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The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) is now accepting applications for its Underserved, Value-Added, Regional Food Systems, and Supply Chain Grant Program, a competitive funding opportunity designed to strengthen Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. ET on April 15, 2026, and awards of up to $100,000 are available per project.

This program supports the expansion of value-added agriculture production and processing, the development of regional food systems and supply chains, and increased access to healthy food across Michigan, with a particular focus on underserved business development.

What is the Underserved, Value-Added, Regional Food Systems and Supply Chain Grant Program?

MDARD is offering this grant opportunity to support the expansion of value-added agriculture production and processing, develop food systems, improve healthy food access, advance underserved business development, and strengthen supply chain business development within the state. Funding is intended to help establish, retain, expand, attract, and/or develop value-added agricultural processing and supply chain capacity in Michigan; expand or develop regional food systems; and expand access to healthy food, including farm markets, flower markets, urban and rural agriculture, and hoop houses.

Eligible project types include:

• Farm markets, flower markets, and hoop houses
• Food hub development
• Food access and education
• Supply chain development, including cold storage, controlled atmosphere, aggregation, warehousing, and distribution facilities
• Urban agriculture
• Value-added food processing and agri-tourism
• Innovation and equipment
• Feasibility studies leading to future investment
• Outreach, education, and training

Grant funds may be used for tangible, project-specific equipment such as hoop house kits, walk-in coolers, display coolers, processing and baking equipment, shelving, and signage. The program does not allow funding for land acquisition, building purchases, structural repairs, livestock, fuel, insurance, general-purpose equipment, travel, salaries, or indirect costs.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include value-added agricultural processing businesses and community organizations operating in Michigan. A central component of this program is its emphasis on historically underserved entities.

Applicants may self-certify eligibility under categories such as:

• Beginning Farmer or Rancher
• Veteran Farmer or Rancher
• Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher
• Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher
• Socially Disadvantaged Business
• Women-Owned Small Business
• Historically Underserved-owned businesses and entities

Applicants that have received an MDARD Food & Agriculture Investment or Underserved, Value-Added, and Regional Food Systems Grant in the last two years and currently have an open grant under those programs are not eligible under this portion of the program.

What is the funding availability and match requirement?

Grants will be awarded up to a maximum of $100,000 per proposal. Applicants must provide a minimum 30 percent match, with a reduced 15 percent match available for underserved entities that self-certify eligibility.

Matching funds may include cash and allowable in-kind contributions, subject to program limitations. The grant cycle spans 18 months, and grantees may request reimbursement up to three times during the project period, with final reimbursement provided upon project completion and final site visit.

What is the application timeline?

The Request for Proposals was released on February 26, 2026, and applications must be submitted through the MiAgGrants system by 5 p.m. ET on April 15, 2026. Only one proposal per applicant will be considered, and two Letters of Support are required.

MDARD will host an informational webinar on March 11, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. ET via Microsoft Teams. Award announcements are anticipated in July 2026.

For Michigan-based value-added processors, food hubs, urban agriculture ventures, and community organizations working to expand regional food systems and supply chain capacity, this program offers an opportunity to make a measurable and lasting impact on Michigan’s food and agriculture industry.

Grant guidelines can be found here with RFA soon to be released.

For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.