Specialty Crop Grants to Boost Michigan's Growing Food and Agriculture Industry
M2 PressWIRE -- LANSING, MI -- October 3, 2012 -- Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Jamie Clover Adams announced Michigan will receive $1.3 million in federal dollars to create, enhance, or expand agriculture development ventures across the state."Michigan's diverse food and agriculture sector continues to play a critical role in our economic reinvention; and, these grants help fuel the continued development and expansion of specialty crop production in our state," said Clover Adams. "The response for these competitive grants was overwhelming and only illustrates the industry's commitment to innovative processing practices and strengthening Michigan's impact in the global marketplace."
The department received 39 proposals totaling $2.1 million with 21 proposals recommended to receive $1.1 million in grant funding with the remaining $200,000 allocated to MDARD's domestic and international programs as well as grant administrative costs. Grant applications were evaluated, scored, and ranked by a Joint Evaluation Committee composed of MDARD and industry representatives not directly involved in any grant proposals.
Projects selected to receive funding are:
Lakeshore Environmental, Inc. $56,555
Michigan Apple Committee $75,000
Michigan Asparagus Industry Development Program $29,975
Michigan Bean Commission $75,000
Michigan Christmas Tree Association $75,000
Michigan Farm Bureau $45,500
Michigan Food and Farming Systems $51,390
Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association $62,260
Michigan Onion Committee $22,032
Michigan Potato Industry Commission $40,000
Michigan State University (6 projects) $300,600
Michigan Vegetable Council $52,993
The grants are used to enhance the competitiveness of Michigan specialty crops through processors, agri-businesses, producers, local units of government, and legislatively authorized commodity boards in Michigan; including, but not limited to: research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant health programs, education, increased knowledge and consumption, increased innovation, improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems, environmental concerns and conservation, product development, good agricultural practices, good handling practices, and good manufacturing practices.
The goal of USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is to promote and increase opportunities for specialty crop producers. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands received grants this year, totaling $55 million. Visit www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp to review the 2012 project summaries and view a list of awards by location.
Contact: Heather Throne
517-373-1085
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