Program supports projects that enhance the . Grants are awarded to organizations that show potential impact and measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public. USDA CFAP adjustments included an expansion for seven currently eligible specialty crop commodities, including blueberries, that are now eligible for CARES Act funding due to a 5% or greater price decline January through mid-April as a … The program offers federal funding to state departments of agriculture to support the specialty crop … We invite you to learn more about some of the specialty crops grown here in the Mitten and meet the farmers who produce them. This year, the network began producing a series of feature programs focused on several of Michigan’s largest specialty crops. competitiveness of Michigan specialty crops. Growing specialty crops is the perfect way to turn your gardening skills and knowledge into extra income. of apples each year, worth more than $120 million. Michigan agriculture is incredibly diverse with close to 300 different crops in commercial production. The Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center was established in 1899 and serves as the hub for integrated crop and livestock research for Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Unlike commonly grown crops like grain and vegetables, specialty crops are not widely grown and bring higher prices for growers. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Specialty Crop Block Grant . 304 S. Pine River Street Ithaca, MI 48847 Owners: Ernie Bebow, Jeff Bebow, and Lowell Anderson . The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced Oct. 20 the Michigan recipients of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Although Michigan is known for its cherries, apples are the real fruit cash crop for the state. The Mid-Michigan Specialty Crop Knowledge Network connects small and mid-sized producers of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops to business resources, education, mentors and purchasers to grow both our health and economy. For immediate release: November 5, 2020 Media contact: Jessy Sielski, 517-331-1151 Program contact: Heather Throne, 517-712-0841 LANSING, MI — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development today announced a public input opportunity for the Michigan Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Michigan leads the nation in the production of specialty crops, making it the second most agriculturally diverse state in the nation. Michigan leads the nation in the production of specialty crops, making it the second most agriculturally diverse state in the nation. LEARN MORE BELOW IS A LIST OF WHERE MICHIGAN RANKS IN THE NATION MDARD announces specialty crop block grant public input opportunity. The Alternative Farming Systems Information Center maintains the Specialty Crops Web site and publishes Great Places to Find Information about Farming Alternatives, both of which offer a selection of information-rich Web sites and organizations. Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. Mid-Michigan Specialty Crops, L.L.C. Specialty Crop news. It’s not unusual to find growers earning as much as $60,000 per acre with these unique cash […] The state produces, on average, more than 1 billion lb. 1621 note), amended under section 10010 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, Public Law 113-79 (the Farm Bill), defines specialty crops as, “Fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Michigan Farm News. Michigan Ag Today is the only state farm radio network dedicated to serving this diversity. MSU, Tribal Nations, others partnering on hemp variety trials There are 7.5 million apple trees covering more than 38,000 acres in the Lower Peninsula.