Strategic Growth Initiative Grant Program to Boost Michigan's Growing Food and Agriculture Industry

$3 million available to solve industry barriers

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Jamie Clover Adams announced a $3 million grant program designed to break down barriers inhibiting the growth of Michigan's food and agriculture industry. The grant program is a joint venture between MDARD and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

"The Strategic Growth Initiative Grant Program provides an opportunity to leverage business development and growth for Michigan's $91.4 billion food and agriculture industry," said Clover Adams. "With increased investment in our state's food and agriculture industry, we are fostering opportunities for job growth in high tech and innovative careers."

"Food processing and its ties to manufacturing in Michigan are an important part of our overall economy," said Michael A. Finney, President and CEO of MEDC. "We need programs to help this sector continue growing, and expanding jobs throughout the state. Whatever barriers we can eliminate through these grants are steps in the right direction of improving our economic comeback."

This grant program is a direct result of the Governor's 2011 Summit on production agriculture and recommendations from the House Agriculture Sub-committee on Agricultural Processing.

This initiative will help focus on economic opportunities for Michigan's food processors, agri-business, and those in agricultural production to foster business development, talent, and growth. Additionally, MDARD and MEDC will coordinate and cooperate with universities and research organizations to bring the latest technology and information to improve Michigan's food and agriculture industry.

The funding for the Strategic Growth Initiative will be evaluated through a competitive scoring process. Applicants for grant funds will be asked to describe how the project potentially impacts and produces measurable outcomes for the food and agriculture industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual.