The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded over $2 million in grants to support Michigan specialty crop growers. The grants were announced by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who chairs the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. The funding comes from the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which Stabenow created in the 2008 Farm Bill.
Before 2008, the federal Farm Bill had no section dedicated to fruits and vegetables. In total, 23 organizations received grants. They include the Michigan Apple Committee, the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, and the Michigan Christmas Tree Association.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development’s International Marketing Program received the largest grant, $155,267.69. The Michigan State Horticultural Society and the Michigan Apple Committee each received $125,000. Other recipients include the Hop Growers of Michigan, the Michigan Blueberry Commission, and the Michigan Potato Industry Commission.
The grants ranged from $42,379.34 to $125,000.
Michigan specialty crop funding
The USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture.
These crops are used for food and medicinal purposes. The grants aim to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Michigan’s specialty crops. They offer significant support to local growers and the agricultural economy.
Michigan is a significant producer of specialty crops. The state leads the nation in asparagus production. The grants will help growers compete more in the marketplace and create economic opportunities.
Senator Stabenow emphasized the importance of the grants. “Michigan specialty crops increase the diversity of the food and agriculture industry in the state and create more value per acre for Michigan farmers,” she said. The USDA’s partnership with Michigan on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program was also praised.
“We are happy to be once again partnered with Michigan on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA under-secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
