonderful that we were able to participate and learn throughout the time spent on the mission and the connections made beyond it. This includes the workshops and tours attended to learn about the various critical thematic areas throughout the mission.
If you want to learn more about the mission, contact Donna LaCourt at LaCourtD2@michigan.gov.
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Are you a grower looking to find new markets in the craft beverage industry? Are you a craft beverage producer looking to source Michigan-grown crops near you? The Michigan Craft Beverage Council is building a new craft beverage crop directory to help support the agricultural supply chain that makes our craft beverage industry so strong.
Submitting farm information is quick and easy using this grower form.
Watch a short video about this opportunity.
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Economic Development
The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development voted at its regular meeting to approve grants for two local Michigan businesses totaling $155,000. Long Road Distillers LLC and Manthei Wood Products will use the grants to increase their production space, expand and advance their product availability, and create 15 new jobs.
The funding comes through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Food and Agriculture Investment Program which provides financial support for projects that help expand food and agriculture processing to enable growth in the industry and Michigan’s economy. Projects are selected based on their impact on the overall agriculture industry and food and agriculture growth and investment in the state.
Read the entire press release.
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International Marketing
This past month, 15 Michigan food and agricultural companies, hosted by the International Marketing Program, exhibited under Michigan Pavilions at the National Restaurant Association Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.
Exhibitors at both shows were able to make business connections with buyers and distributors for both domestic and international sales through the showcasing of their products. There was a wide range of Michigan products, including toffee, salsa, and vegan meats. Michigan’s vibrant assortment of companies found success and received awards at each show.
The Michigan Cheese and Dairy Guild was presented with a Food Safety Award from the National Restaurant Association Show! This award was only given to 5 companies in the North Hall and was awarded for the proper care that the Michigan Cheese and Dairy Guild took when providing samples at their booth during the show.
Chunk Nibbles received the Best in Show Award for the Most Innovative New Products Award at the Sweets and Snacks Expo for their Apple Cinnamon Chunk Nibbles! Winners of all thirteen categories are selected and the highest overall score wins the Best in Show Award.
Congratulations to both Michigan companies on their achievements!
Stay tuned to next month’s newsletter to learn about the results from these shows along with results from the Summer Fancy Food Show!
Companies interested in exhibiting at these shows in 2024 should contact Elissa Mutschler or Holly Gaffney at MDARD-AgD@michigan.gov.
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The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced the opening of the application period for the new qualified small distiller program. The online application is open from May 15, 2023 to June 16, 2023.
Michigan’s 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. Qualified distillers applying for this certification will be eligible for a reduced mark-up beginning January 1, 2024. All current Qualified Distiller Certificates must be renewed by July 1, 2023.
Read the entire press release, including all recipients here.
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Summer Fancy Food Show
June 25-27, 2023 | New York City, New York *SOLD OUT*
Trade Mission to Canada for Specialty and Natural Products
September 6-7, 2023 | Toronto, ON, Canada
*Contact MDARD-AgD@michigan.gov for details*
ANUGA Food Show
October 7-11, 2023 | Cologne, Germany
*Contact MDARD-AgD@michigan.gov for details*
Global Produce & Floral Show
October 19-21, 2023 | Anaheim, California *SOLD OUT*
Spotlight: Food and Beverage Pitch Competition in Muskegon | Michigan Business The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Regional Prosperity and Pure Michigan Business Connect teams hosted the 231 Food & Beverage Pitch Challenge in Muskegon to help businesses amplify their products. The competition provided food and beverage businesses an opportunity to pitch their products for a chance to win customized support service packages that would help start or scale their businesses. For more information on the awardees and the competition, follow the link above!
Agriculture & Environmental Education Academy - Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (idloom.events) Register at the link above to join the Agriculture and Environmental Education Academy! Taking place at the Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, MI from July 18th-19th, 2023, this event is a joint offering from Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Classroom and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). It is two full days of hands-on learning about the connections between agriculture and environmental protection including, learning about where your food comes from, how to keep soil and water healthy, climate-resilient agriculture, best management practices for environmental protection, careers in agriculture and the environment, and much more!
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Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Agriculture Development Division
MDARD-AgD@Michigan.gov
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