In 2025, petitions were signed by 25% of the wine grape growers in Michigan to pursue development of a proposed Wine Grape Grower PA 232 program in accordance with Public Act 232, Michigan Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act (1965). The efforts were initiated by the Michigan Wine Collaborative. As a result, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has appointed a Temporary Committee of Wine Grape Growers to develop a proposed program to be considered by Michigan wine grape growers at future public hearings. The intent of the program is to establish a grower funded assessment program to support marketing, research and education within the wine grape industry.
At a recent meeting of the Temporary Committee, some members indicated that communications to develop a proposed PA 232 program for wine grape growers has not been widely received. This email and the linked information are not meant to solicit support, but to increase awareness of the proposed program and to inform you of the progress to date.
This program will only apply to grapes used for producing wine and does not include grapes grown for juice.
The Temporary Committee and MDARD is interested in reaching all independent wine grape growers and wineries growing wine grapes. Please consider passing this information on to your membership.
In addition, it is a challenge to identify all independent wine grape growers.
We are requesting Michigan wine grape growers who may have not yet already, to send their contact information including name, address and email address to the Temporary Committee chairperson, Robert Schutzki at schutzki@msu.edu.
If you have additional questions please reach out to Robert Schutzki.
Your information will only be used for program information, announcements of public hearings and referendum ballots.
Thank you for your consideration,
Robert Schutzki, Chairperson Temporary Committee
Proposed Wine Grape Grower PA 232 Program
