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In early May, The Green Gold: Wood Residual Summit in Traverse City, Michigan and activities with Finnish forest bioeconomy delegates drew over 100 innovators and collaborators from across the United States, Canada, Finland, Italy, and Germany. The summit, hosted by the Michigan Forest Biomaterials Institute, with the support of the Michigan Departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), was a capstone event developed from Governor Whitmer’s signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland. The MOU challenged Michigan and Finland to leverage the strengths and assets of their respective industries including research and development, and innovation ecosystems to enhance forest bioeconomy development. The need for a wood residual summit was identified by private, non-profit, public, and research organizations of both industries during a workshop held at the conclusion of the 2023 Finland trade and study mission.
The summit brought together a diverse international group to build global commercialization bridges across research and development, academic, and business sectors to realize the value of wood residuals for a profitable and sustainable economy. The summit program offered pitch opportunities for wood residual producers and innovative/ready to commercialize technologies, as well as shared expertise in the areas of woody biomass based sustainable aviation fuel and perspectives from Dow, Dupont, and BASF about uses in products across a wide variety of sectors. Actions to accelerate technology transfer and financing resources were also discussed. Attendees also travelled to Grayling, Michigan to tour Weyerhaeuser’s oriented strand board mill, AJD Forest Products, an industrial lumber hardwood sawmill, and the wood-fired Grayling Generating Station to see Michigan’s forest product sector in action.
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Before and after the summit, numerous Michigan forest bioeconomy stakeholders from commercial, private, and non-profit forestlands, the logging industry, researchers, and economic developers joined the Finnish delegation to see forest management on Michigan DNR lands, and research and development at the Michigan State University Colleges of Forestry and Packaging.
 Connections and relationships built over the week’s activities ensure continued collaboration to drive the commercialization of innovative wood residual value-add products to grow Michigan’s forest bioeconomy.
Visit the Michigan Forest Biomaterials Institute website for more information.
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Join us in celebrating Michigan Wine Month! Michigan’s wine industry has many unique and bountiful contributions. With more than 3,375 vineyard acres, Michigan grows high-quality wine grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Yet Riesling, Michigan’s darling, stands far and above the other grapes in acres planted (670) and flavors expressed. There is a Riesling to suit any palette, from bone dry to a late harvest sweet wine!
There are many reasons why Michigan is perfectly suited to be a wine grape growing state - the Great Lakes provide a sheltering climate to protect vines during harsh winters and mitigate temperature swings in spring and fall, and the glacial soils and hilly terrain provide a perfect setting for vines to thrive. There are five main wine growing areas in the state, called American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), that are federally recognized for their unique wine growing climates!
May is the perfect time to celebrate Michigan Wine Month. Visiting a winery in May will offer a less crowded and more personalized tasting experience, with ample time to relax and enjoy the scenery. May is also a good time to make reservations for a wine touring trip for summer and early fall, the peak tourism season!
Support for Michigan’s wine industry means support for Michigan agriculture and local businesses. Cheers!
For more information and craft beverage trail maps, visit the Michigan Craft Beverage Council website.
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International Marketing
Summer in the Cities Includes 3 Locations
Join us this summer at any of our three stops for the Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission! Each stop includes full days of one-on-one buyer and supplier meetings to ensure we find the right match for you. Check out the links below to learn about our buyers from around the world and how your product fits in. Make sure to register early as meeting slots are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Summer in the Cities 3 Stops:
- Aug 4 | Chicago, IL | Register for the Illinois stop here
- Aug 6 | Columbus, OH | Register for the Ohio stop here
- Aug 8 | Jersey City, NJ | Register for the New Jersey stop here
Early Registration Date for All: May 21, 2025
Early Cost for All: $325
Focused Trade Mission to Canada
This mission offers personalized one-on-one meetings with qualified buyers, pre-event market research and analysis, a local USDA market briefing, a retail store tour, a tabletop product showcase, and inclusion in a Trade Mission brochure. Participants also receive on-site support from Food Export’s in-market representative and assistance in identifying top sales leads.
Sept 3-4, 2025 | Toronto, Canada | Cost: $425
Register and learn more about this opportunity through the Focused Trade Mission to Canada Registration Page.
Questions? Contact mutschlere@michigan.gov
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MDARD is now accepting grant proposals for the latest round of the Underserved, Value-Added, and Regional Food Systems Grant. Grant proposals must be received by 5 p.m. EST on June 11, 2025.
Thanks to continued investments through Governor Whitmer's bipartisan budget, these grant funds support traditionally underserved businesses, cultivate value-added agricultural processing and strengthen area supply chains and regional food systems. Last month, MDARD announced 51 project recipients from the fiscal year 2024 cycle.
Those interested in understanding eligibility – including match requirements – should visit the MDARD Grants page to view the application, grant guidelines and program details. All grant proposals must be submitted through the MiAgGrants system.
For more information about MDARD’s grant programs, visit www.Michigan.gov/MDARDGrants.
View the full release on the MDARD website.
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In April MDARD awarded 21 Rural Development Fund Grants, which promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.
Those interested in applying can do so through the MiAgGrants system by logging into a citizen or business account. Eligible entities include those within counties with a population no greater than 70,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. Priority is given to projects in Marquette County according to statute. MDARD evaluates grant proposals through a competitive process.
For more information about this grant program or a complete list of eligible counties, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.
View the full release on the MDARD website.
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Don’t miss out! The Farmers Market at the Capitol, hosted by the Michigan Farmers Market Association, is scheduled for three different dates this summer. Stop by booths for locally made food and products on July 22, August 26, and September 23, 2025 and enjoy trying something new or something you love to restock on every year!
The mission of the Farmers Markets at the Capitol is to provide a thriving marketplace that showcases Michigan food and agricultural products and to educate state decision-makers on the importance of supporting farmers, ag-based businesses, farmers markets, and community-driven marketplaces.
For more information on the farmers market, visit the Michigan Farmers Market Association website.
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Food Service Buyers Mission at NRA Show
May 16-18, 2025 | Chicago, IL
National Restaurant Association Show
May 17-20, 2025 | Chicago, IL
Summer Fancy Food Show
June 29-July 1, 2025 | New York City, NY
Focused Trade Mission to Toronto
September 3-5, 2025 | Toronto, Canada
ANUGA
October 4-8, 2025 | Cologne, Germany
Global Produce and Floral Show
October 16-18, 2025 | Anaheim, CA
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