Established 1979
This 137-acre center sits in the five-county northwestern region that produces almost half of the U.S. supply of tart cherries and is responsible for 83 percent of sweet cherry production in Michigan. Founded through the efforts of the northwestern Michigan area fruit industry, the center is the premier research site for integrated pest management, horticultural production and handling, value-added processing, marketing and farm financial management practices for sweet and tart cherries, wine grapes, apples, plums and hops. In addition to creating and expanding knowledge through leading-edge research on cherries and other fruits, the center disseminates state-of-the-art information to the Michigan fruit industry and the public.
News
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Michigan statewide apple maturity report – October 1, 2025
Published on October 2, 2025
Keep abreast of the latest apple maturity testing done in different cultivars around the state to optimize harvest times for storage and fresh picking. -
Michigan grape scouting report – October 1, 2025
Published on October 2, 2025
Check out the latest Michigan Grape Scouting Report for timely updates on weather, vine growth, disease management, and pest activity. Stay informed and make proactive decisions to support vineyard health and productivity. -
Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – October 1, 2025
Published on October 1, 2025
Growers are in full blown harvest for Honeycrisp and Gala. This warm weather has been pleasant for harvest, and pickers are busy balancing harvest in blocks where all varieties are maturing at a similar time. -
Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – September 23, 2025
Published on September 24, 2025
Gala and Honeycrisp are in the mature range from our testing this week. Most growers are working in Honeycrisp blocks. -
Michigan statewide apple maturity report – September 24, 2025
Published on September 24, 2025
Keep abreast of the latest apple maturity testing done in different cultivars around the state to optimize harvest times for storage and fresh picking.