Senator Stabenow Applauds Investment in Mid-Michigan Beginning Farmers Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 12, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced $1,254,412 for three Lansing-based projects to help train and support beginning farmers. This funding for Michigan State University and the Greater Lansing Food Bank, which comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, was authorized by Senator Stabenow’s 2014 Farm Bill. These projects will benefit hundreds of farmers and help boost Michigan’s economy.

“Beginning farmers are critical to the future of agriculture,” said Senator Stabenow. “This support will help make sure beginning farmers across Michigan have the education, training and resources needed to grow and produce things right here in our state.”

Michigan State University’s Department of Community Sustainability will get $750,000 to provide training and increase land, capital and market access for new farmers in the region. Greater Lansing Food Bank will receive $365,888 to provide low-income beginning farmers in the Lansing area with resources like mentorship and training in basic farming practices and new technologies. Michigan State University Extension will receive $138,524 for the two-year New FARM Program, which will give approximately 45 new farmers the education and hands-on experience they need to maintain a sustainable agricultural operation in Northwest Michigan.