Local farms with less than ten employees can sign up for grants to help protect their hired help from COVID-19 and keep the food supply chain running smoothly. The Michigan Agricultural Safety Grant program is now accepting applications.
The program is administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), who is using federal CARES Act funding. There is $1.25 million in grant money available, with $1000 available for each employee.
Farmers can use the money to pay for testing costs, PPE, facility needs, increased sanitation costs, employee training, and upgraded safety procedures. Mark A. Burton, CEO of MEDC said, “The MEDC Small Farm Safety Grant will allow us additional security in our food industry and provide much-needed relief to farmers across Michigan.”
Michigan agriculture employs over 800,000 people, exports $1.8 billion of food and agriculture products, and contributes $104.7 billion to Michigan’s economy each year. Applications for the MEDC grants are available at michiganbusiness.org/agsafety and are processed by GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
