Regenerative Value Chains Grant

The Regenerative Value Chains Grant is a one-time funding opportunity administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) through its Farm to Family program. This program was established to enhance market opportunities for Michigan farmers who employ regenerative agricultural practices. Regenerative agriculture is defined as a land management strategy focused on improving soil health through practices such as cover cropping, composting, intercropping, managed grazing, and extended crop rotation. Unlike traditional funding programs, this grant specifically targets small and mid-sized producers aiming to strengthen local and regional food supply chains. This grant supports the purchase of essential equipment and services that facilitate direct-to-consumer marketing and supply chain efficiencies. Eligible uses of funds include investments in point-of-sale systems, refrigeration units, cold storage infrastructure, light processing equipment, marketing services, wash/pack infrastructure, and materials such as packaging supplies. The grant excludes costs related to salaries, wages, harvesting equipment, and refrigerated vehicles. Projects must demonstrate how these investments will help develop market channels for regenerative products, and they must include specific targets related to sales volume, revenue, and consumer access. Preference is given to applicants who propose projects that are innovative, promote regenerative practices through education or outreach, and support revenue diversification on the farm. Eligible applicants must be farmers operating within Michigan who can describe how their practices align with regenerative agriculture principles. Third-party certification is not required. MDARD will have the final determination regarding whether an applicant qualifies as a regenerative producer. Applications must be submitted via the MiAgGrants online system, and applicants must register for a MiLogin business or citizen account. Only one application per applicant will be considered. Grant awards will not exceed $50,000 and must be requested in whole dollar amounts. Administrative costs are capped at 10%, and all other requested costs must be supported by quotes or market data. The application window opens on March 31, 2026, and closes at 5:00 PM ET on May 1, 2026. MDARD will evaluate proposals during May and June 2026, with award announcements expected in July 2026. Projects must be completed within one year of award, and selected grantees will be required to submit quarterly performance and financial reports via the SIGMA Vendor Self Service system. MDARD may reimburse costs on a rolling basis but expects continuous reporting throughout the grant period. At least ten projects will be funded under this opportunity. Proposals will be scored based on minimum eligibility criteria and the strength of their innovation, impact on underserved markets, and evidence-based strategy. Additional consideration will be given to applicants who have completed a soil health assessment with a CTAP technician and those who do not currently hold another active MDARD grant. Projects that include education or marketing initiatives to promote regenerative practices to consumers are also prioritized. Applicants are encouraged to attend an optional virtual informational webinar held on April 2, 2026, at 9:30 AM ET. MDARD offers reasonable accommodations and ensures accessibility throughout the application process. For more information or questions, applicants may contact the Farm to Family team via email at MDARD-FarmToFamily@michigan.gov or schedule a meeting directly with the team. More details can be found in the official grant guidelines document linked in the program materials.