May 2024
Applications accepted until 5 p.m. on June 14, 2024
The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced the opening of the application period for the Qualified Small Distiller program. The online application is open from May 13, 2024 to June 14, 2024.
PA 135 of 2022, signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, aims to assist Michigan's growing craft distillery industry by lowering mark up costs on bottles of spirits produced with at least 40 percent Michigan-grown grain. This supports Michigan farmers and allows craft distillers to invest back into their companies to help create jobs and strengthen small businesses. The legislation states Michigan’s small distillers, or an out-of-state entity that is the equivalent of a small distiller, may file an application with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to be certified as a Qualified Small Distiller. Qualified distillers applying for this certification may be eligible for a reduced mark-up beginning January 1, 2025.
View the online Qualified Small Distiller application and learn more about the program, including fees and frequently asked questions online. Questions about the Qualified Distiller program can be directed to MDARD-QualifiedDistiller@michigan.gov.
Read the full press release.
The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) is honored to announce May is Michigan Wine Month with the official proclamation from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Michigan Wine Month celebrates and highlights our incredible and progressive industry. As the buds break and the blossoms bloom, May is the official start to the tasting room season. In our spaces, we aim to lift Michigan wine’s prestige by offering tailored wine events throughout Michigan, offering tasting room specials at each location, and offering education on the impact that the Michigan wine industry has on Michigan’s economy.
Everyone is invited to join in the celebration at the inaugural Taste Michigan Invades the D from May 17-19 in Downtown Detroit with a kick-off event on Thursday evening, May 16th. “This three-day extravaganza promises an unforgettable fusion of local flavors, exquisite wines, and unparalleled experiences,” says Brian Lillie, President of the Michigan Wine Collaborative. For those unable to make the trek in person, celebrate Michigan Wine Month with us by participating online, where you will find amazing experiences and surprises all month long.
View the Proclamation here.
|
Grant applications available until June 17, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced a cooperative agreement with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) investing $8 million in competitive grant funding. Through this agreement, USDA and Michigan are working together to award grants for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the state’s supply chain. MDARD is accepting applications for RFSI 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.
Read the full press release.
Kellogg Biological Station, June 19
Are you interested in growing, processing, marketing, or using food-grade (including brewing, malting, and distilling) grains in the Upper Midwest? If so, join Michigan State University (MSU) Extension for a collaborative conversation and field tour of food-grade grains on June 19 at the MSU Kellogg Biological Station, 9693 N 40th St., Hickory Corners, MI, 49060. The field day will begin at 9 a.m., with the field tour occurring from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and ending with a free lunch.
Multiple factors and players are in the supply chain of growing and processing food-grade grains. MSU Extension will bring together participants across these markets while highlighting multiple crops and research trials. During this field day, presenters and attendees will discuss the agronomic, processing, and end-user quality needs and considerations of various grains. The event will specifically highlight wheat, canola, buckwheat, rye, barley, and oats, but experiences around growing or using other small grains are welcome. Learn more and register for this event.
|
View more events taking place around the state.
|
