Bean and soybean groups get grants to explore new strategies

Two Frankenmuth-based agricultural groups are receiving strategic growth grants from the state of Michigan to help the state's economy grow.

 

The Michigan Bean Commission and the Michigan Soybean Association both have offices in Frankenmuth, and both applied for grants through the Strategic Growth Initiative Grant Program, which is administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

 

The Michigan Bean Commission will get $250,000 from the grant program, which will go toward assessing the potential for producing specialty foods and ingredients from Michigan beans. Currently, much of the state's bean industry production goes into canned and fresh packaged beans, but new uses could be identified that could add value to the industry and increase its sustainability.

 

The Michigan Soybean Association will receive $96,100 to analyze opportunities and barriers regarding increased livestock production and meat processing in Michigan as it relates to corn and soybean prices and processing. The analysis also will determine the best location for a new soybean processing plant in the state, and provide a long-term roadmap for future opportunities that can add value to Michigan's agricultural industry and increase employment.

 

"These grants allow us to leverage business development and growth for Michigan's $91.4 billion food and agriculture industry," says MDARD director Jamie Clover Adams. "With increased investment in our agri-food sector, we can help 'move the needle' for continued long term growth.

 

The other grant recipients are located in Detroit, Grand Junction, East Lansing, Southfield, Marlette, Lansing, Burt Lake and De Pere, Wisconsin.