Underserved, Value-Added, Regional Food Systems, and Supply Chain Grant Program

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) administers the Underserved, Value-Added, Regional Food Systems, and Supply Chain Grant Program, designed to support and expand Michigan’s food and agriculture industries. The program focuses on fostering value-added agricultural production and processing, strengthening food systems, improving healthy food access, and enabling business development across supply chains. Emphasizing inclusion and equity, the grant specifically supports underserved communities and entities throughout the state. This initiative aligns with MDARD’s broader mission to assure food safety, protect agricultural resources, and stimulate rural economic development through collaborative efforts. The 2026 grant cycle opens February 26, 2026, with a submission deadline of April 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants must apply through the MiAgGrants system and have proper vendor registration with the State of Michigan. Only one proposal per applicant is allowed, though organizations may partner on multiple applications. Required components include a complete application via MiAgGrants and two letters of support. An informational webinar will be held on March 11, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified in July 2026 following proposal review by a Joint Evaluation Committee convening in May and June. Funding focuses on projects such as food hubs, urban agriculture, farm and flower markets, cold storage, food access and education, aggregation and warehousing, agro-tourism, processing innovation, feasibility studies, and workforce development in the food system. Grants are awarded up to a maximum of $100,000, and all equipment costs must be incurred after February 26, 2026. Projects must maintain thorough financial records to verify expenditures. Reimbursement is provided up to three times during the 18-month performance period, with final disbursement upon completion and site verification. Applicants must provide a match—either 30% of the grant amount or a reduced 15% for self-certified underserved applicants. Matching contributions may include cash or in-kind support, with specific limitations on in-kind and salary components. Grant funds may be used for equipment like walk-in coolers, signage, and work benches, but not for land, building purchases, general-purpose equipment, salaries, or travel. Administrative costs are limited to 10% for nonprofit organizations, and indirect costs are not allowable. Eligibility extends to a wide range of applicants, with explicit prioritization for underserved entities. Definitions include socially disadvantaged, veteran, women-owned, beginning, and limited-resource farmers and business owners, among others. Entities must demonstrate majority ownership and control by qualifying individuals or groups. Prior grantees of similar MDARD programs within the last two years are not eligible for this cycle. Applicants must also maintain good standing with the Michigan LARA Corporations Division. Evaluation criteria include the strength of the project’s purpose, anticipated economic and social impact, alignment with Michigan agriculture, budget clarity, and long-term sustainability. Points are awarded based on a 100-point scale, covering areas like job creation, local food availability, and project feasibility. Final decisions rest with MDARD leadership, guided by Joint Evaluation Committee recommendations. The program upholds strong nondiscrimination policies and offers reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility and fairness throughout the grant process.

Highlight community impact, underserved focus, local food sourcing, and clear budget documentation.