Michigan’s apple, cherry, peach, and plum producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Tree Fruit Research and Development Program.
Established in 2014, the Michigan Tree Fruit Research and Development Program was developed to improve the economic position and competitiveness of the tree fruit industry by supporting the fruit research stations, research, and extension programs. The program is a public body independent of the Michigan Ag Department and comprised of nine tree fruit producers appointed to the positions. The program will continue an additional five years and end on March 31, 2029.
Michigan tree fruit may be assessed at a maximum rate of $2.50 per ton for cherries, four cents per hundredweight for apples, $2 per ton for peaches, and $4.50 per ton for plums sold. 96 voters, or sixty-three percent of the total number of voters, representing over 294 million pounds of apples, cherries, peaches, and plums, approved the measure.
