Freeland Bean and Grain Inc. won Michigan's 2026 Agriculture Exporter of the Year Award for its commitment to opening new markets and exporting Michigan-grown products globally, with edible black beans now representing 25% of the company's annual sales across seven Latin American countries.
- Freeland Bean and Grain Inc. received the 2026 Agriculture Exporter of the Year Award from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
- The company exports Michigan-grown edible black beans to seven Latin American countries: Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Peru
- In 2025, exports of edible black beans accounted for 25% of the company's total annual sales
- Founded in 1983, the family-owned business first entered international markets in 2005 and partners with Jack's Bean International for logistics and overseas marketing support
- Michigan is the largest U.S. producer of black beans and the nation's second-largest producer of total edible dry beans
Freeland Bean and Grain Inc. received the 2026 Agriculture Exporter of the Year Award today from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Director Tim Boring presented the award at a ceremony at the company’s facility in Freeland.
“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.
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 has grown into a full-service agribusiness offering a variety of agricultural products and services.
The company 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, exports of edible black beans accounted for 25% of the company’s total annual sales. All exports are 100% Michigan-grown.
“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 Roger Hupfer, the company’s marketing manager.
Freeland Bean and Grain’s export growth relies on a partnership with Jack’s Bean International, which provides logistical, regulatory and overseas marketing support. In 2024, Freeland sponsored a booth for the first time as part of the MDARD-supported Michigan delegation to the SIAL Paris international food exhibition.
MDARD presents the award annually to a company recognized for high-quality, Michigan-grown products and a strong commitment to exporting. To qualify, more than 50% of a company’s product must be grown, processed or manufactured in Michigan, and exports must contribute significantly to overall growth.
Michigan 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.
