Marketing

USDA Specialty Crop Grant opportunities available for Michigan businesses

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced new opportunities for Michigan businesses through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program from the USDA Ag Marketing Services. The grant funding is contingent on the... more »

Apple retails and category dollar volume trend up

Apples contributed more dollars on average to U.S. produce departments in December 2015 than in 2014, despite volume being down slightly year-over-year, according to Stemilt. The latest apple category insights from Stemilt are based off... more »

International Agri-Center prepares for 49th annual World Ag Expo

World Ag Expo will kick off its 49th annual show on Tuesday, Feb. 9 in Tulare, California. Gates open at the International Agri-Center at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, and the playing of the National Anthem... more »

PMA Board of Directors establishes marketing as strategic priority for PMA

During the first Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Board of Directors meeting of 2016, the association’s Marketing Task Force recommended that PMA establish marketing as a strategic priority during the next two years. The goal is... more »

Apples for Education donates $20,000 to school causes

The season of giving is well underway as U.S. Apple Association (USApple) and supporting brands donate $20,000 to 12 school programs this month as part of the first-ever Apples for Education: Buy an Apple, Help... more »

Sales from U.S. horticulture operations up 18 percent in five years

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released the 2014 Census of Horticultural Specialties report, which shows that horticulture operations sold a total of $13.8 billion in floriculture, nursery and specialty crops in 2014, up... more »

Engelsma’s Apple Barn wins Michigan cider contest for sixth time

Jim and Becky Engelsma and daughter Bridget of Engelsma’s Apple Barn took first place in the 19th Annual Michigan Apple Cider Contest. The contest took place Dec. 9, as part of the Great Lakes Fruit,... more »

Sara Reisinger crowned 2016 Michigan Apple Queen

Sara Reisinger has been crowned the 2016 Michigan Apple Queen. Hannah Rasch was named First Runner-Up. Contestants for Michigan Apple Queen must have a connection to the Michigan apple industry in order to serve as... more »