The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) is searching for a  deserving company that demonstrates success in export growth to be the recipient of the 2022 Michigan Ag Exporter of the Year award. Companies of all sizes may apply. Eligibility is limited to Michigan food, agriculture, and forest products producers, manufacturers or shippers aggressively pursuing international markets and increasing export sales. Products must be over 50 percent grown, processed or manufactured in Michigan.

            MDARD honors and celebrates Michigan’s farmers, the diversity of products grown and processed in our state and the partnerships that keep our food and agriculture industry thriving. It is comprised of six divisions that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public’s food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $104.7 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living; and feeds consumers and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures.

Applications are due by 5 p.m., Apr. 15. For more information, and an application, call Nate Engle at 517-388-5708 or visit Michigan.gov/agexport.