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Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (Michigan) is sponsored by Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD). This program builds resilience in the middle of the food supply chain, supporting expanded capacity for aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy…
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# MDARD - Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure 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/resilient-food-systems-infrastructure 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. Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure # Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure 1.
[](https://www. michigan. gov/mdard "Department of Agriculture & Rural Development") 4.
Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has new grant programs launching in 2024. MDARD recently received over $10 million in funding from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program.
The purpose of the RFSI program is to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain, to provide more and better markets to small farms and food businesses, to support the development of value-added products for consumers, fair prices, fair wages, and new and safe job opportunities.
Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry (which are eligible for funding elsewhere).
The 2024 Grant Cycle Request for Proposals will open on May 8, 2024, for the RFSI Program and will close on June 17, 2024, at 5 p. m. EST.
All applications must be submitted on the new MiAgGrants site under aCitizenorBusiness Account. Find support and learn more aboutthe MiAgGrants and MiLogin partnership. ### 2024 RFSI Grant Applications Citizen Account: An individual using State of Michigan online services for their own personal transaction.
Learn how to create a MiLogin Citizen Account. Business Account: An individual using State of Michigan online services on behalf of a business, organization, or corporation.
RFSI Program Grant Guidelines MDARD Matching Funds Verification Letter MDARD Critical Resources Letter USDA Applicant Environmental Questionnaire USDA Environmental Pre-Screening Worksheet USDA Environmental Screening Worksheet USDA RFSI Frequently Asked Questions USDA Program Scope and Requirements Release Request for Proposals May 8, 2024 Informational Webinar Presentation Informational Webinar RecordingMay 15, 2024 at 1:30pm EST Technical Assistance Office Hours Office Hour RegistrationMay 21, 2024 - June 13,2024 Proposals Due June 17, 2024 at 5pm EST Evaluation Meeting July 2024 Announce Award Funding August/September 2024 **What is the definition of “Middle of the Supply Chain”?
** * Nonprofit organizations operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products * For-profit entities operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, or distribution of targeted agricultural products, whose activities are primarily focused for the benefit of local and regional producers, and that meet the eligibility requirements of the SBA small business size standards are eligible.
* For-profit entities must meet the eligibility requirements of the SBA small business size standards matched to industries described in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). For more information on these size standards, please visit SBA’s Size Standards webpage. For a quick check on whether your business qualifies, please use the Size Standards Tool.
**Would food rescue be eligible for funding with this grant? ** The projects need to impact middle of the supply chain projects. If the food rescue items are being used to create a value-added product, they would be eligible.
**If a company has not begun sales, are they eligible to apply and how competitive would they be? ** Yes, but it is important that they have a strong business plan, established measures, and metrics, and can demonstrate strong outcomes on the proposed project. Historically our grant programs have been competitive with 20% of received applications being awarded.
**Can RFSI be utilized for equipment for packers / shippers that provide services to growers in the apple, potato, grain industry for equipment that will enhance marketing opportunities for Michigan agriculture? ** Yes, these items are eligible. **Could RFSI be used for food hubs / aggregators for logistics infrastructure?
** **Do I need a UEI number for this application? ** Before we submit the application to USDA for approval you must have a UEI number. You do not need to go through the full registration process with Sam.
gov, you just need to register for a UEI number, which is a much shorter process. **Can you go over allowable match. Do school service funds or other USDA grants funds qualify?
** Other federal funding sources cannot be used as match. **The website mentioned letters of support. where should we submit these?
** These will be submitted as attachments with your application within the MiAgGrants system. **Can you tell how you would define or explain what technical merit and alignment and intent means? ** More information on the scoring and review criteria can be found in the Program Guidelines document on our website under Grant Documents.
**What are the total funds available for this grant cycle? ** **I was not able to get anything to load until just now, is there a video I can watch? ** We are working to get the video loaded and posted to our website, in the meantime the PowerPoint presentation can be found on our website for review.
**I attended the webinar yesterday and if I understand correctly, any for-profit entity needs to qualify as a small business. Did I understand that correctly? If so, would we need to qualify at a plant level or would the requirement include the entire corporation?
**The focus is on small and medium size enterprises. **We are planning to do a renovation of our entire bulk food/entrée processing manufacturing line. Our current line is 30 years old and we are planning to modernize the line to increase capacity, safety, outputs etc. However, this line will produce entrees that have meat and poultry in them, along with entrees that exclude meat and poultry.
The majority of entrees, given its lasagna, would include meat and poultry. As such, would this project not quality for the grant due the meat and poultry inclusion? ** This doesn’t sound as though it would qualify as the majority appears to be meat and poultry based.
No meat or poultry products projects since they are funded through other programs. **Company in the process of opening bone broth (beef, chicken) company from scratches, so how do I know if I'm eligible for equipment grants? ** Ineligible products include: meat and poultry, wild-caught seafood, exclusively animal feed and forage products, fiber, landscaping products, tobacco, or dietary supplements.
**Is there a limit to how much of the match can be in-kind? ** We have not set a limit on how much of the match value can be in-kind, however, match needs to be an allowable expense per the program scope and requirements, RFSI specific and AMS general terms and conditions, and 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance.
Proposed In-kind matching funds must be directly related to the grant project activities and will be required to provide support documentation of time with supervisor signature at the time of reporting. In-kind contribution while allowed, may not score as well as cash match proposed. You may want to consider how much time is proposed if using In-kind contributions.
As with all matching proposed, be realistic in what you enter, as all will be required reporting with supporting documentation. **Can funds not used by awarded grants be recaptured and reused? ** **Can other USDA funding be considered or used as match for RFSI?
What about other federal funding? ** Per the FAQ and Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200) Other Federal funds cannot be used as match (see 2 CFR section 200. 1 and 200.
306). **Do applicants need to provide attachments for indirect costs to the application and if so, what? ** No documentation is needed to support indirect costs unless they have a NICRA that they will be using.
**Are restaurants, which sell pre-packaged food, eligible to apply for RFSI funding? ** Restaurants are end of the supply chain businesses and sell directly to the consumer, therefore does not meet the purpose of RFSI, which is middle-of-the-supply chain. **On the environmental questionnaire question #17 asks about increased utilities, how does this apply to equipment only applicants?
** Power, gas and water may be impacted by new equipment and therefore could apply to question #17. **Is the processing of resultant organic material eligible for RFSI funding? **No. **Is compost or composting eligible?
** No, it does not meet middle of the supply chain activities and is not meant for human consumption. **What is the grant agreement timeframe for the Equipment Only and Infrastructure grants? ** MDARD will confirm the grant agreement timeframe at the time of the award.
We recommend planning Equipment Only projects to be completed within one year, and for Infrastructure projects to be completed by December 2026 at the latest. **Is it possible to apply for a grant if my project costs exceed the maximum award amounts? ** You may apply and request the maximum amount of the grant.
The remaining amount must be covered by applicant. **In MiAgGrants, how does the Authorized Official/Company representative add someone to the application, such as a consultant supporting application completion? ** On the application page, click the Tools option on the left-hand menu.
Then click Add/Edit People. Click the Plus icon and search by name. The person being added should already have a MiAgGrants account.
They will receive the invite in the Message page of their account. * Equipment **Are the application questions available for review prior to submitting an application? **No, the application questions are not readily available.
Details regarding the application may be found in the grant program's guidelines. **Can the equipment only application be used for equipment that was recently purchased or must it be equipment we have not yet procured? ** Yes, it will be allowed for recently purchased equipment up to 90 days prior to grant award and for not yet procured or purchased pieces of equipment.
**Can quote be from a website or is it required to be a written quote? Are three quotes required? ** One is required for each piece.
Applicants must submit documentation to substantiate the costs of each piece of equipment, which can include contracts, catalog pricing, or binding quotes provided by license commercial entities. **Can an applicant apply for simplified equipment-only funding to purchase a piece of equipment that costs less than $5,000? ** Per 2 CFR 200.
313(b), USDA defers to each State to define equipment, including the minimum cost, in accordance with the State policies and procedures. All applications must meet the minimum award threshold of $10,000 and not exceed $100,000. **Is fencing considered equipment?
** No, funds cannot be used for agricultural production activities/costs including farm equipment, tools, supplies, gardening, or production related labor/training. **Would a new hot water heater be considered equipment? What about large storage vats for sap?
** A hot water heater would not be considered “special purpose equipment” such as canners, hulling processors, reverse osmosis systems, egg packing machines, flotation tanks, roasters, or other processing equipment, packing and labeling equipment? The equipment threshold per item is $5,000 or more. Items less than $5,000 are considered “Supplies” and are not allowed under the equipment only awards.
**Do storage vats for sap qualify as equipment? ** This item could be considered equipment as long as the price is $5,000 or more per item. **Under Outcome 3: Increase economic viability of local/regional producers and processors, specifically relating to 3.
5 “Number of new market-outlets established” what does this refer to? ** It refers to any new markets you would reach with the purchase of the equipment/project you are applying for. Example could be school systems.
* Infrastructure ****Are the application questions available for review prior to submitting an application? ****No, the application questions are not readily available. Details regarding the application may be found in thegrant program's guidelines.
**For the infrastructure application, what are the NEPA requirements typically for an existing building remodel/update? ** We have provided the appropriate environmental review questionnaire and pre-screening checklist on our website from USDA to help with determining the type of review that may be required. **We would like to use the infrastructure grant to connect to the SE Regional Force Main to directly pump our Wastewater to MCRRC.
Is this possible? ** Yes, this is eligible, but the grant term only goes through 2027 and the project would need to be completed by then. **Related to the infrastructure grant, are there stipulations on the waste water criteria?
Can it be connecting to a municipality? **Yes, this is eligible, but the grant term only goes through 2027 and the project would need to be completed by then. **What if the infrastructure proposed in the application would be constructed on property not yet closed on?
** If the project can be or is completed by 2027. **An entity would like to construct a building for a CSA. The funds would be used for construction of the building.
Would this be considered eligible for infrastructure? **Funds may be used for new construction of buildings or structural changes to an existing building/ facility resulting in a square foot expansion or requiring changes to the building’s floor, foundation, and exterior or load bearing walls. For more information about this funding opportunity, please contact the Grants Program.
* [](https://www. facebook. com/michdeptofag/) * [](https://twitter.
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instagram. com/michdeptofag/) * [](https://www. linkedin.
com/company/michdeptofag) * [](https://www. flickr. com/people/mdard/) Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure 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
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Agricultural producers or processors, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (Michigan) is funded by Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
USDA's Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant funds nonprofits to capitalize a revolving loan fund for household wells and septic systems: 1 percent fixed, 20-year terms, $15,000 maximum per household. The application window closes September 30, 2026. The program is chronically under-subscribed for one structural reason — the 10 percent priority-point contribution cannot be in-kind. Here is the full instrument analysis and what it takes to win.
Read articleWhile applicants chase fixed federal deadlines, USDA Rural Development keeps roughly $4.1 billion moving through programs with no deadline at all — Community Facilities, Water & Waste Disposal, and Business & Industry loans that accept applications year-round. But 2026 brought a quiet shake-up: REAP grants paused, RBDG's competitive window closed. Here is the map of what's open, what's frozen, and how rural organizations should work a rolling pipeline.
Read articleOn July 2, 2026, USDA Rural Development rescinded the FY2025 RCDI funding notice to rewrite it around new policy priorities — voiding pending applications for a small-but-strategic program that builds the capacity of rural nonprofits. Here is what RCDI funds, why the mid-cycle pull fits a larger 2026 pattern, and the concrete moves intermediaries should make now so they are ready the day a new NOFO drops.
Read article