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Food Export Association of the Midwest is partnering with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to bring approximately 15 international buyers to Michigan as part of their Summer in the Cities Buyers’ Mission. The buyers’ mission will take place on July 29 and 30, 2024, in Grand Rapids.
The event will feature buyers from over 15 international markets looking to buy products from Michigan companies. Michigan suppliers who register will be able to meet with the buyers in a one-on-one setting, and the event will feature a networking lunch. Buyers’ missions are a great way for companies to learn more about markets they are interested in without traveling to those markets.
Products of interest include dairy, fruits, dry beans, snacks, and bakery items. Some markets that will be represented are South Korea, Japan, Guatemala, and Spain.
Read the entire press release here.
For more information or questions please contact the MDARD International Marketing Team 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 13 to June 14, 2024.
Michigan’s small distillers, or an out-of-state entity that is the substantial equivalent of a small distiller, may apply with 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, 2025.
“Since 2019, Michigan Craft Beverage Council has invested over $2 million to support the state’s growing craft beverage industries, including numerous projects focused on distilling grains,” said Jenelle Jagmin, Director MCBC. “These investments support the state’s small grain farmers with the information they need to select and grow location-appropriate grain varieties.”
View the online Qualified Small Distiller application and learn more about the program, including fees and frequently asked questions here. Questions about the Qualified Distiller program can be directed to MDARD-QualifiedDistiller@michigan.gov.
View the full press release here.
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) awarded eight Farm Innovation Grants designed to develop and support innovative solutions to real, immediate, and future farm challenges facing Michigan’s food and agricultural industry.
“At MDARD, our focus is on sustainable agriculture practices that work for all and contribute to a greater message of climate and supply chain resiliency and growth within our food and agriculture industry,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “The Farm Innovation Grant allows us to support and take action for farmers to support future generations of agriculture.”
The grant funds were established to develop innovative solutions for farm, agriculture processing, and supply chain problems facing the state’s food and agriculture industry in the following priority areas – Climate Smart Practices, Supply Chain Resiliency, Food Processing and Farm Production Automation, and Rural Resiliency.
View the full press release here.
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International Marketing
Join the Food Export Association of the Midwest and the Food Export Association of the Northeast for the Focused Trade Mission to Canada for Retail and Foodservice! The event is in Toronto, Canada, from September 4-5, 2024.
Food and agriculture companies can tour retail store, showcase their products to pre-qualified and experienced buyers, and meet with Food Export’s in-market representative, who will provide valuable resources for exporting and specialty markets. Products of interest include food preparation and ingredients, snack foods, chocolate and confectionery, and more!
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced it has a cooperative agreement with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Through this agreement, USDA and Michigan are working together to offer over $8 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain. Michigan is accepting applications for this Infrastructure Grant funding through June 17, 2024.
Using RFSI funding, MDARD will fund projects supporting expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products including specialty crops, dairy products, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry.
Those interested in receiving a subaward should apply directly through MDARD’s MiAgGrants Grants Management System by June 17, 2024. AMS encourages applications that serve smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers, and underserved communities. MDARD will be offering an informational webinar on May 15, as well as virtual and in person technical assistance for applicants. Additional details on the webinar and technical assistance can be found on the program website.
Through the program funding, MDARD will support supply chain coordination and technical assistance to farmers and food businesses operating in processing, aggregation, and distribution—all critical activities to support access to more and better markets for farmers.
View the full press release here.
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Each year the Michigan State University Product Center recognizes an emerging client business who has demonstrated excellence, innovation, and growth within the last five years with the Start Up to Watch Award. This year’s business Start Up to Watch awardee, Mushroom Angel Company, has shown consistent success and growth in entrepreneurial and business development, annual sales, and established a strong business culture in Detroit, Michigan and the Midwest. The Mushroom Angel Co., owned and operated by W.E. and Dominque DaCruz, specializes in mushroom-based meat alternatives, made in small batches from the heart of Detroit, Michigan.
MDARD was thrilled to present this award to a hard-working company at this year's show!
View the full story 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
July 29-30, 2024 | Grand Rapids, MI
October 17-19, 2024 | Atlanta, GA
October 19-23, 2024 | Paris, France
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