Specialty crop funding priorities open to public comment in Michigan

Specialty crop growers in Michigan have a chance to make their voices heard ths month.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will accept public comment on funding priorities for Michigan’s 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program until Nov. 28.

Input will be considered when developing final program priorities for 2026, according to the department.

The USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides annual funding to states and territories to enhance the competitiveness of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). MDARD uses those funds to award grants to eligible Michigan entities annually through a competitive process.

MDARD announced last month that it has distributed $2 million of program funding to 19 food and agricultural organizations in the state.

Based on public input, last year’s funding priorities for Michigan Specialty Crop Block grants included:

• Market enhancement to promote specialty crops
• Research and development relevant to specialty crops
• Training and education addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers

Public comment may be submitted to MDA-Grants@michigan.gov by 5 p.m.  EST on Nov. 28.