The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is now accepting applications for its latest round of value-added and regional food systems grants. The Value-Added & Regional Food Systems Grant Program is designed to help retain, expand, attract, or develop agricultural processing in Michigan through targeted investments in technology and equipment, feasibility studies, healthy food access, regional food systems and urban agriculture. Grant proposals must be received by 3:00 p.m. (EST) on March 18, 2021.
The maximum grant award eligible is $100,000 per proposal. Each project will require a minimum 30 percent match. The value-added proposals will be evaluated through a competitive selection process. Applicants for grant funds will be asked to describe how the project will impact and produce measurable outcomes for Michigan’s food and agriculture industry.
The department will be hosting an informational webinar on February 4, 2021, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams virtual platform. There is no need to register for the webinar. Visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants for the webinar details.
MDARD is accepting proposals intended to help expand value-added agricultural processing and food hub development in the state as well as access to fresh nutritional Michigan grown foods. Those interested in applying should visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants to view the application and grant guidelines.
Any additional communications concerning this Request for Proposals should be sent to mda-grants@michigan.gov. Additionally, proposals must be received via email at mda-grants@michigan.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. (EST) on March 18, 2021. Proposals received after 3:00 p.m. will not be considered.
For more information about MDARD’s grant programs, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.
