Aug 24, 2016
Michigan Tree Fruit Commission establishes mini-grants

Mini-grants are a new effort by the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission (MTFC) to ensure a fast response to pressing issues facing the tree fruit industry. Adopted by the MTFC board on Aug. 17, the mini-grant program provides resources to Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and others on the front line who need to respond quickly to emerging issues.

Unlike the MTFC’s main funding program which begins with a call for projects in mid-winter and award in early spring, mini-grant applications are offered year-round.

“It’s an ongoing process designed for a fast response,” said Phil Korson, president of CMI (Cherry Marketing Institute), a supporter of the MTFC.

“The goal is to turn these mini-grant applications around quickly in response to emerging grower issues,” Korson said, “and the most recent example of one of those issues is SWD (Spotted Wing Drosophila).”

First detected in Michigan in 2010, SWD’s preference to attack healthy fruit, skyrocketing numbers in the summer, and short application windows for pesticides have made it a serious threat to ripening fruit throughout the state.

There is no cap on the amount of funding that can be obtained with an MTFC mini- grant. The eligibility for mini-grants was also written as broadly as possible, according to the MTFC.

“It is not specifically for research,” said Jim Nugent, MTFC chair. “It’s designed for MSU Extension teams to use for outreach and programming, but it is not solely an Extension application. Other groups and individuals are allowed to apply.”

“For any kind of emerging issue, the goal of the mini-grant program is to provide the resources to deal with it and respond to grower needs,” Nugent said.

Individuals interested in applying for MTFC mini-grants can submit queries to Phil Korson at [email protected] for distribution to the review committee.

The MTFC was established in 2014 by a producer referendum to collect an assessment on Michigan’s apples, cherries, peaches and plums. The assessment funds are used to support tree fruit research, research infrastructure and, if needed, support MSU Extension positions that growers want, but MSU is unable to fund.




Current Issue

On-farm AI: Water, farm, labor research guide decisions

Data collection tool expands farm management

Carmel Valley winegrapes: Parsonage Village Vineyard

IFTA Yakima Valley tour provides orchard insights

IFTA recognizes tree fruit honorees

Pennsylvania recognizes fruit industry professionals

Fresh Views 40 Under 40

see all current issue »

Be sure to check out our other specialty agriculture brands

produceprocessingsm Organic Grower