LANSING — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has awarded more than $3.1 million in Resilient Food System Infrastructure grants statewide, including funding for a Lenawee County business.
The Marks Trading Company in Adrian will receive just over $41,000 to expand access to locally grown produce. The project focuses on improving processing and distribution capacity to support community access to fresh food.
MDARD says the federal program is designed to strengthen the middle of the food supply chain by investing in storage, processing, and distribution infrastructure. State officials noted that these awards build on Michigan’s Farm to Family efforts, which encourage local purchasing and community-based food systems.
In total, 34 Michigan entities received grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture program.
More information on the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program is available through the USDA and MDARD websites.