MDARD Announces 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients

LANSING - Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring announced the Michigan recipients of U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. These projects aim to enhance the competitiveness of Michigan's specialty crops such as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.

"Michigan specialty crops increase the diversity of the food and agriculture industry in the state and create more value per acre for Michigan farmers," said Boring. "Thanks to the ongoing funding from USDA, Michigan's farmers have greater opportunity to advance their research, be more competitive in the marketplace, and create economic opportunities within the specialty crop sector. With more than 300 types of crops growing in Michigan, these grants provide avenues for innovations and improvements in local food access for all Michiganders."

"We are happy to once again be partnered with Michigan on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program," said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. "The innovative projects funded through this program will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops and support the region's specialty crop growers to help ensure their long-term success."

These grants enhance the competitiveness of the state's specialty crops. Each grant has a maximum award of $125,000. Below is the list of grantees:

• Allen Neighborhood Center, $102,611 - A Community-Based Approach to Specialty Crop Enhancement.
• Hop Growers of Michigan, $94,000 - Increasing Michigan Hop and Beer Quality Using a Bio Stimulant.
• Michigan Ag Council, $100,000 - Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Influencer Marketing Campaign.
• Michigan Apple Committee, $125,000 - Social Media Marketing Michigan Apples.
• Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, $124,984 - Michigan Asparagus: Selling to the Hybrid Consumer.
• Michigan Bean Commission, $99,894 - A Systems Approach to Sustainable Dry Bean Production.
• Michigan Bean Commission, $80,665 - Building Health Advocates to Drive Consumption of Dry Beans.
• Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee, $6,431 - Standardized Practices and Marketing for Michigan Blueberries.
• Michigan Blueberry Commission, $100,000 - Improving Pollination and Blueberry Flavor in Michigan Fields.
• Michigan Carrot Committee, $99,693 - Harnessing Pathogen Biology to Beat Emerging Carrot Diseases.
• Michigan Celery Research, Inc., $99,283 - Management Strategies for 'Meltdown' of Celery in Michigan.
• Michigan Cherry Committee, $98,995 - Sustainable Management Strategies for Cherry Fungal Diseases.
• Michigan Christmas Tree Association, $75,002 - Chemical Mowing: Developing a New Weed Management Strategy.
• Michigan Greenhouse Growers Council, $100,000 - Preventing Purpling of Cuttings Rooted Under Greenhouse LED Lights.
• Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association, $99,925 - Herbicide Injury and What it Means.
• Michigan Potato Industry Commission, $99,644 - Increase Ag Water Sustainability with Aquifer Performance.
• Michigan State Horticultural Society, $125,000 - Marketing Michigan Strawberries and Brambles.
• Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, $97,208 - Filling Critical Gaps in Enviroweather for Tree Fruit.
• Michigan Vegetable Council, $99,576 - Testing Integrated Solutions for Pepper Crown and Root Rot.
• Michigan Vegetable Council, $100,000 - AI-based Weed Recognition for Robotic Weeding of Vegetables.
• Midwest Chestnut Producers Council, $99,000 - Practical Prevention of Rot Damage in Michigan Chestnuts.
• West Central Michigan Horticultural Research, Inc., $42,379.34 - Cherry Nematode Control with Organic Matter and Nematicide.
• MI Department of Agriculture & Rural Development International Marketing Program $155,267.69 - International and Domestic Promotion of Michigan Specialty Crops.

"Michigan's farmers are the driving force behind our local and national food systems. Their dedication to growing high-quality, specialty crops strengthens our economy and nourishes our communities," said State Senator Sue Shink, Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee. "It's important that we continue to support them with the resources and opportunities necessary to grow, innovate and succeed. These grants will help ensure Michigan's specialty crop growers can continue leading the way in the agriculture sector."

"As chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, I'm proud to see Michigan's specialty crop farmers receiving this support," said State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township). "These grants not only help farmers, but also foster innovation and ensure they have the tools needed to compete and thrive in a rapidly changing market. Investing in specialty crops can help lower the costs of Michigan-grown food, thereby lowering grocery store and restaurant prices."

"From Christmas trees to dry beans and everything in between, advocating for Michigan's specialty crops is key in ensuring our farmers have the resources and market access they need to thrive," said Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette). "Supporting agricultural innovation and investment helps people stay and succeed in Michigan."

For more information on the MDARD Grants Program and how we can help you, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.com or email us at [email protected].

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