The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded over $2 million in grants to support Michigan specialty crop growers. The grants will help producers of fruits, vegetables, Christmas trees, hops, flowers, and other nursery products. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan announced the grants.
She is the chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. The money is being awarded through the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Stabenow created this program in the 2008 Farm Bill.
Before 2008, the federal Farm Bill did not have a section dedicated to fruits and vegetables. The grants will fund 23 projects across the state.
Michigan specialty crop grants awarded
Some of the organizations receiving grants include:
The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board will receive $124,984. The Michigan Apple Committee will get $125,000. The Michigan Blueberry Commission is awarded $100,000.
The Michigan Christmas Tree Association will receive $75,002. Other grant recipients include the Hop Growers of Michigan, the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, and the Michigan Vegetable Council. The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development International Marketing Program will also receive $155,267.69.
These grants aim to support and grow the agriculture sector in Michigan. They will help foster development for specialty crop growers throughout the state.
