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.

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.

Enviro-Weather Report

 

News

  • MSU Extension’s Nikki Rothwell named 2025 Cherry Industry Person of the Year

    Published on July 17, 2025
    MSU Extension’s Nikki Rothwell was named the 2025 Cherry Industry Person of the Year at the National Cherry Festival for her leadership in research, grower outreach and advocacy, and for her lasting impact on Michigan’s cherry industry.

  • Michigan grape scouting report – July 16, 2025

    Published on July 16, 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 fruit update – July 15, 2025

    Published on July 15, 2025
    Growers are harvesting sweet and tart cherries. There is significant pressure from American brown rot and spotted wing drosophila with the warm and humid conditions.

  • Northwest Michigan fruit update – July 8, 2025

    Published on July 9, 2025
    Sweet cherry harvest will begin this week. Growers have been busy managing ripening fruit for American brown rot and spotted wing drosophila.

  • Michigan grape scouting report – July 9, 2025

    Published on July 9, 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.