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 – September 16, 2026
Published on September 17, 2026
Keep abreast of the latest apple maturity testing done in different cultivars around the state to optimize harvest times for storage and fresh picking. -
Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – September 16, 2026
Published on September 16, 2026
Premier Honeycrisp harvest is ongoing. Size of fruit has improved over the past week, and color has also improved. There is lots of rain the forecast for the next 10 days. -
Michigan grape scouting report – September 11, 2026
Published on September 11, 2026
Concise, research-based updates on weather trends, vine development, pest pressure and disease risk. -
Michigan statewide apple maturity report – September 10, 2026
Published on September 10, 2026
Keep abreast of the latest apple maturity testing done in different cultivars around the state to optimize harvest times for storage and fresh picking. -
Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – September 9, 2026
Published on September 9, 2026
Growers are harvesting Premier Honeycrisp and Minnieska apples. Days have been sunny with cooler nights, so color should be improving.