The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is accepting grant proposals for the 2026 Horticulture Fund, which supports Michigan's nursery and ornamental horticulture businesses. Proposals must be received by Friday, November 21, 2025, and the maximum grant award is $20,000.
Eligible applicants include all faculty and staff members of universities and colleges in Michigan, as well as teams consisting of university or college investigators and private individuals. However, university or college personnel must serve as the Principal Investigator for each proposal.
Projects eligible for funding may be either new or ongoing, but all proposals must align with one of three funding categories. Applied Research focuses on crop management systems that enhance industry profitability while remaining environmentally and socially responsible, providing long-term benefits to Michigan's nursery and ornamental horticulture industry. Basic Research supports studies that generate knowledge to address current challenges or enable the future development and implementation of improved techniques or processes. Outreach, Training, and Demonstration initiatives aim to assist Michigan's nursery and ornamental horticultural industries through education and practical application.
All proposals must be submitted via email to MDARD's Nursery Program no later than Friday, November 21, 2025. Applications and grant guidelines are available on MDARD's website. Proposals will be reviewed by the Horticulture Fund Advisory Committee, whose members are appointed by MDARD's Director. Grant recipients will be announced in May 2026.
