Big cider news this week: the United States Association of Cider Makers (USACM) has released a request for proposals (RFP) for a funding opportunity. The USACM will award up to $50,000 total for projects directed at answering critical questions about cider. This will include areas such as cider apple cultivation, cider production, cellaring activities and economic research specific to the cider market in the United States. Applications for this unique opportunity are due by February 17, 2017.
The committee consists of experts in their fields, such as research pomologists and production specialists. The committee emphasizes its research priorities and the required application format, which can be found in the RFP.
USACM board president Mike Beck says, “The Association knows there are unanswered questions about cider in the US. Finding answers will help elevate the entire industry, both cider quality and profitability. We hope our research grant can help our members in this way.”
This research grant is just one way in which USACM is working to support its members and elevate the cider industry. USACM is a national organization of cider and perry producers founded in 2013. The organization supports the industry through lobbying, the CiderCon national conference, educational programming and cooperative cider marketing initiatives. Learn more by visiting the USACM website.
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