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Request for Proposals from Commodity Groups

 

Please note: Commodity group RFPs are listed in alphabetical order by commodity group, not by due date.

Commodity group RFPs are in both the commodity group listing and the specific deadline listing. RFPs in the commodity group listing are permanently posted so researchers can refer to the RFP after the deadline has passed. RFPs in the specific deadlines listing are removed after the deadline expires.

Some descriptions may only be summaries. Contact the sponsor or Candace Ebbinghaus for complete details. Visit the office of Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies for other proposal and funding notices. The http://www.grants.gov/ Web site offers one-stop shopping for information on applying for all federal grants.

Updated: 11/30/09

California Table Grape Commission

The California Table Grape Commission requests letters of intent to submit a proposal for its annual research grant program. Letters of intent will be reviewed and finalists will be invited to submit a complete proposal to the commission. Letters of intent should be for $30,000 grrants to study any relevant health issue and the potential health benefits of grape consumption.

Letters of intent are due December 2, 2008. Subtmit the letter plus 10 copies to:

Jim Howard
Health Research Grant Committee
California Table Grape Commission
392 W. Fallbrook, Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93711-6150
Phone: 559-447-8350

For complete instructions on letter of intent format, see the complete rfp below.

Download the complete California Table Grape Commission request for proposals. (PDF document)

Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and Michigan Corn Growers Association

The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) and the Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) are requesting research proposals for FY10. The focus of Michigan Corn's research program includes projects that increase the profitability of Michigan corn production and increase farmer market opportunities. Research should focus on:

  • value-added projects
  • new product development
  • efficiency gain in current markets
  • business or marketing plans
  • information or value to enhance areas of production problems or global issues

A list of potential agronomic research topics is included in the complete RFP, available at the end of this listing.

Whether a proposal is a continuation of a current project or a new idea, the CMPM and MCGA would like to review a preliminary proposal. All proposals and reports submitted must be dated. Preliminary proposals must be no longer than three double-sided pages. Longer proposals or proposals that are not double-sided will not be considered.

MSU researchers should submit 41 unstapled, papercliped copies and one electronic copy in Microsoft Word on a CD of preliminary preproposals to the MAES office, 109 Agriculture Hall, by noon on November 13, 2009. MSU transmittal forms are required for preliminary proposals. Please note that the CMPM will not treat these preliminary proposals as confidential.

E-transmittals will be accepted for these preproposals. Candace Ebbinghaus, in the MAES office, will make the extra needed copies. Researchers should be sure the proposal is attached to the e-transmittal when it is sent in for signature.

Questions should be directed to Doug Buhler, MAES associate director, 517-355-0123 or buhler@msu.edu; or Betsy Braid, at the CMPM, at 517-668-2676.

Download the complete Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and Michigan Corn Growers Association request for proposals, including guidelines, cover page, budget form and timeline. (PDF document)

Cherry Reseach Committee

The Cherry Research Commitee announces a request for proposals on new research that supports the overall healthfulness of cherries and cherry products. All research should strive to document a direct relationship between consuming cherry phytonutrients and reduced risk, prevention or improved treatment of a disease or condition of significant public interest. The research also should examine possible cellular or molecular mechanisms of the treatment effects.

Proposals are due August 4, 2008 and should be submitted electronically to: E. Mitchell Seymour, Cherry Research Committee scientific review officer, at sro@cherryresearch.com.

Please copy Phil Korson, Cherry Marketing Institute president, at pkorson@aol.com.

Proposals must follow the Cherry Research Committee format.

Download the complete Cherry Research Committee request for proposals, including format instructions and biosketch and resources forms. (PDF document)

Download the Cherry Research Committee request for proopsals budget form. (Excel document)

Michigan Apple Committee

The Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) announces a call for research proposals for 2010. The MAC mission is to improve the profitability of apple growing through improving production information and techniques, developing new markets and new products, and identifying consumer trends and facts. MAC wishes to support innovative research that helps achieve this mission and that focus on its strategic research priorities. Researchers should ensure their project is a new idea and hasn't been done at another university or research organization.

Whether the proposal is a continuation of a current project or a new idea, researchers must submit a preliminary proposal. The preliminary proposal should be no more than one double-sided page, plus an attached cover sheet and budget form. Note: researchers must use the MAC cover sheet and budget forms (available for download below) to submit preliminary proposals.

Prelimary proposals are due by 5 p.m. on November 23, 2009.

Non-MSU preliminary proposals (15 copies) should be submitted to the Michigan Apple Committee, 13105 Schavey Road, Ste. 2, DeWitt, MI 48820.

MSU researchers should submit their preliminary proposals (15 copies) to the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, 109 Agriculture Hall. MSU transmittal forms are not required for preliminary proposals.

Direct questions via e-mail to Diane Smith, director of administration/finance, Michigan Apple Committee, or by calling 517-669-8353. MSU scientists also may contact Doug Buhler via e-mail or by calling 517-355-0123.

Download the complete MAC request for proposals. (PDF document)
Download the MAC budget form. (Microsoft Excel document)
Download the MAC cover sheet form. (Microsoft Excel document)

Michigan Cherry Committee

The Michigan Cherry Committee (MCC) is requesting research proposals for FY2010. The request for proposals is being coordinated by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Research priorities for the MCC can be found on the Project GREEEN Web site and in the complete rfp available for download below. However, proposals on any important topic will be accepted.

Researchers should submit 25 copies of each proposal and each proposal should be no longer than three pages. Proposals are due in the MAES office, 109 Agriculture Hall, by 5 p.m. on January 25, 2010. Researchers granted funds in FY2009 who wish to continue their projects must reapply for FY10 funding.

A transmittal is required for each proposal submitted. One copy of the transmittal should accompany each set of proposals. Do not attach a transmittal to all 25 copies of the proposal.

Funding decisions will be announced in March 2010.

Please direct questions via e-mail to Doug Buhler or Candace Ebbinghaus or by calling 517-355-0123.

Download the complete MCC request for proposals, including cover sheet, budget form and research priorities. (Microsoft Word document)

Michigan Christmas Tree Association

The Michigan Christmas Tree Association (MCTA) is making its request for proposals for FY10.

The MCTA's research priority areas are:

  • Production and storage research, including:
    • nutrition management
    • irrigation/water use
    • insect, disease and weed management
    • storage and handling
    • equipment efficiencies
    • new variety development
  • Market research and market development research, including
    • consumer research on Christmas tree uses, preferences, packaging, etc.
  • Value-added product research, including
    • new product development
    • innovations to existing Christmas tree products such as table-top trees, live trees, holiday greens, etc.

More specific priorities are available on the Project GREEEN Web site.

The proposal should be no more than three pages long and should include a cover sheet and budget sheet, which are available for download below.

Nine copies of the proposals are due in the MAES office, 109 Agriculture Hall, by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2009.

A transmittal is required for this RFP. Please use "Mich Christmas Tree Assn" as the sponsor on the transmittal. This helps with other reporting items.

Questions should be directed to: Doug Buhler or Candace Ebbinghaus at 517-355-0123 at the MAES, or Marsha Gray, MCTA executive director, at 517-545-9971.

Download a copy of the complete MCTA request for proposals, including the cover and budget sheets. (Microsoft Word document)

Michigan Crop Improvement Association

The Michigan Crop Improvement Association (MCIA) is accepting research proposals for 2010. Approximately $50,000 is available for research that will lead to improved profitability for the Michigan public seed industry. A detailed list of research priorities for each targeted field crop (dry beans, wheat, oats) is available by downloading the complete proposal below.

All proposals must follow a specified format and be no longer than two pages in length, excluding the budget attachment. Please use a 12-point font and a minimum of 1-inch margins.

Thirteen copies of each proposal should be delivered to the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, 109 Agriculture Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, by noon on November 20, 2009. Transmittal sheets must accompany proposals from Michigan State University researchers.

Questions should be directed to Candace Ebbinghaus at 517-355-0123 at the MAES, or Randy Judd at 517-335-7438 at the MCIA.

Download the complete MCIA request for proposals, which includes detailed format specifications, a budget sheet and research priorities. (Microsoft Word document)

Michigan Department of Agriculture Horticulture Fund

The Michigan Legislature created the Horticulture Fund through a revision of the Insect Pests and Plant Diseases Act. The fund's mission is "to provide for research projects, to develop and improve training programs, and to develop outreach materials for the purposes of safeguarding plants and plant products from unwanted plant pests."

This is a competitive grant program. Horticulture Fund grants will be awarded up to a maximum annual amount of $20,000 per approved proposal.

Proposals that benefit Michigan's nursery and ornamental horticulture sectors by addressing industry priorities are requested. Research/extension priorities that have previously been submitted by plant commodity groups are available at www.greeen.msu.edu.

Horticulture Fund grants should complement, not replace, ongoing programs or assist in exploring new ventures. To allow evaluation and assessment of productivity, projects must deliver clearly defined results within a realistic time frame. All proposals must clearly state how the proposed activities will enhance Michigan ornamental horticulture. All proposals will be reviewed by a Horticulture Fund Advisory Committee appointed by the director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Funding for the applied research and outreach/training/demonstration categories may be requested for up to 3 years, with second and third year funding contingent on satisfactory progress and available Horticulture Fund assets. Multiyear proposals must clearly justify the proposed time span and provide a progressive linkage among the activities in subsequent years based upon the accomplishments of the previous year. Funding for the basic research category may be requested for 1 year only. Applied research proposals will be given greater priority than basic research proposals.

Proposals are due by 5 p.m. January 30, 2009. Proposals from Michigan State University must include one copy of a completed transmittal. Send proposals to:

MDA Horticulture Fund Proposals
c/o Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station
109 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039

For questions on the RFP, contact Michael Bryan at bryanm@michigan.gov or 517-241-2977.

For questions on submitting proposals, contact Candace Ebbinghaus at candy@msu.edu or 517-355-0123, ext. 112.

Awards will be announced in March 2009.

Download the complete Horticulture Fund request for proposals, including cover sheet and budget form. (Microsoft Word document)

Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council

The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council is requesting research proposals for FY10. The RFP process will coordinated by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.

Proposals should focus on the council's priorities, available for download at the end of this RFP or on the Project GREEEN Web site.

Proposals should be no more than five pages long. Researchers should submit three copies of the proposal, plus a budget page by 5 p.m. on August 3, 2009. Submit proposals to the MAES office, 109 Agriculture Hall.

Researchers who received funding in 2009 and wish to continue the project must apply for 2010 funding. A transmittal is required for each proposal submitted. Please attach one copy of the transmittal to the original proposal.

Direct questions to Doug Buhler at 517-355-0123 or Candace Ebbinghaus.

Download a copy of the complete Grape and Wine Industry Council request for proposals, including the cover and budget sheets as well as reporting requirements. (PDF document)

Download a copy of the Grape and Wine Industry Council's research priorities. (PDF document)

Michigan Milk Producers Association

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) has issued a call for preproposals for the 2009 applied research fund. Researchers should submit preproposals that address the following research priority areas:

  • Animal waste recycling, nutrient management/ulilization and manure handling and storage.
  • Animal comfort and well-being, health and reproduction.
  • Business, financial management skills, management information systems and profitability.
  • Labor and management skills.
  • Planned growth and profit strategies.

However, if a proposal doesn't fall into one of the above categories, the MMPA enourages people to submit new and innovative preproposals. Proposals showing matching funds and/or collaboration are encouraged.

Preproposals are due by noon on April 30, 2009. Preproposals should be sent as an e-mail attachement to Sheila Burkhardt at burkhardt@mimilk.com.

A select group of preproposals will be selected for full proposal preparation by May 12, 2009 and investigators will be notified by e-mail.

Download the complete Michigan Milk Producers Association request for preproposals, including preproposal format instructions and research priority areas. (PDF document)

Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association

The Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) has issued its request for proposals for FY08. The RFP process is being coordinated by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.

Researchers who wish to apply for funding must use the MNLA research grant application included in the complete RFP file available for download at the end of this summary. A transmittal sheet is required for this application.

Proposals are due by noon on February 25, 2008. Researchers must submit a paper copy of the proposal, with the transmittal sheet, to the MAES office, 109 Agriculture Hall. Researchers also must send an electronic copy of the proposal via e-mail to Candace Ebbinghaus at candy@msu.edu.

Researchers who received MNLA funding in 2007 are required to submit an accomplishment report by noon on March 7, 2008. The report should be two pages long and written for a general audience. The report should be a WordPerfect or Microsoft Word file in a 12 point font. The format for the report is outlined in the complete RFP file available for download at the end of this summary. Accomplishment reports can be submitted by logging on to: http://web4.canr.msu.edu/commodity/reportfiling.cfm and following the directions on the page.

For questions about this RFP, contact Candace Ebbinghaus at 517-355-0123, ext. 112. For questions about submitting an accomplishment report, contact Jawed Faruqi at 517-355-0123, ext.104. For questions about the content of the accomplishment report, contact the MNLA at 517-381-0437 or 800-879-6652.

Download a copy of the complete MNLA RFP, including the research grant application and accomplishment report format. (Microsoft Word document)

Michigan Potato Industry Commission

The Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) request for proposals is an ongoing activity of the MPIC with the intent of assisting Michigan potato growers with production and storage practices.

Researchers should submit 20 copies of an abstract as well as 20 copies of each proposal. Proposals must be signed by the researcher and his/her department chair. Proposals are due in the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station office, 109 Agriculture Hall, by 5 p.m. on December 1, 2009. Direct questions via e-mail to Candace Ebbinghaus or by calling her at 517-355-0123.

A transmittal is required for each proposal submitted. One copy of the transmittal should accompany each set of proposals. Do not attach a transmittal to all 20 copies of the proposal.

The MPIC Research Committee will meet January 14, 2010. Researchers are asked to combine 2009 season research reporting session and 2010 potato research project presentations into one 30-minute presentation. Researchers will need approximately 20 copies of their 2009 crop year research reports for the meeting.

Michigan Seedling Growers Association

The Michigan Seedling Growers Association (MSGA) represents both conifer and deciduous seelding producers in the state. The MSGA is soliciting research and/or extension proposals on any issue relevant to the Michigan nursery seedling industry.

Proposals should be 1 to 2 pages long. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. December 15, 2009.

Please send 10 copies of each proposal and budget and a completed transmittal form to:

Candace Ebbinghaus
Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station
109 Agriculture Hall

Direct questions via e-mail to Candace Ebbinghaus or by calling 517-355-0123.

Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee

The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee is accepting proposals for research and market development projects that meet the group's priority areas, including those in the areas of weed management, disease/insect control and the agronomics of soybean produciton. (Priority areas are detailed in the downloadable document at the end of this RFP.) This proposal process includes both a continuation of FY09 projects that received a contingent multi-year grant and new projects for FY10.

Researchers should submit 12 copies of each pre-proposal (suitable for insertion into a three-ring binder) as well as a CD-ROM or flash drive with a copy of the proposal saved in Miscrosoft Word 2003 or later on it to:

Keith Reinhold
Field Operations Director
Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee
P.O. Box 287
140 W. Tuscola Street
Frankenmuth, MI 48734

Proposals must be submitted by November 16, 2009. Electronic submissions will not be accepted. Proposals should include a cover sheet, which includes an abstract with the CD-ROM or flash drive.

Direct questions to Keith Reinhold at reinholt@michigansoybean.org or call 989-652-3294.

Download the complete Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee request for proposals. (PDF document)

Michigan State Horticultural Society

The Michigan State Horticultural Society (MSHS) has issued its call for research proposals for FY2010. The request for proposals will be coordinated by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES).

MSHS research priorities can be found on the Project GREEEN Web site. However, proposals on any important topic will be accepted.

Please submit 15 copies of each proposal. Each proposal should be no longer than three pages. Proposals are due in the MAES office, 109 Agriculture Hall, by 5 p.m. January 25, 2010. Researchers who were granted funds last year and wish to continue the project must reapply for FY10 funding.

A transmittal is required for each proposal submitted. One transmittal should accompany each set of proposals. Do not attach a transmittal to all 15 copies of the proposal.

Please direct questions via e-mail to Doug Buhler or Candace Ebbinghaus or by calling 517-355-0123.

Download the complete MSHS request for proposals, including cover sheet and budget form. (Microsoft Word document)

Michigan Sugar Sugar Beet Research

The Michigan Sugar Company is offering competitive grant research money for sugar beet research. The amount available will not be determined until harvest is completed.

Funding up to $15,000 per proposal may be granted, but requests may not exceed $20,000 per researcher for multiple and/or shared research projects. Matching funds are encouraged. In 2009, funding requests exceeded funds available.

Researchers should submit eight copies of one-page pre-proposals to Candace Ebbinghaus, 109 Agriculture Hall, or via email to candy@msu.edu by December 18, 2009. A transmittal is required for each pre-proposal submitted. One transmittal should accompany each set of pre-proposals. E-transmittals will be accepted. Multiple-year projects are contingent upon research progress and updates should be submitted with 2010 pre-proposals when reapplying.

Selected researchers who submit pre-proposals will be asked to submit full proposals, with a transmittal form, by January 30, 2010. Proposals should be within the parameters of industry priority areas. Please director questions to Corey Guza via e-mail or by calling his mobile phone: at 989-550-1147.

Download a copy of the complete Michigan Sugar request for proposals. (PDF document)

Michigan Vegetable Council

The Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC) is requesting research proposals for FY2009. The request for proposals is being coordinated by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Research priorities for the MVC can be found on the Project GREEEN Web site and are available for download below. However, proposals on any important topic will be accepted.

A maximum of $7,500 is available for projects approved by the MVC. Preference will be given to projects that leverage these funds with other sources of funding (pending or awarded). Funding commitments will be for FY2010 only.

Researchers should submit eight copies of each proposal. Each proposal should be no longer than three pages. Proposals are due in the MAES office, 109 Agriculture Hall, by 5 p.m. on December 22, 2009.

A transmittal is required for each proposal submitted. One copy of the transmittal should accompany each set of proposals. Do not attach a transmittal to all eight copies of the proposal.

Direct questions via e-mail to Doug Buhler or Candace Ebbinghaus or by calling 517-355-0123.

Download the complete MVC request for proposals, including research priorities, cover sheet and budget form. (Microsoft Word document)

National Grape Cooperative

The National Grape Cooperative has issued its request for proposals for 2010. The National Grape Cooperative's research priorities are:

  • Mechanization of pruning and shoot positioning (Concord and Niagara).
  • Phomopsis control.
  • Grape berry moth control.
  • Vineyard nutrition practices to maximize production (Concord and Niagara).
  • Maintaining and/or improving production in older vineyards.
  • Determining the need for and application of crop adjustment in Concord vineyards.
  • Developing new methods to more accurately track vineyard maturity progress.
  • Evaluation of new training and trellising systems to maximize production of mature fruit.
  • Evaluation of Ponnax and other materials to enhance fruit set.
  • Determining the benefits of irrigation and fertigation in Concord and Niagara vineyards.
  • Methods to improve vine size.
  • Evaluation of Concord clones for improved production.
  • Dormant season control of powdery mildew and other diseases.
  • Evaluation of chemical and mechanical sucker control in vineyards.
  • IR-4 research to register new pesticides for use in grapes.
  • Applying precision agriculture technology to Concord and Niagara production.

Proposals are due on December 11, 2009.

Submit proposals to:

Jay D. Hardenburg
Viticulture Manager
National Grape Cooperative
2 South Portage Street
Westfield, NY 14787

For questions, please call 716-326-5200.

Download the complete National Grape Cooperative RFP. (Microsoft Word document)

Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program and Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association

The Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is soliciting proposals for research grants for 2010. Special priority will be given to projects involving the state's three major processing crops: snap beans, tomatoes and sweet corn. However, proposals involving fresh-market crops and greenhouse vegetable crops also will be accepted. The research priorities are available in the complete rfp available for download below.

Researchers should submit a brief, one-paragraph (half-page at most) description of their proposed research projects for review. The pre-proposal also should contain a rough estimate of the amount of funds requested.Pre-proposals must be submitted by November 6, 2009.

Submit pre-proposals via e-mail (preferred method -- a receipt will be sent when the pre-proposal is received) to pvmrp@embarqmail.com or by U.S. mail to:

Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program
c/o William Troxell, Executive Secretary
815 Middle Road
Richfield, PA 17086-9205

Download the complete Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program and Pennsylvani Vegetable Growers Association request for proposals. (Microsoft Word document)

Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center

The Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to conduct research programs consistent with the mission of the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC) to enhance the profitability of agriculture, with emphasis on horticulture in southwest Michigan.

All research proposals should address critical needs in fruit, vegetable, ornamental plant, or field crop production, or the environmental quality of agricultural landscapes in southwest Michigan. Proposals that leverage SWMREC funds through funding partnerships should be clearly stated and will be considered positively.

The SWMREC Board of Directors would like to establish new innovative projects to ensure that research programs are addressing contemporary issues critical to the viability of southwest Michigan agriculture. Projects that reflect a financial partnership with southwest Michigan agricultural industries will be favorably considered. All proposals should clearly state how the planned research activities will benefit the industries involved and how the information will be disseminated to SWMREC clientele. Multidisciplinary projects will be favorably considered for funding. Multiple investigator proposals should clearly outline the role of each team member. Participation by farmers, private sector consultants, agricultural professionals, MSU Extension specialists and agents, and MAES researchers as active team members is desirable. Research proposals that include cultivar evaluation, demonstration of innovative production practices and educational programs will not be considered.

Funding requests with funding activities beyond the initial year will be contingent on satisfactory progress and the availability of funds.

For this funding cycle, the signed original proposal plus 14 copies are due by 5 p.m. February 23, 2009 in the MAES office 109 Agriculture Hall. Fax copies will not be accepted. Proposals must follow the format and include the cover and budget sheets available for download at the end of this RFP.

Please direct questions to Tom Zabadal, at SWMREC, phone: 269-944-1477, ext 206, or Doug Buhler, at MAES, phone: 517-355-0123.

Download the complete SWMREC RFP, including format instructions, and cover and budget sheets. (Microsoft Word document)

Western Michigan Greenhouse Association and Metropolitan Flower Growers Association

The Western Michigan Greenhouse Association and the Metropolitan Detroit Flower Growers Association are requesting proposals for research or extension projects on any issue that is relevant to the floriculture industry in Michigan. Proposals can be on any aspect of production, marketing, economics or related issues that will benefit greenhouse growers in Michigan.

Researchers should send 25 copies of a one- to two-page proposal and budget, as well as a completed transmittal form to:

Candace Ebbinghaus
Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station
109 Agriculture Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824

The deadline for submitting proposals is November 11, 2009 by 5 p.m. The proposals will be sent to both boards for review.

All researchers who submit a proposal for 2010 are invited to join both boards for a lunch meeting at the Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo in Grand Rapids on December 9, 2009 from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.

Direct specific questions to Michael Ouding, president, Western Michigan Greenhouse Association, at 269-343-3560 or Tony Raney, president, Metro Detroit Flower Growers Association, at 248-207-6872.

Last Updated: November 30, 2009
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