MDARD, MI Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development Award Nearly Half a Million Dollars in Grant Funding

By Lynsey Mukomel

The Michigan Commission on Agriculture and Rural Development voted to approve $415,000 in Food and Agriculture Investment Program (FAIP) grants to Burnette Foods, Inc; Community Cuts, LLC; and Meating Hall, LLC. The funding, which is awarded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), will allow these companies to increase capacity and product offerings, expand their facilities and create 15 new jobs.

"MDARD works every day to create economic opportunities for communities throughout Michigan,"  said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "Through the Food and Agriculture Investment Program, MDARD helps Michigan businesses grow, hire more workers and strengthen our state's agricultural economy."

MDARD is awarding a $190,000 FAIP grant to Burnette Foods, Inc., which will support the company s $5 million expansion project. The expansion will allow the Van Buren County company to increase production capacity and annual apple processing by 11.5 million pounds and create ten new jobs.

"We are honored to receive this support from MDARD. This grant enables us to invest in advanced food manufacturing technologies and sustainable practices that will improve efficiency, ensure food safety, and support local supply chains,"  said William B. Sherman, Hartford Site Manager, Burnette Foods, Inc.