MDARD Announces Request for Joint Evaluation Committee Volunteers for Economic Development Grants

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking experts to serve as Joint Evaluation Committee (JEC) members for the review and evaluate agriculture economic development grant applications submitted to the department for funding.

Joint Evaluation Committee Members serve on a panels that evaluate and analyze grantee applications based on published program criteria for each grant program. These JEC members bring critical perspectives and subject matter expertise to the review process, ensuring grants are awarded based not just on objective scoring criteria, but also in keeping with the intent of programs.

Current programs seeking JEC members include:

• Rural Development Fund
• Underserved, Value Added, and Regional Food Systems
• Specialty Crop Block Grant

Reviewers should have knowledge or experience in food or agricultural systems, including but not limited to marketing, processing, distribution, production, economic development, finance and/or local and regional food systems. JEC panels meet remotely, so while reviewers are required to reside in Michigan, travel is not required for participation.

Applications for volunteers will be open from November 6, 2024 to December 6, 2024 at 5 p.m. EST. Applicants will be chosen to serve on the committee by the Grants Program. For additional information, and to apply, complete this application form.

For more information on the MDARD Grants Program, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants or email us at [email protected].  

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