2024 Underserved, Value Added, and Regional Food Systems Grants

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provides grants to establish, retain, expand, attract and/or develop value-added agricultural processing and underserved development in Michigan; expand or develop regional food systems; and expand access to healthy food. Donor Name: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 10/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: MDARD will accept proposals that are intended to establish, retain, expand, attract and/or develop value-added agricultural processing and underserved development in Michigan; expand or develop regional food systems; or expand access to healthy food, including farm markets, flower markets, urban & rural agriculture, and hoop houses. Funding Areas  Funding will be focused on the following types of projects: Urban agriculture Farm markets, flower markets, and hoop houses Food hub development Food access and education, including access to fresh/nutritional foods Value-added food processing and agro-tourism Innovation and equipment Feasibility studies; that lead to jobs/investment Outreach, education, and training. Funding Information Grants will be awarded a maximum amount of $100,000. Grant Period 18 months. Demographics Applicants will be asked to self-certify that the entity is majority minority owned ventures: Beginning Farmer or Rancher: is an individual or entity that has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years and substantially participates in the operation. Veteran Farmer or Rancher means a producer who: Served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, including the reserve component thereof; was released from service under conditions other than dishonorable; and: Has not operated a farm or ranch, or has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years; or Who first obtained status as a veteran during the most recent 10-year period. A legal entity or joint operation can be a Veteran Farmer or Rancher only if all individual members independently qualify. Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher means a participant: With direct or indirect gross farm sales not more than the current indexed value in each of the previous two years, and Who has a total household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of four, or less than 50 percent of county median household income in each of the previous two years. Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher means an individual: Individual or entity who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. A socially disadvantaged group is a group whose members have been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. Socially disadvantaged groups consist of the following: American Indians or Alaskan Natives Asians Blacks or African Americans Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders Hispanics For an entity, at least 50 percent ownership in the farm business must be held by socially disadvantaged individuals Socially Disadvantaged Business: is 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more disadvantaged persons. The disadvantaged person or persons must be socially disadvantaged.  “Those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of their identities as members of groups and without regard to their individual qualities. The social disadvantage must stem from circumstances beyond their control.” Women-Owned Small Business: business type that is at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens; and have women manage day-to-day operations who also make long-term decisions. Historically Underserved-owned businesses and entities owned by underserved communities: A firm at least 51 percent unconditionally owned by one or more members of an underserved group who are citizens of the United States. In the case of publicly owned companies, at least 51 percent of each class of voting stock must be unconditionally owned by one or more members of an underserved group who are citizens of the United States. In the case of a partnership, at least 51 percent of the partnership interest must be unconditionally owned by one or more members of an underserved group who are citizens of the United States. Additionally, for the foregoing cases, the management and daily business operations must be controlled by one or more such individuals. For more information, visit MDARD. 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