Farm Dominance 

Farm Dominance and Generational Prosperity Program (FDGPP)

The Michigan First Movement is launching the Farm Dominance and Generational Prosperity Program (FDGPP), a strategic statewide initiative designed to capture and deploy existing federal and state agricultural, rural development, and economic grants. This program strengthens Michigan’s agricultural sector, protects and expands family farms, enhances food security, and drives long-term economic prosperity for generational Michigan families and rural communities.

FDGPP serves as a flexible grant accelerator and technical assistance hub, helping family farms, agricultural cooperatives, rural municipalities, and community organizations successfully compete for and implement funded projects. By aligning with proven federal and state funding streams, the program delivers tangible results without creating new taxpayer obligations.

Program Vision and Goals

FDGPP establishes Farm Dominance, making Michigan a national leader in productive, resilient, and innovative agriculture that prioritizes family farms, soil health, local food systems, and rural wealth creation. Key goals include:

• Strengthening multi-generational family farms and rural economies.

• Enhancing food security and agricultural self-reliance for Michigan.

• Increasing farm profitability, land stewardship, and economic multipliers in rural communities.

• Creating and retaining opportunities for generational Michiganders and their families.

• Promoting equitable access to resources for traditional agricultural producers and underserved rural areas.

Strategic Alignment with Existing Grants

The program is engineered to align with major active funding sources, including:

• USDA Farm Bill programs (EQIP, CSP, RCPP, Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, Value-Added Producer Grants).

• USDA Rural Development (Rural Energy for America Program, Community Facilities, Business & Industry Loans/Grants).

• USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, Local Food Promotion, and Farmers Market Promotion programs.

• EPA conservation and watershed grants.

• Economic Development Administration (EDA) rural innovation grants.

• Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) grants, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) rural initiatives, and state soil conservation programs.

Eligible Project Categories

FDGPP offers broad flexibility to match diverse grant opportunities while focusing on high-impact, locally driven solutions:

1. Farm Productivity and Innovation

• Adoption of precision agriculture, advanced equipment, soil health practices, and climate-resilient cropping systems.

• Infrastructure improvements (irrigation, drainage, storage, processing facilities) that boost yields and reduce waste.

• Research, demonstration, and pilot projects in regenerative agriculture, specialty crops, and value-added production tailored to Michigan conditions.

2. Family Farm Preservation and Succession

• Programs supporting multi-generational farm transfers, beginning farmer training, and veteran-to-farmer initiatives.

• Land access, conservation easements, and financial tools that keep farmland in productive agricultural use by generational families.

3. Rural Economic Development and Wealth Creation

• Agri-tourism, direct-to-consumer marketing, local food hubs, and supply chain enhancements that keep dollars circulating in Michigan communities.

• Workforce development and training for agricultural careers, ag-tech, and related industries.

• Small business development tied to farming (processing, equipment services, bio-products).

4. Resilience and Sustainability

• Soil conservation, water quality protection, pollinator habitat, and climate adaptation projects.

• On-farm renewable energy integration (where it supports farm viability).

• Emergency preparedness and risk management for farms and rural communities.

5. Equity and Community Access

• Targeted support for generational family operations, rural veterans, and historically underserved agricultural communities.

• Projects that reduce barriers to market access and technical resources for smaller and mid-sized farms.

Program Features Designed for Grant Success

• High Flexibility: Broad project eligibility allows applicants to customize proposals to specific funding announcements while advancing Farm Dominance priorities.

• Technical Assistance Hub: Free or low-cost services including grant identification, application writing, compliance support, budgeting, and post-award management, with priority for family farms and organizations lacking dedicated grant staff.

• Equity and Inclusion Focus: Strong emphasis on projects benefiting generational rural families and underserved areas, aligning with federal rural equity and Justice40-type priorities.

• Transparency and Accountability: Public reporting on funded projects, performance metrics (acres improved, jobs created/retained, economic output, food produced), and return on investment.

• Leveraging Strategy: Expert guidance on stacking grants, securing matching funds, and building public-private partnerships to maximize impact.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased agricultural output and farm profitability across Michigan.

• Preservation and expansion of family-owned farmland for future generations.

• Stronger rural economies with more jobs, higher incomes, and vibrant communities.

• Enhanced food security and reduced dependence on distant supply chains.

• Demonstrated stewardship of Michigan’s natural resources alongside economic growth.

• Long-term contributions to a broader tax base and rural prosperity.

The Farm Dominance and Generational Prosperity Program provides a powerful, citizen-centered vehicle for leveraging existing public investments into stronger family farms, thriving rural communities, and a more self-reliant Michigan. By focusing on productivity, resilience, innovation, and generational continuity, FDGPP ensures Michigan agriculture remains a cornerstone of state and national strength.

Michigan farms, rural organizations, local governments, and agricultural groups are encouraged to partner with the Michigan First Movement to access technical assistance and pursue funding opportunities through FDGPP.

Securing Farm Dominance. Building Generational Prosperity for Michigan Families.