In September, 2007 the North American Bramble Growers Research Foundation initiated a voluntary Nursery Contribution Program to raise funds for bramble research. Because raspberries and blackberries represent minor crops in all but a few states, and because state and federal dollars for agricultural research are diminishing, there is a great need for the industry to step up and fund research. The program is modeled on an existing assessment program of the North American Strawberry Growers Foundation.
Raspberry and blackberry nurseries are asked to make a voluntary self-assessment of $.01 for each plant they sell ($1.00 for each hundred plants). Starting in fall of 2007, nurseries were contacted about this new program, with donations beginning in late 2007 for 2007 plant sales. These donations have more than doubled funds available to the Foundation for research grants. The following nurseries have made donations for their 2008 plant sales:
The The NABG Research Foundation appreciates the support of these nurseries and welcomes others to join them in supporting bramble/caneberry research. The Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and all donations to it are tax deductible. For more information, email NABGRF.
