U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, has announced that Michigan will receive $2,153,501 in federal funding to support Michigan specialty crop growers who produce fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, hops, nursery plants, and flowers.
“Michigan leads the nation in the production of many fruits and vegetables and is one of the top states in agricultural diversity. Our fruits, vegetables, and nursery crops are not only a source of great pride – they are critical to our state’s economy,” said Senator Stabenow. “This new support is a big win for Michigan agriculture. It will help our farmers keep their competitive edge and continue to provide healthy fruits and vegetables to American families.”
“Michigan’s food and agricultural industry is unique and innovative. We’re home to a wide variety of specialty crops, from asparagus to cherries to onions,” said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. “I deeply appreciate USDA’s continued support for Michigan producers through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. These investments will allow for more innovative research and new market opportunities in Michigan’s specialty crop sector.”
“Senator Debbie Stabenow understands agriculture, and she knows how each Farm Bill affects our country. Senator Stabenow is proud of the immense diversity in Michigan Agriculture. This diversity puts Michigan’s specialty crop growers into the position where they find extreme value in Michigan’s Specialty Crop Block Grants. The Grants are used for so many marketing and research projects here in Michigan. Without these Grants, our specialty crop industry would suffer,” said Greg Bird, Executive Director of Michigan Vegetable Council and Michigan Onion Committee.
“Specialty Crop Block Grants allow the Michigan Bean Industry to stretch grower’s assessment dollars by helping fund valuable research that continues to successfully add to the bottom-line of today’s edible bean producers. This added funding has and continues to produce high-yielding, high-quality, nutrient-dense edible beans that today’s health-conscious families are consuming in many different ways these days. We are certainly grateful for this program and appreciate the continued support for our industry,” said Joe Cramer, Executive Director of the Michigan Bean Commission.
“With the funds we receive from the Speciality Crop Block Grant, the Michigan Ag Council will be able to further our goal of increasing sales of Michigan-grown food and products. We want to meet consumers where they are, and by placing advertisements on streaming services, we’re able to reach them in their homes, mere feet from their dinner tables, where they’ll hopefully spend time-consuming nutritious and wholesome food grown right here in our state. The Ag Council and our partners appreciate the support of our elected officials to encourage all Michiganders to buy local,” said Noelle Nachreiner, Executive Director of Michigan Ag Council.
For more information: stabenow.senate.gov