The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced today that it has administered more than a quarter billion dollars in grant funding to strengthen Michigan’s food, forestry and agriculture economy; create new jobs; and cultivate rural prosperity since the start of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration in 2019.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced Tuesday that it has administered more than a quarter billion dollars in grant funding to strengthen Michigan’s food, forestry and agriculture economy; create new jobs; and cultivate rural prosperity since the start of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration in 2019.

“Michigan’s $125 billion agriculture industry powers our economy, supports global supply chains, and makes our state one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Amid a lot of tariff-driven uncertainty at the federal level, I’m committed to supporting farmers and rural communities across Michigan. These historic investments are helping strengthen small and medium sized farms, support sustainable agriculture and good, local food, and protect our precious natural resources. Let’s keep supporting farms and farmers and making Michigan the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“As federal policies fuel rising costs and greater uncertainty for farmers and families, it’s more important than ever for state government to invest in resilient and sustainable agricultural systems,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “MDARD is leveraging its grant programs to create more economic opportunities for Michigan farmers and food processors and to give Michigan families more access to nutritious, locally grown foods.”

Over the past year, MDARD has launched innovative new grant initiatives to promote regenerative agriculture and strengthen regional food systems. The department’s first-of-its-kind Farm to Family Program awarded more than $730,000 in 2025 to support food hubs and farm stops that give Michigan farmers and families more opportunities to sell and buy locally grown foods while addressing gaps in regional food supplies. And in January 2026, MDARD’s Regenerative Agriculture Program launched its first grant program to accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices that will strengthen profitability for farmers and growers.

In addition to these new initiatives, MDARD has invested more than $252 million since 2019 in areas including, but not limited to:

• Strengthening Michigan’s food and agriculture businesses

MDARD continues to help Michigan’s small and medium-sized farms and food processors purchase equipment, expand production and hire new workers. Over the past seven years, the department has invested more than $38.3 million in food and agriculture business development, including $11.1 million in value added and regional food systems grants and nearly $6.6 million in Food and Agriculture Investment Program grants.

• Building rural infrastructure

Since 2019, MDARD has invested more than $26.2 million in infrastructure to support sustainable agriculture, food production and rural prosperity throughout Michigan. These investments include more than $11.7 million in rural development grants to build or repair drinking water, energy, food processing and transport infrastructure. They also include more than $7.9 million to build infrastructure, support local commerce and promote agriculture education at Michigan’s county fairs.

• Advancing agriculture research and education

MDARD has invested more than $44 million in agriculture research and education since 2019 to ensure that Michigan farmers and food producers retain their competitive edge in global markets. The department administered more than $17.8 million in specialty crop block grants to help ensure Michigan remains a national leader in the production of apples, blueberries, tart cherries and other fruits, vegetables and floriculture crops. MDARD also invested nearly $3 million in craft beverage research and education to ensure Michigan retains its status as a world-renowned producer of craft beer, wine, spirits and cider.

• Protecting Michigan’s natural resources

MDARD has put nearly $108.6 million toward protecting soil, water and forest health in Michigan over the past seven years. These investments include $9.3 million of Forestry Assistance Program grants, more than $10.6 million to preserve Michigan farmland, more than $22.2 million to reduce erosion and runoff from private land into public waters and more than $33.1 million to support local conservation efforts.

Source - https://www.sooleader.com