Horticulture Fund Grant

The Horticulture Fund Grant is administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), a state agency committed to supporting Michigan’s agriculture sector through stewardship, consumer protection, and industry development. Established in 2003 through amendments to The Insect Pests and Plant Diseases Act, this fund supports initiatives that safeguard plant health by addressing plant pests and diseases that affect Michigan’s horticultural economy. The program is funded through nursery license fee increases, generating up to $70,000 annually. For Fiscal Year 2025, approximately $60,000 is available in total funding. The grant’s primary mission is to support research projects, training programs, and outreach efforts that enhance the protection of plants and plant products. Funded proposals must align with industry priorities and provide measurable benefits to Michigan’s nursery and ornamental horticulture sectors. Grants are competitive, with a maximum of $20,000 awarded per approved proposal. Projects may fall under one of three categories: Applied Research, Basic Research, or Outreach/Training/Demonstration. Priority is given to proposals under Applied Research, especially those involving multiple investigators or addressing cross-commodity priorities. Eligible applicants include faculty and staff from Michigan-based universities and colleges, as well as teams that may include private individuals. However, a university or college staff member must serve as the Principal Investigator. Proposals must clearly define how the project will impact the ornamental horticulture industry in Michigan and include methods for measuring these impacts. Projects may be up to three years in duration but must include budgets and timelines for all years. The submission process requires applicants to complete a detailed proposal including a cover page, problem statement, specific objectives, methodology, impact assessment, and budget justification. All submissions must follow strict formatting guidelines and be routed through MSU’s KC system for MSU-affiliated proposals. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on November 22, 2024, and must be submitted via MDARD’s Grants and Funding Opportunities website. Awards will be announced during the week of May 1, 2025, and the project performance period runs from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. All projects require mid-term and final reporting, with reports made publicly available. The selection process is overseen by a Horticulture Fund Advisory Committee appointed by MDARD’s Director, who ultimately decides which proposals are funded based on a 100-point evaluation matrix. Review criteria include alignment with fund mission, scientific rigor, leverage of funds, industry partnerships, and mechanisms for delivering information to stakeholders. For further information, applicants may contact Andria McCubbin at McCubbinA@Michigan.gov or (517) 599-5748. Proposal support for MSU applicants is available from Jackie Garcia at jdesande@msu.edu or (517) 884-3862. The grant operates on an annual cycle and is expected to reopen in Fall 2025.

Emphasize alignment with plant industry priorities and provide clear impact plans; applied research has highest priority.