July 7, 2020 – The State of Michigan today announced additional details for its new Michigan Agricultural Safety Grant Program, which makes $15 million available for Michigan food processors and farms to assist with COVID-19 response efforts. Applications will open July 15. Grants will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and we strongly encourage businesses to apply quickly when the application period opens. Go here for program details from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The Michigan Agricultural Safety Grants are divided between agricultural processors and farms. $10 million in grants will be provided to processors statewide, with a minimum grant of $10,000 and a maximum grant of $200,000. $5 million in grants will be available to farms statewide, with a minimum grant of $10,000 and a maximum grant of $50,000. Applicants must apply as either a processor or a farm – but not both – and funds will provide grants of up to $1,000 per employee to fund COVID-19 mitigation costs, including but not limited to testing costs, personal protection equipment, facility needs, increased sanitation costs, employee training, and upgraded safety procedures for farm-provided housing. The program will cover costs incurred from June 1, 2020 through September 15, 2020 and eligible applicants will be able to apply for funding beginning on July 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until all funding has been awarded. Applications will be processed by East Lansing-based GreenStone Farm Credit Services. GreenStone will host the application portal, complete an initial screening of all applications and supporting documentation and recommend applications to the MEDC for final approval and disbursements of the grants awarded. To qualify for grant support, applicants must be a farm or agricultural processor located in Michigan and meet the following requirements: A minimum of 10 employees in Michigan, with supporting documentation. Provide proof of good standing with the state of Michigan, as applicable (Certificate of Good Standing). Attest that the business is current on all state, local and real estate taxes, or is otherwise contesting them in good faith. Full guidelines are available here and an FAQ document is available here.
