Michigan Craft Beverage Council Announces Applications Now Open for Qualified Small Distiller Program
Application accepted until 5 p.m. on September 23, 2022
September 1, 2022
Contact:
Chelsea Lewis-Parisio
Deputy PIO
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
517-331-1151
Jenelle Jagmin
Director
Michigan Craft Beverage Council
517-930-0696
jagminj@michigan.gov
LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced the opening of the application period for the new qualified small distiller program. The online application will be open from September 1 – September 23, 2022.
Michigan small distillers or an out-of-state entity that is the substantial equivalent of a small distiller may file an application with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to be certified as a qualified small distiller.
This announcement follows a bill signing by Governor Whitmer in June to cut costs for small Michigan distilleries and supports the state’s grain farmers. PA 135 of 2022, sponsored by Rep. Pat Outman, R – Six Lakes, aims to assist Michigan's growing craft distillery industry by lowering mark up costs associated with the purchase of Michigan grain, increasing the number of bottles distillers can produce while allowing them to invest back into their companies to help create jobs and strengthen small businesses.
“Michigan is home to about 80 craft distillers with many already using Michigan grain in part of their finished product,” said Jenelle Jagmin, executive director, Michigan Craft Beverage Council. “This is a new incentive for craft distillers to use Michigan grown grain, offer additional markets for our farmers. I encourage our craft distillers to apply for the small distiller qualification.”
View the online qualified small distiller application and learn more about the qualified small distiller program, including fees and frequently asked questions here. Questions about the qualified distiller program can be directed to MDARD-QualifiedDistiller@michigan.gov.
More information about the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, including research grants and industry communications, can be viewed here.
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The Michigan Craft Beverage Council is a 10-member, governor-appointed board that is advisory to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and was established to provide for research, marketing and promotion of Michigan agricultural products that are used in the production of Michigan craft beverages.