The Michigan Economic Development Corporation Farm to Food initiative provides resources to communities that expand the scope of farmers markets and capacity of local farmers.
PROGRAMS
CDBG Farm to Food
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available to municipalities and non-profit organizations that operate farmers markets in non-entitlement communities. Funding is available to upgrade a market's infrastructure to operate beyond summer. Priority is given to projects that incorporate educational or entrepreneurial activities related to food.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning in June 2013. Contact your CATeam Specialist for more information.
These communities used CDBG Farm to Food funding to improve farmers markets:
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 | | The Grand Haven Farmers Market, in operation since 1978, is located on a publicly-owned parking lot in a flood plain. The market often became impassable from standing water during rainstorms. Rather than moving the market away from the distinct view of the Grand River, the city utilized CDBG Farm to Food dollars to address infrastructure issues and to promote pedestrian foot traffic in the downtown market. |
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 | | The farmers market in downtown Gaylord found a permanent home in an open air pavilion in 2001. The city’s climate includes spring and fall seasons with cold winds, rain and snow. CDBG Farm to Food funds transformed the fair weather market to a four-season destination with retractable walls and heaters to make buying local produce enjoyable year round. |
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 | | Springfield had been operating a three-season market since 2003. Vendor feedback sparked the idea of a commercial kitchen that could be used during community events and also expand vendor business capacity. The CDBG Farm to Food program supported the construction of a 600 square foot commercial kitchen, providing new goods and services and increasing the number of customers. |
PSS Loan Fund
The Passive Solar System (PSS) Loan extends seasons with funding for hoop houses, high tunnels and unheated green houses. This technology frees growers from the constraints of a normal Michigan season, and it increases profits and provides more opportunities for Michiganders to buy local. Interest on approved loans is fixed at 4.0 percent for a maximum of six years with interest only payments for the first six months of the loan. Family farms, non- profit organizations and educational institutions are eligible to apply. For more information, visit
www.michiganadvantage.org/pss.
Urban Farm to Food
The Urban Farmers Market Program provides funding to Michigan entitlement communities and non-profits serving entitlement communities for current farmers market projects. This grant program will be available in 2014.
Contact your CATeam Specialist for more information.
