July 22, 2008

St. Johns - Recently, the Michigan Agriculture Commission convened at Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St. John’s to recognize five of Michigan’s 40 Agricultural Innovation grant recipients, who were representative of the state’s growing agri-entrepreneur sector, and a critical component to Michigan’s $63.7 billion agriculture industry.    

“These agri-entrepreneurs demonstrate the state is ripe with possibilities for homegrown business success in the agricultural sector,” said Don Koivisto, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). “Agri-business expansion continues to be a bright spot in Michigan’s economy and there is tremendous growth opportunity to generate economic activity and market locally grown and made products.”

Grant recipients who presented at the Commission meeting included: Casco Township (Allegan Co.), Round Barn Winery (Baroda, Berrien Co.), Safie Specialty Foods (Chesterfield, Macomb Co.), Morse Marketing Connections (Fremont, Newaygo Co.), and Cooperative Elevator (Pigeon, Huron Co.).

“Today, we heard from five grant recipients that are doing exactly what the program was intended to do, which is create jobs and generate growth and investment,” said Jim Byrum, chair, Michigan Agriculture Commission. “These companies are examples of how incentives can serve as a catalyst to either jump start a new business, create  a new one, or provide the possibility for expansion.”

The Agricultural Innovation Grants are part of an aggressive effort to spur growth in several economic sectors and are a key component of the 21st Century Jobs Fund.  The 21st Century Jobs Fund is a $2 billion, ten-year initiative proposed by Governor Jennifer Granholm, approved by the Michigan Legislature, and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to accelerate the diversification of Michigan’s economy. 

“The Agricultural Innovation Fund is a prime example of how to collaborate with private industry to create interest in Michigan,” said Koivisto.  “This program has generated $19 million in private investment by leveraging $2.7 million in public funds - leading to a greater economic impact in the state.”

Both Rick Moersch of Round Barn Winery and Mary Safie of Safie Specialty Foods credited MDA and the Julian-Stille Agricultural Innovation grant program with helping their businesses and provide areas to offer Michigan-made products in the national and international marketplace.

“These funds have helped us garner national attention for our products,” said Rick Moersch, Round Barn Winery.  “Without the funds provided to us through the Ag Innovation program, we may not have gone down this road to grow our business in the state.”

“MDA helped give us the opportunity to grow and use local produce when making our products,” said Safie.  “MDA helped us market not only here in Michigan, but also on an international scale allowing us to offer our products to Canada and Mexico. This grant also gave me the opportunity to automate the business and increase our production capabilities five-fold. I couldn’t have expanded my business without the help I received from the state of Michigan.”

Additionally, Koivisto and the Commission members thanked Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) for her work on HB 5925, which was signed into law Wednesday by Governor Jennifer Granholm.  It allows small liquor distilleries to operate tasting and sampling operations similar to wineries and, pending the approval of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, to sell their products directly from their facility.

“Thanks to the hard work of Rep. Byrum, this new law is estimated to result in an additional $414 million being pumped into the state's economy and the creation of 1,400 new jobs,” said Koivisto.  “It is a win-win for Michigan farmers, producers, and a great way to stimulate more economic growth.”

For more information on the Julian-Stille Agricultural Innovation Program, please visit the MDA Web site at www.michigan.gov/mda.  For more information on these Michigan-based companies and where to find Michigan-made products, visit the Select Michigan Web site at www.selectmichigan.org.

###

Editor's Note:  A photo of some of the agriculture entrepreneurs is attached.  Pictured (L to R): Julie Cowie of Casco Township; Rick Moersch of Round Barn Winery; Pat Anderson of Cooperative Elevator; MDA Director Don Koivisto; Mary Safie of Safie Specialty Foods; and Mike DiBernardo, MDA Program Manager.  Not pictured: Mary Gerencer, Morse Marketing Connections.