the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced a public input opportunity for Michigan's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. To ensure practical program priorities, MDARD asks the public to share input by emailing their comments to mda-grants@michigan.gov by 5 p.m. EDT on November 27, 2023.
MDARD's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program awards funds to projects to enhance the state's specialty crops competitiveness, including fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Last year, funding priorities included:
- Market Enhancement to promote specialty crops
- Market Expansion, Availability, and Access to Specialty Crops
- Farm to Institution
- Research and Development relevant to specialty crops
- Plant Health & Pest Management
- Farm Sustainability
- Training & Education addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers
- Enhancing Food Safety
- Environmental Sustainability
Source : michigan.gov