$10K available for cherry research and market development in Montana

Helena, Mont., Montana’s Cherry Advisory Committee and Research & Market Development program announced approximately $10,000 in funding available to advance Montana’s cherry industry. The program is seeking proposals that fund demonstration projects, applied research or market development projects designed to address Montana’s cherry industry needs and opportunities.

Montana’s cherry industry is best known for Flathead cherries grown in the Flathead Valley. After a dip in prices in 2012, Montana sweet cherries have rebounded from a total value of $2 million to $3.78 million with 1,800 tons utilized in 2014 according to the latest statistics provided by Montana National Agricultural Statistics Services.

Proposals should focus on either improving the quality of Montana’s cherry crop, disease and pest control, research to improve the industry, disseminating new research, or developing cherry markets including market assessments or planning, publicity, and promotional campaigns. Last year a fruit fly pest control program and GLOBAL GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification program were funded by the committee.

Submitted proposals must be received on or before 5 p.m., March 24, 2015 to:

Montana Cherry Advisory Committee

Montana Department of Agriculture

PO Box 200201

Helena, MT 59620-0201

For more information and a detailed description of the Montana Cherry Advisory Committee’s request for proposals visit the website at http://1.usa.gov/1DZCmYO. The five-member committee will determine fund recipients at their next meeting tentatively scheduled for April 23, 2015.

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.

–Montana Department of Agriculture