The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced that Michigan apple producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program and implement the proposed changes presented by the Michigan Apple Committee.

The BelleHarvest sales team reported extensive yield, consistent sizes, and expanded opportunity for this year’s Michigan apples. “We are forecasting a tremendous crop here in Michigan,” said Milt Fuehrer, chief executive officer at BelleHarvest. The Belding, MI-based company estimated total volume is up roughly 80 percent over last year. 

“Quality and supply of this season is meeting our high expectations and we are looking forward to building out robust programs with customers,” Fuehrer said. 

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development named the Michigan Apple Committee as a recipient of two grants from the 2022 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. In total, MAC will receive $200,000 dedicated to marketing efforts focused on consumer and retail audiences.

Consumer education and outreach aimed at increasing consumption of Michigan apples is an important focus of the Michigan Apple Committee.

The MAC engages in marketing, research education and communications for the benefit of Michigan’s apple growers. Its mission is to enhance the reputation of Michigan apples, improve their share of sales in target markets and aid the profitability and sustainability of Michigan’s apple industry.

The excitement is palpable right now at Ben B. Schwartz & Sons, according to Bill Loupee, chief operating officer at the Detroit-based company, which serves local and national chain stores, as well as foodservice providers.

Since starting operations in the early ’80s, Gem Tomato has focused on marketing vine-ripened, field-grown tomatoes. The company grows in Florida from November through May, moves north to Arkansas for harvesting in June and July and then heads to its home headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI, where it completes its summer program.