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Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Announces Public Input for 2024 Rural Development Fund Grants Guidelines

Lansing - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a public input opportunity for the Rural Development Fund Grants Program. To ensure effective program priorities, MDARD is asking for public input by emailing your comments to mda-grants@michigan.gov by June 6, 2023.

The grant funds, established by Public Act 411 of 2012, aim to promote the sustainability of land-based industries (food and agriculture; forestry; mining, oil and gas production; and tourism). Currently established priorities include infrastructure development, workforce training, business development, and rural capacity building that benefits rural communities.  

Eligible counties include those with a population no greater than 70,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. In accordance with Public Act 411, preference is given to projects in Marquette County.

All interested parties may visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants for more information on the Rural Development Fund grants and  review the 2023 guidelines. 

Public comments can be sent to mda-grants@michigan.gov until June 6, 2023, at 5 p.m. Please use the subject line of “Rural Development Public Comment”.  The input received will be considered when developing final grant guidelines for the 2024 program.

For more information on MDARD’s Agriculture Development Grants Programs, please visit their website at www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.

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