Aug 1, 2022

Michigan ag department grants will reward farm innovation

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is accepting applications for a new Farm Innovation Grant Program designed to help develop and support innovative solutions for farm, agriculture processing and supply chain problems facing the state’s food and agricultural industry.

Proposals are being requested in the following priority areas:

• Climate smart practices – New innovative technologies that will work to mitigate the effects of climate change to Michigan commodities and lead to climate resiliency for the industry.
• Supply chain resiliency – Projects that strengthen and expand Michigan’s food supply chain including equipment, new technology, and research.
• Food processing and farm production automation – New innovative research and technology to assist with automation when acquiring workforce to fill positions is a challenge.
• Rural resiliency – Projects that strengthen the ability for rural communities to support farm and food processing.
• Other – Applicant will be asked to provide a description of the project funding area if it does not fit into a prior category.

The maximum grant award is $200,000 per proposal. Grant proposals will be evaluated through a competitive selection process and applicants will be asked to outline how the project will impact and produce measurable innovation outcomes for Michigan’s food and agriculture industry.

“Michigan’s food and agriculture industry is known nationally for its innovation and modernization,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “This new grant program will empower entrepreneurs and businesses who are conceptualizing and creating innovative solutions to help Michigan farmers thrive.”

To see the grant guidelines and application, go to the state’s agriculture department website.

Proposals must be received via email at [email protected] no later than 3 p.m. Oct. 27. Proposals received the deadline will not be considered.

—Michigan Farm Bureau