Two county businesses have been awarded grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the agency is making investments that will expand markets for agricultural producers and strengthen American food and agriculture supply chains.
Lakeview Hills Organic Farm LLC, in Elmwood Township will use a $250,000 Value-Added Producer Grant to assist with expanded sales of organic vegetables and flowers. This grant, combined with $250,000 in matching funds from the grantee, will be used to offset working capital costs related to sales to new customers.
Aurora Cellars LLC in Lake Leelanau will use a $250,000 Value-Added Producer Grant to assist with working capital expenses to expand their market of direct-to-consumer sales of high-end wines through their reservation-only catered tasting experience.
Michigan has three projects, with a total investment of $330,000. The third went to the Welcome Home Organization, in Jackson County, will use a $30,000 Rural Business Development Grant to conduct a feasibility and engineering study for a business incubator, food hub, and commerican kitchen. The project would repurpose the building to feature products from local beef, poultry, and herb farmers plus specialty items from small-business vendors.
“These grants bring additional opportunity and resiliency to Michigan agriculture, and will help bring new jobs to rural communities,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins.
