Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

8 stories

Michigan awards $2.3 million to boost local food production

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is distributing $2.3 million in grants to help farms and food businesses across the state increase production and create new jobs in local communities.

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Michigan Farm Bureau Presses Washington for Clear Support Amid Rising Imports and Policy Shifts

Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross is urging federal officials to take a clear stand for American farmers, citing policy confusion and growing imports as threats to Michigan agriculture and food security.

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Michigan Animal Agriculture Research Faces Uncertain Future Without State Funding

Michigan's $125.8 billion animal agriculture sector relies on the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture for research and innovation. Farmers and industry leaders say losing this funding would threaten farm profitability and local food supply chains.

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Federal Court Blocks New Migrant Wage Rule for Michigan Farms

A federal judge has invalidated the Department of Labor's updated wage formula for H-2A migrant farm workers, leaving Michigan growers facing renewed uncertainty over pay rates and possible retroactive costs as the 2026 season begins

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Michigan Awards 2 Million Dollars for Local Food and Farm Expansion Farmington Voice

Michigan Awards 2 Million Dollars for Local Food and Farm Expansion

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is distributing 2.3 million dollars in grants to 28 organizations to expand food production, create jobs and improve access to local foods across the state

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Michigan Craft Beverage Council opens 2027 grant applications for research and education Farmington Voice

Michigan Craft Beverage Council opens 2027 grant applications for research and education

The Michigan Craft Beverage Council is now accepting proposals for its 2027 research and education grants, offering up to $40,000 for research and $5,000 for education projects that support Michigan's craft beverage industry. Applications close October 9, 2026.

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MSU Releases Wasps Across Michigan to Control Invasive Lily Beetles

Michigan State University has released over 4,400 parasitoid wasps statewide to target the destructive scarlet lily beetle, aiming for long-term pest control without pesticides. Residents may see new research plots and volunteer-planted lilies in local gardens.

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Michigan Family Farms Shrink as More Land Enters Preservation Programs

Michigan is seeing a steady decline in family-owned farms, but more farmland is being protected through conservation programs as land values rise and development pressures increase, especially in northern regions.

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