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Michigan Ag Exporter of the Year Award

Each year, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recognizes Michigan's leading exporters in the category of Food and Agriculture products. MDARD does this by awarding a Michigan Ag Exporter of the Year award to a deserving Michigan company. This special honor can bring further success, signaling to international buyers a company's quality and commitment to exporting.

Companies of all sizes are encouraged to apply. The winner of the Michigan Ag Exporter of the Year Award is selected on the basis of export growth, innovation, and the pursuit of new export markets.

Eligibility

Michigan food and agriculture producers, manufacturers or shippers of good reputation and good standing in the business community, who are aggressively pursuing international markets and increasing export sales, are encouraged to apply.

Products must be over 50 percent grown, processed or manufactured in Michigan. Companies with headquarters in other states but production facilities in Michigan are invited to apply on the basis of their Michigan-made exports. Past recipients of the "Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year" award are eligible to apply five years after their initial award if they have increased their exports or expanded into new markets.

Application

The 2025 application period will be open on February 1, 2025, and will close on March 31, 2024, at 5:00pm EST. Apply via the 2025 Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year application.

Subscribe to our Ag Development email bulletin to be notified of the awarded 2025 Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year!

Past Award Recipients

View past Michigan Ag Exporter of the Year Award recipients