Proposals due August 3
Lansing, Mich. (June 27, 2018) – Continuing its emphasis on innovative production and market research, the Michigan Wheat Program (MWP) has released its eighth annual call for research proposals.
“Since we first announced our interest in funding wheat research in 2012, and with a very modest level of funds at the beginning, the Michigan Wheat Program has invested over $2 million in more than 90 projects with potential to improve the yield and quality of wheat grown in Michigan,” said David Milligan, the Cass City-area farmer who chairs the nine-member board.
The Michigan Wheat Program funds wheat research projects that address soil nutrition and plant health; high-management production; weed, disease and insect control; breeding; wheat establishment; human health and wheat; crop rotation and cover crops; and other topics that would drive improvements in quality and yield.
To date, most projects have been funded at Michigan State University, although the board is open to researchers in other public institutions or private entities that reflect Michigan growing conditions and priorities, according to executive director Jody Pollok-Newsom.
The full Request for Proposals (RFP) and the budget submission form can be found at http://miwheat.org/researcher/ Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 3, 2018. Researchers chosen for funding will be notified by the end of August, and a pre-award presentation may be requested by the board. The board does consider other research proposals submitted throughout the year.
Michigan ranks 12th in the nation for winter wheat production and produces 2.4 percent of all U.S. wheat. Michigan growers benefit from six mills operated by five major milling companies in the state that add value to the commodity.
Michigan wheat producers plant 500,000 acres of red and white wheat annually, resulting in a crop of about 40 million bushels on average. The state’s wheat crop has a total economic impact of about $388 million annually.
The Michigan Wheat Program is funded by nearly 8,000 farmers who grow wheat in 50 of Michigan’s 83 counties. MWP’s board seeks to promote the state’s wheat industry by funding and supporting the strategic priorities of wheat farmers working with input suppliers, seed producers, millers, end users and consumers. Additional information about Michigan’s wheat industry is found at www.miwheat.org, or by calling 888-WHEAT01 (888-943-2801).