The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) administers the Underserved, Value-Added, and Regional Food Systems Grant Program to strengthen Michigan’s food and agriculture sector. The program aims to support the expansion and development of value-added agricultural processing, regional food systems, and healthy food access, with a strong emphasis on reaching underserved communities. MDARD is committed to promoting economic development within the state's food system by funding projects that foster job creation, business sustainability, and increased availability of fresh, nutritional foods.
The 2025 grant cycle opens on April 23, 2025, and closes on June 11, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST. Applications must be submitted via the MiAgGrants platform, and an informational webinar will be held on April 30, 2025, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. EST. Proposals will be reviewed by a Joint Evaluation Committee (JEC) in July and August 2025, followed by funding announcements in September 2025. Only one proposal per applicant is allowed, although organizations may participate as partners in multiple proposals.
Funding will focus on various project types including urban agriculture, food hub development, value-added food processing, agro-tourism, and infrastructure like hoop houses and coolers. Eligible expenses include tangible items like baking equipment and signage, while ineligible costs include land acquisition, building purchases, livestock, fuel, and travel. Grants are awarded up to a maximum of $100,000 and require a match of 30% or 15% for self-certified underserved applicants. Matching can include both cash and in-kind contributions, with specific restrictions on how salaries and administrative costs are calculated and reimbursed.
Applicants must be registered vendors with the State of Michigan and in good standing with the LARA Corporations Division. The grant is a cost-reimbursement program and grantees must submit financial documentation and written reports, including impact assessments for up to three years post-project. Nonprofit applicants may allocate up to 10% of the budget to administrative costs.
Evaluation criteria are based on a 100-point scale and include project purpose, state impact, social benefits, outcomes, budget justification, match amount, work plan detail, and long-term sustainability. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate measurable social impact, local economic stimulation, and inclusive participation from historically underserved groups.
For further assistance, MDARD encourages applicants to contact the program at mda-grants@michigan.gov. Technical assistance is available through entities like Michigan Integrated Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS), Growing Hope, Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN), and LEAP Coaching & Consulting, which specialize in grant readiness, business planning, and application development.
