The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded over $2 million in grants to support Michigan specialty crop growers. The grants will benefit organizations that represent fruit, vegetable, Christmas tree, hop, flower, and nursery product growers. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan announced the grants.
Stabenow is the chairwoman of 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. “The federal Farm Bill did not have a section dedicated to fruits and vegetables before 2008,” Stabenow said.
The grants will support 23 projects across the state.
Michigan specialty crop funding support
Recipients include the Michigan Apple Committee, the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, the Michigan Bean Commission, and the Michigan Christmas Tree Association.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will also receive $155,267.69 for its International Marketing Program. This program promotes Michigan specialty crops both in the U.S. and abroad. Other notable grants include $125,000 to the Michigan State Horticultural Society for a marketing campaign to increase consumption of Michigan-grown berries.
The Midwest Chestnut Producers Council will receive $99,000. These grants aim to provide vital support to Michigan’s specialty crop growers. They will help ensure continued growth and development in this important sector of Michigan’s agriculture industry.
