The Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center, is a research centre responsible for a cherry orchard of well over 130 hectares with a production of over 2000 tonnes of cherries per year. This number constitutes 83% of the cherry production of the entire state of Michigan.
In addition to the fresh product, the research centre also produces cherry tarts, supplying the entire US market and accounting for about half of the country's production of between 54,000 and 68,000 tonnes of pies each year.
Founded by the Northwest Michigan fruit industry, the centre is the leading research site for integrated pest management, horticultural production and management. Added to this is expertise in value-added processing, marketing and farm financial management practices for sweet and sour cherries, not to mention wine grapes, apples, plums and hops.
The work of the research centre also supports outreach, creating and expanding knowledge through research on cherries and other fruits and disseminating cutting-edge information to the Michigan fruit industry and the general public.
Last month, the TV station 9&10 News showed the live to the state of Michigan a tour of the research center to explain to the public what the research centre consists of and what kind of work this important centre does not only for Michigan but for the whole country.
To watch the 9&10 News interviews:
27 Nov 2025
An international research project led by Texas A&M University and involving PUCV aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind the health benefits of sweet cherries, focusing on their potential to prevent obesity and metabolic disorders through multi-omic approaches.
27 Aug 2026
CRISPR opens new prospects for cherries, blackberries and other crops as Pairwise develops seedless, thornless fruit, higher productivity and resilient varieties. The challenge is bringing gene editing from labs into farms amid costs, regulation and consumer acceptance.
19 Oct 2026
Global cherry production is forecast to reach a record 5.4 million tonnes in 2026/27 up by 17%, according to the USDA. Rising Chilean exports and Chinese imports point to stronger competition for Argentina’s Patagonia during the shared Southern Hemisphere export season.
19 Oct 2026
South African cherries turn to the domestic market as production rises 17% in 2024/25 and export prices fall 27%. Local demand helps sustain the value of the industry. A look at leading varieties, planted areas and the main destinations for South African cherry exports.
