Grant Money For Farmers

State Rep. Matt Lori has announced a $168,000 grant to help St. Joseph County farmers better manage their yields while protecting the environment.

The funds come from the Southwest Michigan Adapt Network, a new partnership involving the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Services and the Environmental Defense Fund.

Lori said the governor has put an emphasis on agriculture, and the use of the grant money represents a long-term approach to protecting natural resources and the environment.

The Constantine-area resident said the program involves an approach called adaptive management to help farmers manage nutrients in their fields. It can result in maintaining or improving corn yields, helping those in agriculture maintain their quality of life while giving residents in St. Joseph County peace of mind that the environment is being protected.

There is no cost to the program but enrollment is limited.