The Department of Agriculture & Rural Development recently announced a Strategic Growth Initiative grant program to help Michigan's expanding food and agriculture industry. The $3 million dollar grant program, which is a joint venture between the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, "provides an opportunity to leverage business development and growth for Michigan's $91.4 billion food and agriculture industry," per MDARD Director Jamie Clover Adams.

The program will narrow in on economic opportunities available for Michigan's food processors, agri-business and those in agricultural production to foster business development, talent and growth. Funding for the program will be evaluated through a competitive scoring process and applicants will be expected to show how the project impacts the industry/public as a whole, rather than a single organization, institution or individual.