Michigan turkey producers receive grant to boost cold storage capacity

By Andi Anderson

The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development has approved a $75,000 grant from the Food and Agriculture Investment Program (FAIP) for Michigan Turkey Producers Cooperative, Inc.

This funding will help the cooperative reconfigure its current cold storage capacity, allowing for expanded storage and more efficient order fulfillment. The project aims to enhance local supply chains and create new economic opportunities in West Michigan.

Tim Boring, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighted the importance of investing in local food and agriculture businesses. "In Michigan, we're committed to investing in local food and agriculture businesses. Governor Whitmer's most recent bipartisan budget directly reflects that commitment. Michigan's poultry industry continues to have a significant economic impact on our state and is a critical component of Michigan's growing food and agriculture sector."

The grant will enable Michigan Turkey Producers Cooperative, Inc. to expand and upgrade their cold storage facilities, including the installation of Quick Freeze Racking (QFR).

This reconfiguration will increase storage capacity, allowing the company to handle more orders from existing clients and attract new ones.

Founded in 1998, Michigan Turkey Producers Cooperative, Inc. is a grower-owned cooperative. The facility processes 5.3 million adult male turkeys annually, sourced from 53 family farms across several Michigan counties.

Since acquiring a former vegetable processing and storage facility in 2006, the cooperative has significantly increased production, now reaching 64 million pounds of ready-to-eat products. Their products are sold locally, nationally, and internationally.

Brian Boerigter, President of Michigan Turkey Producers Cooperative, Inc., expressed gratitude for the grant. "The continued growth of our value-added cooked business has driven the need for additional fresh cooler space.

These upgrades will allow us to be more responsive to our customer demand and more efficient in our order fulfillment process. Michigan Turkey Producers Board of Directors and Grower Owners greatly appreciate the support from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in helping to make this project possible."

State Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Kent County) also emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses. "Local businesses are what shape and build our local economies. I'm committed to supporting local businesses like Michigan Turkey Producers, and I share their excitement over this well-deserved investment. Grower-owned cooperatives play an important role in the agricultural industry, especially in our local community. I look forward to continued partnerships with MDARD as we continue to generate new economic opportunities in West Michigan."

FAIP plays a crucial role in Michigan's economic development by providing financial support for projects that expand food and agriculture processing. This fosters industry growth and bolsters the state's economy.

The selection of projects is based on their potential impact on the agriculture industry and overall economic growth in Michigan.

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