Michigan Craft Beverage Council Awards Nearly $450,000 in Research and Education Grants

Funding supports and enhances the state's growing craft beer, hard cider, spirits and wine industries

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced today that it has awarded $439,460 of research and education grants to further strengthen Michigan's world-renowned craft beer, wine, spirits and hard cider industries.

"Michigan's craft beverage industry is one of the most dynamic and diverse in the nation, and we plan to keep it that way," said Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and chair of the MCBC. "These grants will help boost production of Michigan-grown craft beverage inputs, promote sustainable agriculture, encourage innovation and propel growth in the craft beverage industry."

The MCBC awarded eleven research grants for the 2026 cycle:

• Dr. James DeDecker, Michigan State University - $39,798 to research the optimal methods for distilling cereal rye in various settings.
• Dr. Martin Chilvers, Michigan State University - $40,000 to conduct a meta-analysis of barley head blight data as well as evaluate alternative downy mildew products for efficacy on hops.
• Dr. Emily Holm, Michigan State University - $40,000 to study methods to prevent winter injury to malting barley.
• Michigan Cider Association - $40,000 to develop statewide cider and apple marketing materials highlighting Michigan growers, cider producers and hospitality partners.
• Dr. Timothy Miles, Michigan State University - $40,000 to study control programs for cluster rot management in Michigan vineyards.
• Joshua Miranda, Michigan State University - $40,000 to evaluate electrical weed control as a sustainable, non-chemical alternative for vineyard management.
• Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar, Michigan State University - $39,990 to research artificial intelligence-based mildew detection in Michigan vineyards.
• Dr. Michael Reinke, Michigan State University - $29,500 for a new vineyard trial to assess the vigor, cold tolerance and disease resistance of new wine grape cultivars.
• Dr. Maninder Singh, Michigan State University - $39,926 to manage alternative corn varieties within regenerative and conventional agriculture systems.
• Dr. Rob Sirrine, Michigan State University - $31,546 to expand market opportunities for Michigan hop growers and brewers through study of the aroma and chemical profiles of three different hop cultivars.
• Dr. Yilin Zhang, Michigan State University - $40,000 to research how safe biopolymer delivery can improve grapevine resistance to cold stress.

The MCBC also awarded four education grants:

• Michigan Cider Association - $5,000 to provide cidermaking methods and trends education to approximately 140 cidermakers, apple growers, brewers, winemakers and other professionals.
• Cider Institute of North America - $5,000 to deliver a blended cider sensory education and training program for tasting judges at the 2026 Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• Parallel 45 Vines and Wines - $4,500 to promote and organize educational events and foster networking opportunities in Michigan's grape and wine industry and to establish a Michigan Wine Symposium.
• Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance (MOFFA) - $4,200 to train small farmers and grain producers in sustainable, food-grade grain production and marketing tailored to the craft beverage industry.

Since 2019, the MCBC has awarded nearly $3 million in research and education grants to help strengthen Michigan's craft beverage industry.

Home to more than 750 craft establishments, Michigan ranks in the top ten nationally for wineries, distilleries, breweries and cideries. Michigan's craft beverage industry supports more than 25,000 jobs and has an annual economic impact of $7.3 billion.

Visit the Michigan Craft Beverage website to learn more about the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, including grants, grower connections, business help and a map of craft beverage licenses.

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