Federal grants have been awarded to organizations representing growers of a variety of Michigan specialty crops.
The funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture supports efforts such as marketing, sustainability, boosting production, and preventing disease and pest infestation.
Director Gordon Wenk of the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says the grants are particularly helpful because they can be used in so many different ways.
Individual grants could total as much as $100,000.
Among those receiving the highest amount were Bay View Wine Trail Inc., the Michigan Apple Committee, the Michigan Farm Bureau and Pickle Packers International.
