MDARD Launches New Farm to Family Grant Program

Proposals due by 5 p.m. on February 21, 2025

LANSING - Michigan's first-ever grant program aimed at strengthening the state's middle-of-the-supply-chain agri-food systems is now open, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring announced this week.

The new Farm-to-Family Food Hubs and Farm Stops grant program is designed to support innovative models that deliver locally produced and healthy food to Michiganders while creating economic opportunities for Michigan farmers.

"We've heard overwhelming feedback about the need to support food systems during our extensive listening tours across Michigan, and this grant program is one of the first, direct responses we're taking to meet that need through Farm-to-Family," said Director Boring. "This grant will support emerging aspects of agriculture and food systems infrastructure as well as the growers and livestock producers who are working so hard to provide for our communities."

Food Hubs and Farm Stops grants will provide up to $50,000 to eligible applicants to support a range of activities including expanding processing capacity, sourcing, transportation infrastructure, distribution service, or other relevant functions that increase the vibrancy of and access to Michigan s food systems.

First proposed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in her Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget Recommendation, Farm-to-Family seeks to further economic prosperity across Michigan, maintain and expand diversity of the state's agricultural production, and support climate smart and regenerative agriculture value chains. Details on eligibility, funding, how to apply and more are available on MDARD's website.

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