Riveridge secures $100,000 expansion grant, adds jobs

Riveridge Produce Marketing has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to support improvements to its sweet cherry packing operations in Grant, helping the company increase efficiency, support local growers and strengthen Michigan's fruit industry.

The funding was awarded through MDARD's Value-Added, Regional Food Systems and Supply Chain Grant Program. The investment will allow Riveridge Produce Marketing to add a weigher and batcher to its existing cherry packing line, improving weight-based packing precision and operational efficiency. The project is expected to support the creation of six part-time jobs in Newaygo County.

Riveridge Produce Marketing is one of Michigan's leading fruit marketers and packers, serving growers throughout West Michigan and helping connect locally grown produce to consumers across the country.

"Michigan is in a unique position in that we have much more demand for sweet cherries than we have supply," said Trish Taylor, Marketing Manager for Riveridge Produce Marketing. "Support from MDARD helps us continue to invest in the latest packing technology. Because we pack and ship close to where our sweet cherries are grown, growers can pick ripe, flavorful, ready-to-eat fruit. But that also means we need to be incredibly efficient and move cherries quickly. This investment helps us deliver on that expectation. Fellow growers can feel confident investing in more sweet cherry production, and retailers can continue to make Michigan a first choice for fresh, quality produce."

Mark Kraus, Economic Development Director of the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership, powered by The Right Place, said the grant highlights the ongoing strength of the county's agricultural economy and the importance of continued investment in local food processing infrastructure.

"Riveridge is an important piece of Newaygo County's agricultural economy and a critical partner to fruit growers across West Michigan," said Kraus. "This grant is part of a much larger investment in the Grant facility that will support six jobs and strengthen the supply chain that connects Michigan-grown sweet cherries to markets throughout the country. We are proud to have supported Riveridge's application and congratulate their team on securing this competitive state grant."

The grant announcement was part of MDARD's statewide award of approximately $2.3 million to food and agricultural businesses and organizations working to expand production, create jobs and strengthen Michigan's food supply chain.

About Riveridge Produce Marketing
Riveridge Produce Marketing is a leading Michigan fruit packing and marketing company serving growers throughout the region. The company specializes in connecting high-quality Michigan-grown produce with retailers and consumers across North America.

About The Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership

The Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership, powered by The Right Place, is an advisory board under the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners and is responsible for oversight and leadership of economic development in Newaygo County.