The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) recently announced a new application period for the Qualified Small Distiller Program, which is open until June 18 at 5 p.m.
“The Qualified Small Distiller Program is a key facet of MDARD’s and MCBC’s support for Michigan’s world-class craft beverage industry and the hard-working agricultural producers who supply it,” said MDARD Director and MCBC Chair Tim Boring. “By lowering markup costs on spirits that use Michigan-grown inputs, this innovative program strengthens the position of craft distillers and commodity growers throughout our state.”
The Qualified Small Distiller Program was established by Public Act 135 of 2022, which was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to assist Michigan’s growing craft distillery industry. The program lowers markup costs on bottles of spirits produced with at least 40 percent Michigan-grown grain, barley, oats, potato, corn, fruit, sugar beets or honey.
Michigan distillers that produce no more than 60,000 gallons of spirits per year are eligible to apply for a certificate through the program. Out-of-state entities that produce no more than 60,000 gallons of spirits per year may also qualify for the program provided they meet additional requirements. Entities applying for this certification may be eligible for a reduced markup beginning January 1, 2027.
All businesses that are renewing their certification must also fill out the online application form to be a certified Qualified Small Distiller on January 1, 2027. For additional information about the Qualified Small Distiller Program, visit the MDARD website at www.michigan.gov/mdard/business-development/qualified-small-distiller-certificate. Questions about the Qualified Distiller Program can be directed to the Michigan Craft Beverage Council by email at MDARD-QualifiedDistiller@michigan.gov.
Additional information about the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, including research and education grants and industry communications, can be viewed on the MCBC webpage at www.michigan.gov/mdard/about/boards/craftbeverage.
“The Qualified Small Distiller Program is a key facet of MDARD’s and MCBC’s support for Michigan’s world-class craft beverage industry and the hard-working agricultural producers who supply it,” said MDARD Director and MCBC Chair Tim Boring. “By lowering markup costs on spirits that use Michigan-grown inputs, this innovative program strengthens the position of craft distillers and commodity growers throughout our state.”
The Qualified Small Distiller Program was established by Public Act 135 of 2022, which was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to assist Michigan’s growing craft distillery industry. The program lowers markup costs on bottles of spirits produced with at least 40 percent Michigan-grown grain, barley, oats, potato, corn, fruit, sugar beets or honey.
Michigan distillers that produce no more than 60,000 gallons of spirits per year are eligible to apply for a certificate through the program. Out-of-state entities that produce no more than 60,000 gallons of spirits per year may also qualify for the program provided they meet additional requirements. Entities applying for this certification may be eligible for a reduced markup beginning January 1, 2027.
All businesses that are renewing their certification must also fill out the online application form to be a certified Qualified Small Distiller on January 1, 2027. For additional information about the Qualified Small Distiller Program, visit the MDARD website at www.michigan.gov/mdard/business-development/qualified-small-distiller-certificate. Questions about the Qualified Distiller Program can be directed to the Michigan Craft Beverage Council by email at MDARD-QualifiedDistiller@michigan.gov.
Additional information about the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, including research and education grants and industry communications, can be viewed on the MCBC webpage at www.michigan.gov/mdard/about/boards/craftbeverage.
