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

By Chelsea Lewis-Parisio

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a public input opportunity for the Rural Development Fund Grant Program. To ensure effective program priorities, MDARD is asking for public input by emailing your comments to mda-grants@michigan.gov by 5 p.m. on July 13, 2024.  

The grant funds, established by Public Act 411 of 2012, are aimed to promote the sustainability of land-based industries including 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.  

"The Rural Development Grant Program focuses on supporting the rural communities and businesses within Michigan by encouraging the promotion of sustainable industry practices," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "This grant program allows many communities to establish stronger businesses and create more opportunity within their communities."

Eligible counties include those with a population no greater than 70,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. Preference was given to projects in Marquette County. All interested parties may visit www.Michigan.gov/MDARDGrants for more information on Rural Development Fund grants and to review the 2024 guidelines.

All public comments may be submitted to mda-grants@michigan.gov until July 13, 2024, at 5 p.m. with the subject line of Rural Development Public Comment. The input received will be presented to the Rural Development Fund Board, as they develop the 2025 program guidelines.