Growing Rural Land-Based Industries

Stuff We Love

April 15, 2023

Land-based industries sounds a little technical, but it’s the term the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) uses to describe businesses focused on food, agriculture, forestry, mining, and more. MDARD recently announced a series of grants to support those businesses in rural areas, and several northern Michigan outposts will be reaping the rewards! Ethanology of Elk Rapids is getting $100,000 to renovate a warehouse for increased barrel-aged spirit production; the Grand Traverse Area Children’s Garden is getting $20,000 to pursue infrastructure upgrades, new programming, and community connections; Lakeview Hill Farm in Leelanau is getting $100,000 to convert a one-room schoolhouse into a retail store; and McCormick Farmz of Cheboygan is getting $67,844 for equipment and infrastructure for a lavender farm. Cool things are headed our way! Learn more at michigan.gov/mdardgrants.