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Michigan Craft Beverage Council evaluating supply chains

The Michigan Craft Beverage Council is redefining its strategic plan following the pandemic to invest in the future needs of the industry and agricultural supply chain.

Director Jenelle Jagmin tells Brownfield the council has focused heavily on research in the past that supported projects which addressed climate change impacts, crop quality analysis, and new varieties for hops, fruit, barley, or other ag inputs.

“We’re definitely interested in always looking to increase the acreage and the quality of the ag inputs that are going to be going into Michigan’s supply chain,” she says.

One such project includes studying new varieties of apples ideal for beverages rather than the fresh market that are more disease resistant and climate hardy.

“That produce a red-fleshed apple that could help make big impacts for the hard cider industry because it creates a beautiful, beautiful color into the cider,” she says.

More than more than $274,000 were awarded to nine projects this year.

Jagmin says the final plan will be decided this summer and take into consideration areas of need revealed over the past year.