LANSING, Mich. — Michigan farms and agricultural processors will receive $15 million in economic assistance from the Michigan Strategic Fund to mitigate the risks of the coronavirus.
$10 million will go to processors throughout the state and $5 million will go toward farms, according to a news release. Processors will receive between $10,000 and $200,000, while farms will get between $10,000 and $50,000.
The funding is being appropriated from Michigan’s share of the CARES Act.
“Michigan’s food and agriculture sector has been especially hard hit by the COVID-19 virus, and this investment will provide critical resources to ensure the safety of the state’s food production industry and its workforce,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.
Applicants must apply as either a processor or a farm – but not both – and funds will provide grants of up to $1,000 per employee to fund COVID-19 mitigation costs, including but not limited to testing costs, personal protection equipment, facility needs, increased sanitation costs, employee training and upgraded safety procedures for farm-provided housing, the release said.
Applicants must have at least 10 employees, provide proof of good standing with the state and attest that the business is current on all taxes.
The application will be available hereon July 15 and will be open until all of the funding has been awarded.