Last Food Mile Grant

Last Food Mile Grant is sponsored by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). This initiative aims to develop transportation and distribution infrastructure in value chains for small- to mid-scale food producers across Michigan. Eligible projects must establish or expand at least one partnership with another business or organization to address logistics and marketing challenges regionally or locally.

Preference will be given to proposals that include a refrigerated vehicle valued at less than $100,000.

# MDARD - Last Food Mile Grant Agriculture and Rural Development Agriculture & Rural Development * Meeting Notices and Reports * Boards, Councils, and Commissions * Contact Us / File a Complaint * Food and Agriculture Jobs and Careers Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.

Meeting Notices and Reports Go to Meeting Notices and Reports Find a schedule of MDARD's public meetings online, or locate regularly published reports below. * Food Inspection Reports * Sign-up for Emails and Alerts Boards, Councils, and Commissions Go to Boards, Councils, and Commissions The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends and determines policy on food, agricultural, and rural development issues.

MDARD oversees several additional boards and commissions.

* Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development * Commodity Organizations * Agriculture Preservation Fund Board * Michigan Craft Beverage Council * Farm Produce Insurance Authority * Horse Racing Advisory Commission * Seed Potato Advisory Committee Contact Us / File a Complaint Go to Contact Us / File a Complaint Want to know how to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development?

On this page you will find phone numbers, email addresses, snail mail addresses, and online contact forms for everything we do here at MDARD. We even have a complaint form for those of you with complaints. Ag Emergency: Emergency Plans, Preparedness, and Response Food and Agriculture Jobs and Careers Go to Food and Agriculture Jobs and Careers Live, work and play in Michigan's robust and diverse food and agriculture industry.

Go to Laws and Regulations Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. List of services offered on Michigan.

gov by MDARD * Animal Related Licensing * Privately-Owned Cervids * Animal Feed & Antibiotics * Disposal of Dead Animals * Animal Research Facilities Annual Reports Go to Animal ID & Movement Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan Go to Veterinarian Resources Animal health resources for veterinary professionals.

Diseases affecting, or potentially affecting, animals in Michigan Requirements to exhibit livestock in Michigan and more. * Resources for Exhibitions Go to Animal Related Licensing Go to Privately-Owned Cervids Animal Feed & Antibiotics Go to Animal Feed & Antibiotics Information on how to acquire a feed license to manufacture or distribute commercial feed in Michigan.

* Commercial Animal Feed Licensing * Commercial Animal Feed Tonnage Go to Disposal of Dead Animals Rules governing the disposal of Bodies of Dead Animals (BODA). Animal Research Facilities Annual Reports Go to Animal Research Facilities Annual Reports Go to Animal Welfare Fund Go to Animal Control Officer Materials developed to provide information on how an individual may become a qualified Animal Control Officer.

Go to Business Development * Economic & Community Development * International Marketing * Michigan Craft Beverage Council * Qualified Small Distiller Certificate * Commodity Organizations Find funding for your organization.

* Agricultural Preservation Fund Grants * Animal Welfare Fund Grants * Conservation Technical Assistance Program Grants * County Fairs Capital Improvement Grants * County Fairs Water Infrastructure Capital Improvement Grant * Food and Agriculture Investment Fund Grants * Food Hubs and Farm Stops Grant Program * Food Safety Education Fund Grants * Horticulture Fund Grants * Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grants * Michigan Craft Beverage Council Research Grants * Regenerative Agriculture Education and Outreach Grants * Regenerative Farmer Network Grant * Regenerative Value Chains Grant * Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure * Specialty Crop Block Grants * Study of PFAS in Michigan Agricultural Systems * Underserved, Value-Added, Regional Food Systems, and Supply Chain Grants Economic & Community Development Go to Economic & Community Development Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in Michigan.

Go to International Marketing Michigan Craft Beverage Council Go to Michigan Craft Beverage Council Qualified Small Distiller Certificate Go to Qualified Small Distiller Certificate Go to Commodity Organizations * Regenerative Agriculture * Farmland and Open Space Preservation * Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Go to Regenerative Agriculture Regenerative agricultural practices improve soil health and water quality MDARD will assess a farm operation at a farmer's request.

* Right to Farm Resources * Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs) * Aquifer Protection and Dispute Resolution Program Go to Conservation Programs MDARD works with local providers of natural resource management services that help citizens implement conservation on their land and protect the environment for a cleaner, healthier, and economically stronger Michigan.

* Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) * Western Lake Erie Basin Farmland and Open Space Preservation Go to Farmland and Open Space Preservation Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.

Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Go to Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) MAEAP helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. We are here to help and recognize farmers who reduce erosion and runoff from private land into public waters.

* Contact the MAEAP Program * Conservation Technical Assistance Initiative (CTAI) * Residential Water Stewardship * Golf Course Water Stewardship * Water Monitoring Program * Pesticide Container Recycling * Local Health Department Resources * Dairy Licenses and Regulations * Wholesale Industry Resources Local Health Department Resources Go to Local Health Department Resources The food industry is responsible for producing safe food.

Government sets standards, conducts inspections, and monitors food. Consumers also play a huge role in keeping their food safe and wholesome. Learn more.

* Service Animals vs Pets in Food Establishments * Food Protection Task Force * Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Dairy Licenses and Regulations Go to Dairy Licenses and Regulations Food Industry Related Resources, including Emergency Action Plans * Around the Table Newsletter Archives Wholesale Industry Resources Go to Wholesale Industry Resources * Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Go to Dietary Supplements * Retail Motor Fuel Outlet Licensing * Find a Registered Serviceperson * Serviceperson Examination Schedule Go to Gasoline Information Retail Motor Fuel Outlet Licensing Go to Retail Motor Fuel Outlet Licensing Find a Registered Serviceperson Go to Find a Registered Serviceperson Serviceperson Examination Schedule Go to Serviceperson Examination Schedule Go to Weights and Measures * Search for MDARD Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations * Find Businesses Licensed by MDARD * Animal Related Licensing * Horse Breeder/Owner Awards Program * Pesticide Licensing & Certification * Retail Motor Fuel Outlet * Weights & Measures Service Agency & Person Search for MDARD Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations Go to Search for MDARD Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations Find Businesses Licensed by MDARD Go to Find Businesses Licensed by MDARD Find a licensed firm in Michigan, from pesticide businesses to retail establishments, and more.

Go to Agricultural Products * Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act * Fertilizer and Bulk Storage Registration * Wholesale Potato Dealer Go to Animal Related Licensing * Dead Animal Dealer/Renderer License * Large Carnivore Breeding * Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel Registration * Food Establishment Licensing General Information * How to Apply for a Food Service License Horse Breeder/Owner Awards Program Go to Horse Breeder/Owner Awards Program For the registration of horses, breeders and owners so as to render them eligible for racing and breeder/owner awards.

Go to Migrant Labor Housing Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.

Pesticide Licensing & Certification Go to Pesticide Licensing & Certification * Pesticide Applicator Business License * Pesticide Applicator Certification * Restricted Use Pesticides Dealers * Agricultural Pesticide Dealer License * Aerial Pesticide Applicators Go to Retail Motor Fuel Outlet Retail Motor Fuel Outlet licensing information, applications and forms.

Weights & Measures Service Agency & Person Go to Weights & Measures Service Agency & Person Information on Weights & Measures service person and agency registration, as well as weights and measures advisories. * Agricultural Bulk Storage * Fertilizer and Liming Materials For help with the sale, use, and disposal of pesticides, including labels and integrated pest management.

* Pesticides and Endangered Species * Worker Protection Standard * Integrated Pest Management * Compliance Assistance Library * Pesticide Laws and Regulations * Pesticide Notification Registry * Pesticide Complaints: What to Expect * Special Pesticide Labels * Driftwatch Organic Farm Registry * Special Local Need Registration The plant health program protects agricultural and environmental resources through the early detection and management of invasive species and the inspection of plants and plant products for pests and diseases, while facilitating international and domestic commerce.

* Nursery Licensing and Inspection * Certification and Export Agricultural Bulk Storage Go to Agricultural Bulk Storage Each new, existing, and proposed commercial pesticide or fertilizer bulk storage facility is required to register annually with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Fertilizer and Liming Materials Go to Fertilizer and Liming Materials Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements * Meeting Notices and Reports * Boards, Councils, and Commissions * Contact Us / File a Complaint * Food and Agriculture Jobs and Careers BackMeeting Notices and Reports * Food Inspection Reports * Sign-up for Emails and Alerts BackBoards, Councils, and Commissions * Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development * Commodity Organizations * Agriculture Preservation Fund Board * Michigan Craft Beverage Council * Farm Produce Insurance Authority * Horse Racing Advisory Commission * Seed Potato Advisory Committee BackContact Us / File a Complaint BackFood and Agriculture Jobs and Careers * Animal Related Licensing * Privately-Owned Cervids * Animal Feed & Antibiotics * Disposal of Dead Animals * Animal Research Facilities Annual Reports BackVeterinarian Resources * Resources for Exhibitions BackAnimal Related Licensing BackPrivately-Owned Cervids BackAnimal Feed & Antibiotics * Commercial Animal Feed Licensing * Commercial Animal Feed Tonnage BackDisposal of Dead Animals BackAnimal Research Facilities Annual Reports BackAnimal Control Officer * Economic & Community Development * International Marketing * Michigan Craft Beverage Council * Qualified Small Distiller Certificate * Commodity Organizations * Agricultural Preservation Fund Grants * Animal Welfare Fund Grants * Conservation Technical Assistance Program Grants * County Fairs Capital Improvement Grants * County Fairs Water Infrastructure Capital Improvement Grant * Food and Agriculture Investment Fund Grants * Food Hubs and Farm Stops Grant Program * Food Safety Education Fund Grants * Horticulture Fund Grants * Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grants * Michigan Craft Beverage Council Research Grants * Regenerative Agriculture Education and Outreach Grants * Regenerative Farmer Network Grant * Regenerative Value Chains Grant * Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure * Specialty Crop Block Grants * Study of PFAS in Michigan Agricultural Systems * Underserved, Value-Added, Regional Food Systems, and Supply Chain Grants BackEconomic & Community Development BackInternational Marketing BackMichigan Craft Beverage Council BackQualified Small Distiller Certificate BackCommodity Organizations * Regenerative Agriculture * Farmland and Open Space Preservation * Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) BackRegenerative Agriculture * Right to Farm Resources * Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs) * Aquifer Protection and Dispute Resolution Program BackConservation Programs * Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) * Western Lake Erie Basin BackFarmland and Open Space Preservation BackMichigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) * Contact the MAEAP Program * Conservation Technical Assistance Initiative (CTAI) * Residential Water Stewardship * Golf Course Water Stewardship * Water Monitoring Program * Pesticide Container Recycling * Local Health Department Resources * Dairy Licenses and Regulations * Wholesale Industry Resources BackLocal Health Department Resources * Service Animals vs Pets in Food Establishments * Food Protection Task Force * Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) BackDairy Licenses and Regulations * Around the Table Newsletter Archives BackWholesale Industry Resources * Fruit and Vegetable Inspection * Retail Motor Fuel Outlet Licensing * Find a Registered Serviceperson * Serviceperson Examination Schedule BackRetail Motor Fuel Outlet Licensing BackFind a Registered Serviceperson BackServiceperson Examination Schedule * Search for MDARD Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations * Find Businesses Licensed by MDARD * Animal Related Licensing * Horse Breeder/Owner Awards Program * Pesticide Licensing & Certification * Retail Motor Fuel Outlet * Weights & Measures Service Agency & Person BackSearch for MDARD Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations BackFind Businesses Licensed by MDARD BackAgricultural Products * Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act * Fertilizer and Bulk Storage Registration * Wholesale Potato Dealer BackAnimal Related Licensing * Dead Animal Dealer/Renderer License * Large Carnivore Breeding * Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel Registration * Food Establishment Licensing General Information * How to Apply for a Food Service License BackHorse Breeder/Owner Awards Program BackMigrant Labor Housing BackPesticide Licensing & Certification * Pesticide Applicator Business License * Pesticide Applicator Certification * Restricted Use Pesticides Dealers * Agricultural Pesticide Dealer License * Aerial Pesticide Applicators BackRetail Motor Fuel Outlet BackWeights & Measures Service Agency & Person * Agricultural Bulk Storage * Fertilizer and Liming Materials * Pesticides and Endangered Species * Worker Protection Standard * Integrated Pest Management * Compliance Assistance Library * Pesticide Laws and Regulations * Pesticide Notification Registry * Pesticide Complaints: What to Expect * Special Pesticide Labels * Driftwatch Organic Farm Registry * Special Local Need Registration * Nursery Licensing and Inspection * Certification and Export BackAgricultural Bulk Storage BackFertilizer and Liming Materials /mdard/business-development/grantfund/last-food-mile-grant Back to Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Search is currently unavailable.

Please try again later. * County Fairs and Ag Festivals * Farmers Markets Information * Food Safety Information * Right to Farm management practices * Find and apply for grants * Get ID for transporting animals * Sell food you make in your own kitchen Unsupported Browser Detected The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended.

Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan. gov has to offer. 1.

[](https://www. michigan. gov/mdard "Department of Agriculture & Rural Development") > "Most of us juggle farm work with off-farm jobs, making it difficult to manage a full-time retail store.

Yet the need for tools to **help farmers reach customers**and create value-added products is still very real." > - Erin K.

, Farmer from Attica, MI The Last Food Mile Grant is a one-time funding opportunity offered by Farm to Family, an innovative program of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) that offers grants, networking opportunities, and marketing consultations for farmers, food businesses, and others in local food supply chains.

The aim of this grant is to help producers deliver locally grown foods to Michigan institutions, markets and consumers by developing transportation and distribution infrastructure across Michigan. MDARD will accept applications for the Last Food Mile Grant through the MIAgGrants portal until February 6, 2026, at 5pm ET. Prospective applicants can learn more by watching the recording of our Grant Info Session.

You can also find more information about this funding opportunity by reviewing the Last Food Mile Grant Guidelines. Frequently Asked Questions about the Last Food Mile Grant Eligible applicants for this grant program must be a Michigan-based farm business or a Michigan-based food business/organization that works directly with Michigan-based farmers.

### Application Available Date February 9, 2026 To March 31, 2026 ### Projected Application Review Period ### Targeted Grant Award Announcement Period Please see the Last Food Mile Grant Guidelinesfor a full list of required and preferred grant criteria.

* The project must expand delivery of Michigan grown or produced foods to buyers who will be eating or preparing the food (e.g., individual consumers, schools, hospitals, senior centers, restaurants, cafes, farm stops and other retail, etc.). * The project must establish or expand at least one partnership with another business or organization to address local food distribution challenges regionally or locally.

See partnership examples in the full Last Food Mile Grant Guidelines * The project proposal must demonstrate how the following goals will be met and describe targets for each. * Increase the volume/weight of Michigan grown foods sold in Michigan communities. * Increase the dollar value of Michigan grown foods sold AND the revenue to Michigan farmers.

* Increase the number of Michigan farmers reached, including those who use regenerative practices. * Increase local and regional market access for a broader geographic distribution of Michigan farmers. * Increase the number or types of consumers who have access to Michigan grown foods.

* Preference will be given to projects that develop market channels for regenerative agricultureproducts. * Preference will be given to projects that allocate at least 80% of the proposed budget to a refrigerated vehicle. Eligible refrigerated vehicles must be valued at $100,000 or less and paid in full by grant dollars.

**Food Value Chains**: The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service describes food value chains as a business strategy to “transform the traditional competitive seller/buyer relationships to a collaborative approach. ” Value chains are trusting alliances among supply chain partners that recognize that creating maximum value for their products depends on interdependence, collaboration, and mutual support.

(Source: 2022 Michigan Good Food Charter) **Last Food Mile** refers to the processes in the food value chain that occur immediately before the product reaches the consumer. Examples of the last food mile include: * Picking up apples from two local orchards to be sold at a farm stop. * Transporting frozen asparagus, fresh tomatoes, and locally baked bread from a food hub to a school district.

* Bringing eggs and pork that were aggregated from three cooperative farms to a farmers' market for sale. * Delivering four pallets of fresh sweetcorn to a local grocery store. MDARD-FarmToFamily@michigan.

gov Schedule a Meeting with the Farm to Family Team The State of Michigan and the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, marital status, partisan considerations, or a disability or genetic information that is unrelated to the person's ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position.

To file a complaint of discrimination, please contact: MDARD Office of Legal Affairs, 525 West Allegan, Lansing, MI 48909, or call 517-284-5729. You may also contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights at: Email: MDCRServiceCenter@michigan. gov ### Reasonable Accommodations: The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) strives to ensure site accessibility for all its users.

Our grant process is inclusive and accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations, please respond with the following information to MDARD-FarmToFamily@michigan.

gov. When contacting us, please include the following information so that we can respond in a manner that is helpful to you: * Nature of the accessibility issue * Web address of the content you are attempting to access * Your preferred format for the content * Your contact information Please submit this request no later than **Friday, January 16, 2025**. Please allow up to two weeks for the processing of this request. Thank you.

* [](https://www. facebook. com/michdeptofag/) * [](https://twitter.

com/MichDeptofAg) * [](https://bsky. app/profile/michdeptofag. bsky.

social) * [](https://www. youtube. com/c/MichDeptofAg) * [](https://www.

instagram. com/michdeptofag/) * [](https://www. linkedin.

com/company/michdeptofag) * [](https://www. flickr. com/people/mdard/) The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) works to assure food safety, protect animal and plant health, sustain environmental stewardship, provide consumer protection, enable rural development and foster efficient administration operations through service, partnership and collaboration.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Deborah A. Stabenow Building, 6th Floor Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics. At MDARD, we encourage and embrace innovation, creativity, and growth, so we can provide the best possible service to our food and agriculture businesses, communities, and colleagues.

As a department, we are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that builds upon our values and invests in our employees and provides an inclusive culture through involvement and empowerment.

* Contact the Ag Commission * State of Michigan Contact Directory * MDARD Administrative Rules * MDARD Licensing Portal System * Food Inspection Reports * Apply or Renew a MDARD License * Find a Licensed Business * Grow my Food and Ag Business * State of Michigan Home Page