MDARD Awards Nearly $57,000 in Grants for Horticulture Research in Michigan

Jun 02, 2025

By Lynsey Mukomel

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced the recipients of the 2025 Horticulture Fund Grant, awarding nearly $57,000 to support innovative research projects that advance Michigan's $1.4 billion nursery and ornamental horticulture industry.

"MDARD supports innovation in horticulture as part of our broader commitment to agricultural sustainability and prosperity in Michigan," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "By investing in practical, science-based solutions, MDARD can help growers adapt to new challenges, use resources more efficiently, and expand their businesses."

Following a competitive review process conducted by the Horticulture Fund Advisory Committee, MDARD selected three projects to receive a total of $56,707 in funding. The projects will focus on:

Developing commercial-scale woodchip bioreactors to remove agrochemicals from recycled irrigation water at a wholesale Michigan greenhouse. This project is led by Tom Fernandez, a Professor at Michigan State University's Department of Horticulture.
Investigating chemical mowing as an innovative technique for controlling weeds in ornamental tree production. This project is led by Debalina Saha, an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University's Department of Horticulture.

Source : michigan.gov

Video: 2024 AGM Day 1 Panel - Succession Planning & Risk Management

Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census of Agriculture indicates that 75% of all farms operating in Canada operate as sole proprietorships or family partnerships. While incorporated farms make up just over a third of Canadian farm operations most of those are also family-run corporations. If the issue of farm succession planning is not on the minds of Canadian farm producers, it probably should be. That same Statistics Canada Census of Agriculture indicates that the average age of a Canadian farmer is 56 years of age with the 55 plus age group becoming the fastest growing segment in Canadian agriculture.

Despite these statistics, the same Census reports that only 1 in 10 Canadian farm operations have a formal succession plan. While each farm has its unique issues when it comes to transferring the business to the next generation, there are some common topics that almost all farmers must address. Join financial, legal, and tax experts to learn about how to begin the process, key tips on ensuring a smooth transition from one generation to the next, and how to manage the strong emotions the topic can create within the family.

Secretary Rollins Expands U.S. Farm Trade Outreach

Be ready for your next flat tire