Plans are bearing fruit for increased awareness of locally-grown crops in Canton Township.
The township was recently awarded a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) grant for the purchase of a variety of fruit trees and bushes to be planted in community gardens on township-owned and operated property.
Members of the board of trustees accepted the grant agreement, administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, last week during their regular meeting. The Specialty Crop Block Grant funds will be used to purchase 20 fruit trees and 25 blueberry bushes next year, officials said.
“This $19,410 grant will enable Canton Leisure Services to purchase fruit trees and fruit bushes that are suitable for southeast Michigan's climate for placement in several Canton parks,” said Jeanette Aiello, Canton project and operations supervisor. “By adding a number of apple, pear, peach, kiwi, and nectarine fruit trees, as well as over two dozen blueberry bushes, Canton Township will be able to increase awareness of the benefits and availability of specialty crops grown in our community.”
Future educational demonstrations will take place at the Canton Farmers Market, as well as at the Canton Club 55+ Senior Center to help champion the numerous benefits of these diverse Michigan specialty crops through increased awareness and marketing efforts, Aiello said. In addition, the ultimate bounty of produce derived from the introduction of fruit-bearing trees and plants will also help to reduce food insecurity by providing access to these healthy locally-grown foods to those in need in the Canton community.
In total, 22 Michigan projects received $2,153,501 in federal funding in 2022 from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development grant to support Michigan specialty crop growers who produce fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, hops, nursery plants, and flowers. These funds will help growers sell more products, protect crops from pests and diseases, and market products to boost competitiveness, according to a prepared statement.
Canton Leisure Services, a department of Canton Township which is the second-largest township and the ninth-most-populated municipality in Michigan, has been nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies since 2004.
For more information about Canton Leisure Services' programs and services, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.
