Value-Added, Regional Food Systems, and Supply Chain Grants

The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development is offering Value-Add Grants to enhance the state's food systems. This program aims to boost agriculture production, processing, and access to healthy foods. Eligible projects include urban agriculture, food hubs, and educational initiatives. A minimum cash match of 30% is required, and only one proposal per applicant will be accepted. The program seeks to foster innovation and sustainability in Michigan's agricultural landscape.

Value-Added Grant Program
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provides grants to promote the expansion of value-added agriculture production, processing, develop food systems, healthy food access, and supply chain business development within the state to enhance Michigan’s food and agriculture industry.
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 equipmentFeasibility studies; that lead to jobs/investmentOutreach, education, and training
• Grant Criteria:
• Applicants must provide a minimum 30% match.The match is 30% of the grant amount you are requesting.For example, if

you are requesting a $100,000 grant, you must provide a match amount of at least $30,000.If you are requesting a $50,000 grant, you must provide a match amount of at least $15,000. Cash match is required, and in-kind contributions will not be counted as
part of the required match. Salaries may only be included as cash match.Applicant must
demonstrate that the time and salaries included were directly spent to support the project seeking grant funding. Travel costs must be covered through the match funds.

Eligibility

Only one proposal per applicant will be considered.Your organization may be a partner on more than one application.Applicants must provide a minimum 30% match.All applicants must be registered as a vendor in the Contracts and Payments system with the State of Michigan prior to submitting an application.

Ineligibility

Grant funds cannot be used to pay for:

• Land acquisition
• Purchase of a building or facility
• Structural repair of building or facility
• Indirect costs are not allowed under this grant program.Indirect costs are

defined as the expenses of doing business that are not readily identified within the project, but are necessary for the general operation of the organization and
the implementation proposal related activities. Salaries, wages and benefits