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In 2023, Michigan had over $2.6 billion in agriculture exports. Michigan’s top five export destinations were Canada ($1.2 billion), Mexico ($440.4 million), South Korea ($165.3 million), China ($133.3 million), and Japan ($126.4 million).
The top five export categories in 2023 were processed food products ($925 million), soybean residue, brewing waste and animal feed ($710 million), dairy products ($542 million), wood and articles of wood ($466 million), and meat and offal ($458 million).
Dairy product exports increased, up $15 million from 2022! Exports to Canada and Mexico also increased.
The International Marketing Program at MDARD works to help companies increase their exports and domestic and international market opportunities. We work to expand Michigan’s food and agriculture industry by offering consulting services, market and entry opportunities and tradeshows, trade missions, buyers missions, market research, and more!
To learn more about the International Marketing Program or to connect with one of our team members please contact MDARD-AgD@michigan.gov.
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The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced the winners of its 2024 research grant program. The 12 selected projects total $345,706 in funding for research and education, advancing agricultural inputs for craft beer, spirits, wine, and hard cider. Four of the proposals selected are continuation projects in good standing.
"Michigan's craft beverage industry supports our state's diverse agricultural offerings from hops, grains, and fruit," said Tim Boring, chair, Michigan Craft Beverage Council and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director. "Governor Whitmer's most recent budget recommendation highlights how vital innovation is to Michigan’s growth. Our craft beverage industry is an excellent example of an industry that continues to utilize innovation to create new products, leading to good-paying jobs and increased economic opportunities."
For more information about MCBC, including grants, grower connections, business support, and a map of craft beverage licensees, visit michigancraftbeverage.com.
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MDARD is looking for the 2024 Michigan Ag Exporter of the Year. This award is given on an annual basis to a deserving Michigan company that is selected on the basis of export growth, innovation, and the pursuit of new export markets. Companies of all sizes are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility is limited to Michigan food and agriculture producers, manufacturers or shippers who are pursuing international marketings and increasing export sales. Products must be over 50% grown, processed or manufactured in Michigan.
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Join Us for the Annual Making it in Michigan Conference and Trade Show!
The Making it in Michigan (MIIM) Conference and Tradeshow will take place on April 24, 2024, at Lansing Center. This event is a great opportunity for Michigan based companies to connect with buyers, network with fellow producers, and learn more about how to get their business started.
The MIIM portal for business-to-business meetings is opening soon! The confirmed buyers include:
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Chartwells/Compass Group
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Cherry’s LLC (a Michigan-themed store)
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Corewell Health
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Fresh Thyme
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Kids Food Basket
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Kroger
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Meijer Market Format stores
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SpartanNash
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Zingerman’s Creamery
For more information on the matchmaking portion of the MIIM event and to sign up, visit here.
Companies that have previously participated have found the MIIM Conference and Tradeshow very beneficial. Hear their stories for yourself at this link!
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International Marketing
Are you planning to attend the Sweets and Snacks Expo or the National Restaurant Association Show in May? Food Export Association of the Midwest is hosting buyers' missions at each of these trade shows. A buyers mission is a great way to meet multiple buyers from all over the world right here in the U.S. Early registration is $175 for each event and closes on March 15, 2024 for the National Restaurant Association Show and closes on March 18, 2024 for the Sweets and Snacks Expo.
The buyers mission at the National Restaurant Association Show will take place May 17-19, 2024, in Chicago. Products of interest at this buyers mission include beer, wine and spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, bakery products, frozen and processed food, sauces, dressings and condiments, herbs and spices, and more. Buyer profiles are currently not available for this event. To learn more and register visit Foodservice Buyers Mission at 2024 National Restaurant Association Show .
The buyers mission at the Sweets and Snacks Expo will take place May 13-15, 2024, in Indianapolis. Products of interest include savory snacks, confectionery products, non-chocolate candy, popcorn, salty snacks, and sugar-free candy. There will be over 15 different markets represented at the event including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Fiji. To learn more and register visit Sweets and Snacks Buyers Mission at the 2024 Sweets and Snacks Expo.
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MDARD issued a request for proposals from new minority-owned food and agriculture businesses looking to increase capacity initiatives in business plan development, grant management training, partnership development, and financial investment planning. This reimbursement grant program aims to provide eligible organizations up to $50,000 in grant funding.
To apply for this grant, visit www.Michigan.gov/MiAgGrants to log in to the grant management system. Visit the MiAgGrants webpage for more information on the MiAgGrants Management System and how to create an account. Proposals for this grant will be accepted until 3 p.m. EST on April 18, 2024. Applicants will be notified of award status in May 2024.
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Michigan’s Amara Jackson has been named the National FFA President, making her the first to hold the title from Michigan in 70 years. After being selected by student delegates at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Jackson will hold her title for the next year.
The last Michigander to hold the title was David Boyne, serving from 1953 to 1954. Each year, six students from across the United States are elected by delegates to represent the more than 945,000 members as national officers.
This is a great honor for Amara Jackson and a great honor for Michigan, as Jackson will spend the majority of her time traveling across the country and interacting with FFA members at camps, conferences, classrooms, and conventions.
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This past week was National FFA Week. National FFA Week is an opportunity for every FFA member, alumni and supporter to join voices in raising awareness of FFA and advocating for agriculture.
Michigan FFA has 8,800 FFA members and 127 chapters that reside within Michigan. The economic impact of Michigan FFA member’s supervised agricultural experience projects and volunteerism was $2.9 million in 2023. Michigan FFA members logged over 24,000 hours of community service in 2023.
For more information on Michigan FFA, visit here.
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May 13-16, 2024 | Indianapolis, IN
May 13-15, 2024 | Indianapolis, IN
May 19-21, 2024 | Chicago, IL
May 17-19, 2024 | Chicago, IL
June 23-25, 2024 | New York, NY
October 17-19, 2024 | Atlanta, GA
October 19-23, 2024 | Paris, France
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