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Michigan Value-Added and Regional Food Systems Grant
Industry-Specific · Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) · MI
The Michigan Value-Added and Regional Food Systems Grant is a state cash grant from MDARD, offering up to $100,000 to Michigan agricultural producers, processors, and food supply-chain businesses expanding value-added processing or regional food systems, with a required cost match.
The Michigan Value-Added and Regional Food Systems Grant is a state grant program administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD). It funds projects that establish, retain, or expand value-added agricultural processing and regional food systems within Michigan. The program targets agricultural producers, processors, food and supply-chain businesses, and food systems organizations that are working to grow processing capacity or strengthen regional food distribution networks.
Funding is provided as a cash grant, with a maximum award of $100,000 per proposal. Applicants are required to provide a match — generally 30% of the project cost, though underserved entities may qualify for a reduced 15% match requirement. This cost-share structure means applicants should be prepared to contribute their own funds or in-kind resources alongside the grant award.
For a small business owner in Michigan's agricultural or food supply chain, this grant could help offset costs tied to equipment, facility upgrades, or infrastructure that adds value to raw agricultural products or improves regional food distribution. Because MDARD runs funding in cycles, the FY2026 round opened in February 2026, but timing and terms can change from year to year.
Given that this summary reflects a 2026 update, applicants should confirm the current award amount, whether a funding round is currently open, and full eligibility requirements directly on the official MDARD program page before applying. This listing should not be treated as a guarantee of funding amount or availability — always verify current details at the source.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a cash grant, not a loan, administered by MDARD.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, grant funds are not repaid, but a matching contribution is required from the applicant.
How much money can I get?
The maximum award is $100,000 per proposal.
Is there a match requirement?
Yes, applicants must provide a 30% match, or 15% if they qualify as an underserved entity.
Who is eligible?
Michigan agricultural producers, processors, food and supply-chain businesses, and food systems organizations expanding value-added processing or regional food systems.
What states can apply?
Only businesses and organizations based in Michigan (MI) are eligible.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is not fixed; check current rounds and confirm at the official MDARD site.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official MDARD program page listed in the how-to-apply section.
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the source or with a tax professional.
What can the funds be used for?
Funds support projects that establish, retain, or expand value-added agricultural processing and regional food systems.
Is this a federal or state program?
It is a state program run by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
Are underserved businesses treated differently?
Yes, underserved entities may qualify for a reduced 15% match instead of the standard 30%.
Is funding available every year?
The program runs in cycles; the FY2026 round opened in February 2026, but availability should be confirmed at the source.
Who administers this program?
The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) administers this grant.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.