Компания Freeland Bean and Grain удостоена звания лучшего экспортера агросектора Мичигана в 2026 году

Freeland Bean and Grain named Michigan’s 2026 Agriculture Exporter of the Year FREELAND, Mich. (WNEM) - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has named Freeland Bean and Grain Inc. its 2026 Agriculture Exporter of the Year. MDARD Director Tim Boring presented the award Wednesday at a ceremony held at the company’s facility. “Freeland Bean and Grain Inc. is Michigan’s Agriculture Exporter of the Year thanks to their team’s commitment to opening new markets for Michigan producers, creating economic opportunities for Michigan farmers and helping strengthen communities across our state,” Boring said. Freeland Bean and Grain, founded in 1983, is a locally owned, family-run business that buys and sells corn, soybeans, soft red wheat and edible black beans. The company also provides agricultural products and services. Freeland Bean and Grain first entered international markets in 2005 and now exports Michigan-grown edible black beans to Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and Peru. In 2025, those exports accounted for a quarter of the company’s total annual sales. All exported products are grown in Michigan. The company’s export growth is built on a partnership with Jack’s Bean International, which provides logistical, regulatory and overseas marketing support. In 2024, the company sponsored a booth as part of the MDARD-supported Michigan delegation to the SIAL Paris international food exhibition. “Winning this award has great significance for our team here at Freeland Bean and Grain because it recognizes the effort and time we’ve devoted to building strong relationships with customers and growers, and to investing in new technologies and facilities,” said Freeland Bean and Grain Marketing Manager Roger Hupfer. MDARD presents the Agriculture Exporter of the Year Award annually to a company recognized for high-quality, Michigan-grown products and a commitment to exporting. To be eligible, more than 50 percent of a company’s product must be grown, processed or manufactured in Michigan, and exports must contribute significantly to the company’s overall growth. Michigan is the largest U.S. producer of black beans and six other agricultural commodities, and the second-largest producer of total edible dry beans. Food and agriculture businesses contribute nearly $126 billion to Michigan’s economy each year. Subscribe to the WNEM TV5 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every day. Copyright 2026 WNEM. All rights reserved.