LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Michigan Division of Agriculture and Rural Improvement (MDARD) has awarded $2.08 million to 19 meals and agriculture entities for 22 initiatives aimed toward boosting the state’s specialty crop sector, together with apples, asparagus, blueberries, beans, onions, potatoes, nursery vegetation and wine grapes.
The funding comes by way of U.S. Division of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and can assist analysis, pest and illness administration, local weather resilience, advertising and marketing and workforce coaching throughout Michigan.
Robb Rynd pulls the husk off of an ear of corn as he inspects his crops for pollination points Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Paw Paw, Mich. (AP Picture/Joshua A. Bickel)
“Specialty crops are the backbone of Michigan’s agricultural success, but market uncertainty, unpredictable weather and labor constraints are making them harder to grow and get to market,” MDARD Director Tim Boring mentioned. “These Specialty Crop Block Grants are strategic investments that can assist Michigan farmers enhance yields and entry new markets, thereby giving Michiganders extra entry to regionally grown meals and enhancing group well being and prosperity.”
What’s funded:
Fruit and vegetable illness and pest management
Local weather and sustainability initiatives
Social advertising and marketing
A brand new cell app
Coaching and certification assist
Michigan is a top-five producer nationally of a number of specialty crops. This sector is a part of the state’s almost $126 billion meals and agriculture business. The grant program supplies funding to states to boost the competitiveness of fruit, vegetable, tree nut, dried fruit, horticulture and nursery crops. MDARD administers annual awards in Michigan by way of a aggressive course of.
Boring testified earlier than Congress earlier this yr urging continued, constant funding for this system.
Initiatives will roll out statewide over the approaching grant yr with outcomes anticipated to tell grower practices, market growth and shopper entry to native meals.
