|
|
Welcome to the Food and Agriculture Business Development monthly newsletter -– providing Michigan's food, agriculture and forest products businesses and producers with updates, resources, and industry news.
Don’t miss out on the following funding opportunities for Michigan food and agriculture businesses! The following grant application periods are closing soon:
-
Dairy Business Builder Grant from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance
-
This grant program helps small-to-medium size farmers or processors diversify on-farm activity, create value-added products, enhance dairy by-products and/or strengthen export programs.
-
Applications are due by 5 p.m. CT on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
|
|
Success Story
Ann Arbor’s Sanilac Creamery produces handmade cheeses and gelati using traditional methods and high-quality milk from small-scale regional farmers. The creamery hand-ladles all of its cheeses to preserve the flavor and characteristics of fresh milk while maintaining the necessary low temperature and long pasteurization needed to preserve good flavor.
In 2023, Sanilac Creamery received $100,000 from MDARD’s Value-Added grant program to help construct a garage to receive raw milk directly into their milk production facility. The MDARD grant elevated Sanilac Creamery’s ability to maintain the sanitation standards required of a raw milk dairy processing facility. Both the creamery’s milk receiving and clean-in-place processes are now significantly more efficient and easier to operate because of the upgrade.
“We view MDARD as an ally – both in business development and in our shared commitment to producing safe, high-quality products for public consumption,” said Arend Elston, Owner-Operator of Sanilac Creamery. “Their support reflects a genuine interest in seeing Michigan producers succeed and in the broader benefits that a thriving local food system brings to the community.”
Originally named Zingerman’s Creamery, Sanilac Creamery began making cream cheese and quark from locally sourced milk in 2001. Over the years, the creamery has expanded their cheese lineup to include flavored cream cheese, quark from local cow and goat milk, soft-ripened cheeses, and homemade gelato.
In fall 2025, the creamery began a new business chapter and became Sanilac Creamery. Despite its new name, the creamery still employs the same team, recipes and craftsmanship to produce every product. They continue to produce the Zingerman’s brand cheeses, gelato and spreads customers know and love, and remain a valued supplier to the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses.
For more information on MDARD grants or to connect with one of our Economic and Community Development Analysts to help your business grow, visit the MDARD grants webpage.
|
|
|
As we prepare to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 24, please join MDARD in recognizing the conservation district foresters who support industry partners and family forest owners across our state. Whether adding a few trees to the yard for shade, beauty and privacy, or undertaking large‑scale plantings aimed at future forest products, these foresters provide the technical expertise needed to turn planting goals into real conservation outcomes.
Conservation district foresters are funded through MDARD grants to help guide landowners through financial assistance options available in the federal Farm Bill and local cost‑share programs. They can also advise on tax benefits available through MDARD’s Qualified Forest Program and technical assistance available through MDARD’s Forestry Assistance Program. Tree planting can be complex, and conservation district foresters help simplify the process. They assist with selecting species suited to your site, preparing the ground for successful establishment, and protecting young trees from damage, especially deer browsing.
Michigan’s forest product sector employs 91,000 people and contributes $20 billion to the state economy each year. Our state boasts 20 million acres of sustainably managed forests, and MDARD is working with partners throughout Michigan to protect these essential resources for future generations.
|
|
|
International Marketing
The International Marketing Program is getting ready to hit the road for May and June trade shows. We look forward to you visiting the Michigan Pavilions and seeing what great products Michigan companies have to offer!
Trade shows will include the National Restaurant Association Show, Sweets and Snacks Expo, International Dairy Deli Bakery Association Show, and Summer Fancy Food Show. Details for each show are below.
If you have questions about the Michigan Pavilions or want to connect with our team at the show, please contact:
|
|
|
MDARD’s innovative Farm to Family Program is announcing its newest grant opportunity, which will focus on expanding market opportunities for farmers who implement regenerative agriculture practices.
Selected recipients will receive funding for purchases that may include on-farm point-of-sale equipment, marketing materials, light processing equipment and washing and packing infrastructure. Examples of eligible expenses include meat freezers for livestock producers that use rotational grazing or marketing services to highlight regenerative practices on product packaging.
This is Farm to Family’s third grant opportunity since the program launched 18 months ago thanks to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s leadership and bipartisan support in the state legislature. The program’s first grant – Food Hubs and Farm Stops – has now translated to more than $1 million in local food purchasing and moving more than 140,000 pounds of produce and protein around Michigan. Farm to Family’s second grant opportunity – Last Food Mile – plans to announce recipients at the beginning of May.
MDARD will accept applications through the MIAgGrants portal until Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m. ET. Applicants for this funding opportunity must be farmers in Michigan who can describe how they apply regenerative principles to their operation. Grant awards will be capped at $50,000.
Those interested in learning more about the grant opportunity are encouraged to participate in a virtual information session this Thursday, April 2 at 9:30 a.m. Details and connectivity can be found on the grant’s webpage. There you will also find a full list of eligibility requirements. All applications must be submitted through the MiAgGrants system.
|
|
Industry Opportunity
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP), hosted annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This event has grown to include a week of activities, including a cider festival and the opportunity for aspiring pommeliers to earn certification. These events also provide excellent medaling opportunities for Michigan cider producers and volunteer experiences for industry members.
Upcoming events include:
-
GLINTCAP Registration Deadline - April 19
-
Participating ciders must register by April 19. Packages shipped need to arrive at Vander Mill by April 29. Register Now!
-
Grand Rapids Cider Week - May 8-16
- Come and experience all that Grand Rapids Cider Week has to offer. If you would like to participate, we would be happy to add your event to our calendar. Email Jeff Cottrell for more information. Cider Week GR webpage.
-
Certified Pommelier Exam - May 13, 9 a.m.
-
GLINTCAP 20th Anniversary - May 13-16, 2026
- You won’t want to miss out on this huge milestone celebration of the world’s largest cider competition! Now is the perfect time to start planning your entries and consider which team members you’ll be sending to judge or steward. Click here to register or volunteer.
-
Grand Rapids Cider Festival - May 16, 2026 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Come and celebrate Michigan cider at this festival in Rosa Parks Circle. If you want to pour, please contact Paul Vander Heide. Ticket information coming soon.
|
|
Industry News
A major achievement in the craft malt industry is bringing well-deserved attention to Michigan!
Larry Judge of Mitten State Malt recently earned a Silver Medal in the Pilsner category at the prestigious Malt Cup, an annual competition hosted by the Craft Malt Guild. This worldwide event brings together top malt producers from around the globe, recognizing those who’s craftsmanship and dedication truly stand out.
Competing against 20 entries in the Pilsner barley malt category, Larry’s work stood out among the best – an impressive accomplishment in a competitive field. After entering his malt into the competition multiple times without placing, this win makes the recognition even more meaningful. This award also marks a historic milestone for Michigan’s craft malt community, representing the first Malt Cup award earned by a Michigan-based malthouse.
Larry founded Mitten State Malt in 2014, and after a few years of trial and error, began producing and selling high-quality malt to breweries and distilleries across Michigan. His commitment to continuous improvement and quality is reflected both in his malt and recent award.
With an expansion project now underway, Mitten State Malt is continuing its growth with plans to move into a larger facility in Mason, Michigan by next fall.
Michigan's craft beverage industry continues to develop, providing market opportunities for suppliers, such as maltsters. The MI Craft Beverage Council has funded nearly $3 million in research and education investments to bolster agricultural supply chains and support growth in the industry. The council works to provide opportunities and support to connect craft beverage producers with growers across the state. Additionally, the council hosts networking events such as the annual Michigan Craft Beverage Summit to encourage connections amongst craft beverage professionals.
Congratulations to Larry on this well-deserved recognition!
|
|
|
|
|
|
