ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has awarded 21 Rural Development Fund Grants across the state, supporting infrastructure benefiting Michigan communities.
1.8 million dollars was awarded in the grand fund, with over half of the funding going towards projects in the Upper Peninsula, such as Partridge Creek Farm, of Ishpeming.
“We were really thrilled to receive our second MDARD Rural Development Fund Grant,” said Sara Johnson, the executive director of Partridge Creek Farm. “The first one we received allowed us to do the initial site work here at the community farm. This most recent award is going to allow us to continue that development by doubling our growing space.”
The farm will be receiving $100,000 to expand with a new hoop house for more off-season growing opportunities, as well as more drainage access throughout the property.
“We have a lot of water on this site, providing proper drainage is going to impact and affect the quality and yield of our crops,” said Johnson. “Here in the U.P. we have a really short growing season, so a hoop house literally adds two to three months of additional growing season.”
Johnson says that providing strength to more rural areas of the U.P. will make for a safer and more sustainable region.
“Compared to downstate, we don’t have a lot of infrastructure up here in many regards,” said Johnson. “It’s going to allow us to be stronger and more resilient.”
Apart from Partridge Creek Farm, more than 10 other Upper Peninsula projects will benefit from the grant. This will include construction and renovations to solar paneling, water safety, food distribution, and sewer repairs.
To view this years recipients, visit michigan.gov.
