Nov 1, 2017

Michigan taking comments on specialty crop grants program

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is asking for comments on the state’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

To ensure effective priorities for the grant program, MDARD Oct. 30 asked for public input. Comments may be emailed to [email protected] by 5 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2017.

The MDARD Specialty Crop Block Grant Program awards funds to projects to enhance the competitiveness of Michigan specialty crops. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops including floriculture.

MDARD will have a booth in the Main Exhibit Hall at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market Expo held in Grand Rapids on December 5-7. Expo attendees are welcome to stop by the MDARD Specialty Crop booth to provide public comment.

For more information about Michigan’s Specialty Crop Block grants, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants. Please submit all public comment to [email protected] before 5 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2017. The input received will be considered when developing final program priorities for 2018.