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 30, 2026
Published on October 1, 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 30, 2026
Published on September 30, 2026
Apple harvest is cranking along this season. We had a big rain event September 30, which likely slowed the morning harvest. -
Michigan grape scouting report – September 23, 2026
Published on September 23, 2026
Concise, research-based updates on weather trends, vine development, pest pressure and disease risk. -
Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – September 22, 2026
Published on September 23, 2026
Apple harvest is ramping up in northwest Michigan. Growers are harvesting McIntosh for processing, and Honeycrisp harvest is underway. -
Michigan statewide apple maturity report – September 23, 2026
Published on September 23, 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.