Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Public Input Opportunity

Oct 20, 2023

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

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.