The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced 47 grants totaling nearly $17.5 million to improve sustainable agriculture and help rural communities thrive.

It's a historic win for Minnesota young and beginning farmers as a first in the nation land access bill was signed by Governor Mark Dayton. Authored by Rep. Nels Pierson (R-Rochester) and Sen. Mike Goggin (R-Redwing), the bill supports the transition of land to young and beginning farmers through a tax credit incentive.

Six food enterprises in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Southeast Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula received financing from the Michigan Good Food Fund, marking more than $10.5 million in investments since its launch two years ago.

The Food Crops Donation Tax Credit was approved by the General Assembly in Virgina last year. It allows Virginia farmers who donate edible food crops to a nonprofit food bank to receive up to a 30 percent tax credit for their donation.

The vertical farming facility would be a place where green leafy vegetables would be grown year-round, under artificial light, and carefully controlled conditions. The proposed indoor growing facility would stand a story and a half tall and be window-less. Members of South Bend's Industrial Revolving Loan Fund Board have tentatively approved a $700,000 loan for the project.

A credit included in the Minnesota Legislature's omnibus tax bill would be the first in the nation to provide financial benefit to farmland owners who sell their land to beginning farmers. The credit would equal 5 percent of the sale price, 10 percent of the cash rent fee or 15 percent of the crop share value.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has a community revitalization fund that can be expanded to include grocery stores. It was recently used to help a Meijer store in Grand Rapids, but could be used for small bodega-type stores as well.

This chart from the USDA outlines the current federal financing programs which are available for each segment of the local food supply chain.

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