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Michigan Strategic Fund approves $15 million for farm safety grants

State groups have approved $15 million in federal CARES Act funding to create the Michigan Agricultural Safety Grant Program to support the needs of Michigan’s agricultural processors and farms.

Mark Burton, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, tells Brownfield applications will need to be filed as a farm or an ag processor.

“Ten million dollars will support agricultural processors with grants ranging from $10,000 up to $200,000 and the remaining $5 million will support farms statewide with grants ranging from $10,000 up to $50,000.”

He says the program will support the implementation of COVID-19 monitoring and mitigation strategies as well as protect ag employees and Michigan food production by covering personal protection equipment, facility, and sanitation costs among other added expenses.

Applications are available starting July 15 and grants will be awarded by September 30.  GreenStone Farm Credit Services will be administrating the application process and awards will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Michigan Strategic Fund has also allocated $100 million for the Michigan Small Business Restart Program to help with COVID-19 recovery efforts.