To help ensure effective program priorities, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is accepting public input regarding the Michigan Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program awards funds to projects to enhance the competitiveness of Michigan specialty crops. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Last year, funding priorities were focused on market enhancement, research, and training and education.

MDARD will have a booth in the Main Exhibit Hall at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo on Dec. 4-6 in Grand Rapids. Expo attendees are welcome to stop by the MDARD Specialty Crop booth to provide public comment.

Email comments to [email protected] by 5 p.m. Dec. 13. Comments will be considered when developing final program priorities for 2019.

For more information about Michigan’s Specialty Crop Block Grants at michigan.gov/mdardgrants.

Source: MDARD