Photo credit: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Freeland Bean and Grain Inc. has been named Michigan's 2026 Agriculture Exporter of the Year by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
MDARD Director Tim Boring presented the award Aug. 13 at the company's facility in Freeland, recognizing the company's efforts to develop international markets for Michigan-grown agricultural products and create economic opportunities for farmers.
Founded in 1983, Freeland Bean and Grain 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 as part of its full-service agribusiness operations.
Freeland Bean and Grain 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, exports of edible black beans accounted for one-quarter of the company's total annual sales, with all of its exported products grown in Michigan.
The company's export growth is supported by a partnership with Jack's Bean International, which provides logistical, regulatory and overseas marketing assistance. In 2024, Freeland Bean and Grain sponsored a booth for the first time as part of the MDARD-supported Michigan delegation at the SIAL Paris international food exhibition.
MDARD presents the Agriculture Exporter of the Year Award annually to a company recognized for high-quality, Michigan-grown products and a strong commitment to exporting. Eligible companies must have more than 50% of their products grown, processed or manufactured in Michigan, with exports contributing significantly to overall business growth.
The award selection considers export growth, innovation and efforts to develop new international markets. Applications are reviewed by an outside committee representing the Van Andel Global Trade Center, Michigan State University's International Business Center, the U.S. Commercial Service's International Trade Administration and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. International Trade Team.
Michigan is one of the nation's most agriculturally diverse states and is the largest U.S. producer of black beans and six other agricultural commodities. The state is also the nation's second-largest producer of total edible dry beans. Food and agriculture businesses contribute nearly $126 billion to Michigan's economy each year.
Source: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, "MDARD Recognizes Freeland Bean and Grain Inc. as Michigan's 2026 Agriculture Exporter of the Year"