The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is now accepting applications for the latest round of the Underserved, Value-Added, and Regional Food Systems Grant. The Underserved, Value-Added, and Regional Food Systems Grant Program is designed to promote the expansion of value-added agriculture production and processing, help develop food systems, improve healthy food access, and expand underserved business development within the state to enhance Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. These grants will be focused on supporting the state’s agri-food business and farming operations. Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. (EST) on October 29, 2024.  

The department will host an informational webinar on October 15, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. via Microsoft Teams virtual platform. No registration will be required for participation in the webinar. Details for the webinar can be found on our website.  

MDARD strives to achieve wide-reaching prosperity and agricultural diversity within the food and agriculture industry. These grant opportunities reflect MDARD’s and Governor Whitmer’s commitment to ensuring that everyone can ‘Make it in Michigan’ by supporting traditionally underserved businesses and value-added agricultural processing. Those interested in applying can view the application and grant guidelines online. All applications must be submitted through the MiAgGrants system.  

For more information about MDARD’s grant programs, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.  

View the full press release online. 

Partridge Creek Farm (PCF), located in Ishpeming, is a non-profit organization established in 2013. They received funding in 2022 through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Rural Development Fund Grant program.  The grant funding was used to initiate the build out of an Intergenerational Farm to educate and share information on gardening skills, plants, and cultural traditions allowing for educational opportunities with all age groups. The Partridge Creek Intergenerational Farm is a 3.75-acre farm that is in downtown Ishpeming. The long-term plan for the farm includes one full acre of production growing, a permanent washpack building, community building, outdoor classroom, two hoop houses, a geo-thermal hoop house, and more with the goal of being able to produce locally grown food year-round for the community. 

“Partridge Creek Farm is grateful to MDARD for investing in our Intergenerational Farm. Rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to food, agriculture, and supply chains. By choosing to support our efforts, MDARD is showing the important role that small, community farms play in providing food access to our communities," said Sara Johnson, Executive Director of Partridge Creek Farm. 

The main objective of building the Intergenerational Farm was to increase food growing capacity and PCF’s ability to create a hyper-local food system that serves the community and local institutions. With the lack of infrastructure in the Upper Peninsula, there are very strained supply chains and most of the small, diversified farms sell direct to consumers at markets or to retail and wholesale outlets, leaving an inconsistent supply for local institutions. PCF is working to build a model to supply and provide local, nutrient dense food to local institutions by relying on other local partners and placing more investment in the community. 

View the full success story on our website.

The Agriculture Development Bureau would like to welcome and congratulate the newest Producer Security Program Manager, Denise Studders! 

Denise has worked with the State of Michigan for more than 18 years. She has worked as an Accounting Assistant in the Finance Division for MDARD, as an Accountant for Department of State, and as an Auditor for the Producer Security Program.  

She grew up on a centennial farm in Kawkawlin and currently resides in Pinconning-which is an Ojibwe word that translates to Potato Place. Pinconning is also well known for its cheese. 

Denise received a BA in Business Management from Northwood University. 

Welcome, Denise! 

Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems is one of 12 organizations selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a Regional Food Business Center. These centers will help more farm and food businesses to access new markets and navigate federal, state, and local resources.  

Those eligible to participate in programs provided by the center include small- to mid-sized farmers and historically marginalized food and farm business owners throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. 

Opportunities to stay up to date on program items and to participate in informational webinars can be found on the website.