Michigan State University AgBioResearch and its partners discussed on May 5 the impact of collaborative efforts to support Michigan’s tree fruit industry, emphasizing the importance of research, infrastructure investment, and grower involvement. The update comes as part of a series focusing on how MSU AgBioResearch addresses key challenges in agriculture and natural resources.
The partnership between MSU AgBioResearch, state agencies, and grower organizations has played a critical role in maintaining research stations that are essential for Michigan’s apple, cherry, peach, and plum producers. According to Nancy Nyquist, executive director of the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission (MTFC), “Our industry leaders and growers saw the value of research and outreach from MSU, and they committed to putting grower dollars into play to continue this work. With a one-time matching appropriation from the Michigan Legislature, we got the commission up and running, and it’s been a lifesaver for our industries.”
The MTFC was formed in 2014 as a response to funding shortages following the Great Recession. It brings together commodity groups such as apple committees and marketing institutes with MSU researchers. Since its creation, MTFC has invested more than $4.6 million in station support alongside over $1.2 million for other initiatives like conference travel for researchers. Investments include new equipment such as autonomous sprayers—a technology seen as vital amid ongoing labor shortages—and advanced grading lines using imaging technology.
Growers Dan Dietrich of Dietrich Orchards and Jim Nugent of Sunblossom Orchards both described how applying MSU research has improved their operations by addressing issues like Honeycrisp apple storage problems or pest management strategies for spotted wing drosophila. Dietrich said that state funding is essential: “Without the help of state funding… specialty crop growers can’t come up with enough funding to do the research that’s necessary to keep us successful.” Nugent added that continued investment is needed because “the future of these industries is dependent on research.” Both noted that university-led innovation helps keep local agriculture competitive.
MSU projects like Project GREEEN—focused on short-term plant agriculture issues—and newer programs targeting long-term resiliency have supported advances in disease control methods, pest management tools such as biological controls for invasive species, weather-based data systems like Enviroweather Mobile App development,
and multidisciplinary studies addressing water use efficiency.
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University addresses challenges in food production,
environmental sustainability,
and health through education,
outreach,
and applied science.according to the official website. The college operates across Michigan via multiple research centers,
extension services,
and collaborations engaging over 340 scientists.according to the official website.
