Detroit City Wire

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has opened the application period for the 2026 Horticulture Fund. The fund is designed to support Michigan’s nursery and ornamental horticulture businesses. Eligible applicants include faculty and staff from Michigan universities and colleges, as well as teams that may include private individuals, provided a university or college employee serves as the Principal Investigator.

MDARD will consider both new and ongoing projects. Proposals must align with one of three funding categories: applied research, basic research, or outreach, training, and demonstration. Applied research projects should focus on crop management systems that improve industry profitability and sustainability. Basic research is intended to generate knowledge for solving current problems or developing future techniques. Outreach and training efforts should assist Michigan’s nursery and ornamental horticultural industries.

The maximum grant award is $20,000. Proposals must be submitted by email to MDARD’s Nursery Program by Friday, November 21, 2025. Applications and guidelines are available on MDARD’s website. An advisory committee appointed by the Director of MDARD will review submissions, with recipients expected to be announced in May 2026.

“Proposals will be reviewed by the Horticulture Fund Advisory Committee, whose members are appointed by MDARD’s Director. Grant recipients plan to be announced in May 2026,” according to the department.

Further details about the program can be found at MDARD’s website.