Grants: Agriculture/Pollution Prevention
Page 1 of 5 pages 1 2 3 > Last »
Practical Planning for Michigan’s Bio-Energy Crop Production
November 2007This project, sponsored by Michigan State University Extension, developed two demonstration sites for bioenergy crops in Saginaw and Isabella counties. Additionally, the project produced printed materials that discussed the next phase of bioenergy production (after corn/ethanol, experts believe that the next energy production techniques will be from cellulosic ethanol). Finally, the grant privided support for conferences and travel to begin building the capacity and expertise of Extension and other resources professional to ensure their ability to support those in the agricultural industry that begin to diversify their crops toward energy production.
Low-intensity Tillage and Slurry Seeding Demonstration
May 2007This project, posposed by MSU Extension, developed a 15 acre demonstration site for evaluating a new innovative slurry seeding process for establishing oil seed radish and oriental mustard after wheat in a sugar been rotation. The project seeks to demonstrate a process that will protect the environment and reclaim productivity of currently less-productive beet ground. The goals of the projected included a reduction in tillage intesity in sugar beet rotations, the use of biosuppressive cover crops for disease and insect control, and the use of organic inputs such as livestock manure to enhance microbial activity in the soil.
Birch Run Bio-diesel Project
May 2007This project assisted the Birch Run Area School District with an innovative bio-diesel manufacturing program. Designed to produce more than 100 gallons of bio-diesel per week, the district’s students will convert waste vegetable oil from the school district and area restaurants into fuel for the district’s bus fleet. The project will promote recycling, as well as foster learning in chemistry, engineering, and entrepreneurship. According to the district, several other school systems in Michigan have converted a portion of their bus fleet to bio-diesel, but Birch Run would be the first district to actually manufacture the fuel on site.
Flint Agricultural Community and Economic Development Project
May 2006Urban Community Youth Outreach (UCYO) provides food to needy families, and education to young children about natural resources and resource management. With funding from community based grants, the USDA Department of Agriculture, private foundations, and the Michigan Department of Justice, UCYO began the community garden project in 1998. As part of this program, youth grow vegetables on approximately two acres at a community garden that is located on Philadelphia Avenue between Seby and Horton Streets in downtown Flint. This project requested support for the development of a flex-fueled greenhouse to allow year-round gardening operations, as well as support for continuing education.
Port Austin Farmers Market
May 2006This project focused on strengthening the economic and tourism sectors of the community of Port Austin by requesting WIN investment in their new Farmers Market. The proposed sought funding to purchase umbrellas, tents, advertising, and traffic control toosl to help expand the market and to provide for ta more customer friendly experience.