RESEARCH

Research is an integral part of what we are all about. State farmer dollars invested in research for corn have already resulted in the further development of corn-based markets such as ethanol, carpeting, fabrics, salt substitutes, and plastics that replace petroleum-based products.

Research requests for proposals (RFP) are distributed to parties interested in advancing Michigan’s corn industry through new and improved markets or through innovative production practices. Each year the board of directors for the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) and the Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) meet to hear proposals from individual researchers, as well as organizations and universities, and vote to fund projects they feel meet their criteria and will add value to the corn industry. In addition to the research projects funded through this process, the CMPM partners with other corn growing states to fund large-scale national projects too large for an individual state to fund on their own.

The focus of Michigan Corn’s research program includes projects that increase the profitability of Michigan corn production, increase market opportunities or improve the environmental footprint of corn production. Projects should focus on value-added projects; new product development; efficiency gain in current markets; enhancement of current, traditional markets; business or marketing plans; and information or value to enhance areas of production problems or global issues.

2012 Request for Proposals

Preliminary proposals are due by noon on Nov. 4, 2011. Please submit a Word document via email to Nikki Beattie (nbeattie@micorn.org). You will receive an email notification your proposal was received. If you do not receive confirmation by Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, please follow-up with our office. If you do not receive a receipt of proposal, it is your responsibility to follow-up with CMPM. MSU proposals require a transmittal for each proposal. Researchers should submit their proposals electronically, through the MSU e-transmittal system.

The CMPM and the MCGA boards will review preliminary proposals at their Dec. 15, 2011 Board meeting. Team leaders of proposals selected for further consideration will receive notification after Dec. 23. They will have the option to add to their preliminary proposal by submitting a full proposal by Jan. 9, 2012. They will also be scheduled for a 15-minute presentation on their project to the Boards on Jan. 19, 2012.

If you know of others who have projects in line with the CMPM's goals, please feel free to share this information with them. If you have any questions, please contact Jody Pollok-Newsom (jpollok@micorn.org) or Nikki Beattie (nbeattie@micorn.org) at the Michigan Corn office, (517) 668-2676. If you are at MSU, please contact Beverly Riedinger (rieding1@msu.edu) or Linda Estill (lsestill@msu.edu) at (517) 355-0123. To view a copy of the RFP, click here. For a copy of the timeline, click here.