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

  • Michigan grape scouting report – July 1, 2026

    Published on July 1, 2026
    Concise, research-based updates on weather trends, vine development, pest pressure and disease risk. Use these timely insights to guide informed, proactive vineyard management decisions and optimize vine health and productivity.

  • Northwest Michigan fruit update – July 1, 2026

    Published on July 1, 2026
    In addition to record-breaking rainfall in parts of Leelanau and Antrim counties, the weather has been extremely hot this week, increasing the risk for brown rot infection in ripening sweet cherries.

  • Northwest Michigan fruit update – June 23, 2026

    Published on June 23, 2026
    Sweet and tart cherries are beginning to color, and strawberry harvest is ongoing.

  • Michigan grape scouting report – June 17, 2026

    Published on June 17, 2026
    Concise, research-based updates on weather trends, vine development, pest pressure and disease risk. Use these timely insights to guide informed, proactive vineyard management decisions and optimize vine health and productivity.

  • Northwest Michigan fruit update – June 9, 2026

    Published on June 9, 2026
    Recent rain was much needed after an extended dry period. Fruit is sizing across orchard blocks. We are still in the thinning window for apples.