BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced on Friday it awarded a total of $3.8 million in Underserved, Value-Added, and Regional Food System grants to 51 projects.

The projects include producers, processors, and community development organizations.

MDARD officials say these grants are part of the continued investments through Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's bipartisan budget.

Officials say the grant program's goal is to strengthen area supply chains and regional food systems.

“MDARD is proud to make bold investments in Michigan’s food and agriculture industries,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These investments highlight the diverse and expansive agriculture opportunities that contribute to economic prosperity and strengthened food access across the state. We want everyone to know that Michigan is the best place for the food and agricultural industry to thrive.”

MDARD officials say the Underserved, Value-Added and Regional Food Systems grant dollars come from state funds and are not impacted by federal actions.

Local recipient projects include:

• Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance in Bridgman - $95,000 - Renovating the vacant building into a mecca for local produce, value-added food products, and craft beverages. This project will generate 20 full-time jobs and 10 part-time jobs.
• B & B Outlet in Watervliet - $100,000 - Purchasing equipment to support increased access to fresh, healthy foods in a USDA food desert community. This project will generate four full-time jobs and six part-time jobs.
• Bair Lane Farm in Marcellus - $16,759 - Constructing a climate-controlled hoop house in Southwest Michigan to improve the production of tomatoes, increase climate resilience of local food systems, and increase access to locally produced food.
• Terrill's Market - Marcellus - $73,812 - Purchasing and installing a new walk-in meat cooler and a 16-foot meat display case. This project will expand the market's capacity to provide high-quality fresh meats and essential products to a community designated as a food desert. This project will generate one part-time job.

You can learn more about the grant program on the MDARD website.