LANSING — Michigan farmers and agriculture officials are highlighting the importance of government support for the industry, following the distribution of more than a dozen new grants Thursday.

The funding from the USDA totals more than $2 million and is going to a variety of crop production groups — $120,000 for the Cherry Marketing Institute, $125,000 for the Michigan Apple Committee and $160,000 for the Michigan Blueberry Commission.

The grants go toward a combination of agricultural research and market development for a variety of Michigan produce.

“Those investments into apples and cherries and potatoes and dry beans are really critical to making sure that Michigan’s got a thriving and sustainable long-term industry here across the state,” said Tim Boring, director of the Michiga

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