RCTB Accepting 2025-26 Research Grant Proposals

 

NEWS & UPDATES May 15, 2025
 

RCTB Accepting 2025-26 Research Grant Proposals

Each year, RCTB funds research that is critical to the sustainability of our growers and industry. For fiscal year 2025-26, RCTB has allotted $150,000 to support relevant research projects that will assist growers with the challenges they face and is currently accepting requests for proposals. We encourage growers to share RCTB’s RFP information with their state universities and cooperative extension researchers and specialists. RCTB’s current research priorities include, but are not limited to:
Cyndi Knudson, RCTB Director of Research
  •  Genetic improvement
  • Environmental and social-economic benefits of real trees
  • Insect/pest management
  • Improved technologies
  • Disease management/resistance

 

Proposals can be submitted via email to research@realchristmastreeboard.org. The deadline for submissions is July 3, 2025. The RCTB grant application is available online.

Cyndi Knudson, RCTB Director of Research

RCTB Committees

Continuing with our RCTB committee showcase, today we are featuring the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee is responsible for developing policy recommendations for the board. This includes the development of bylaws and a detailed policy and procedure manual. Most recently, this committee submitted a number of recommended changes to the Order after receiving industry feedback. The board is hopeful that USDA will soon announce a comment period where the industry can make public comment on the proposed changes.

 

Charles Fowler, NC is the current Chair and members include:

 

  • Rex Korson, MI
  • Betty Malone, OR
  • Sherry Peele, NC
  • Bob Schaefer, OR 

RCTB/CTPB Board Member Nominations Due June 1.

Submit a nomination form today!

Cowboys and Christmas Trees Summer Meeting Provides Networking and Feedback Opportunities

The Cowboys and Christmas Trees 2025 National Summer Meeting hosted in Michigan July 24 – 26 will provide growers with an opportunity to meet with RCTB board members. RCTB will have a booth at the three-day event and strongly encourages growers to stop by.

The three-day event also provides growers with a variety of learning opportunities. Thursday will focus on new Christmas tree growers and feature industry leaders covering the following topics:

  • Site preparation
  • Tree planning
  • Weed management
  • Practical advice for creating a thriving farm
  • Retail tips
  • Marketing strategies
  • Nutrient management
  • Pest control

 

Friday and Saturday will consist of a variety of onsite learning sessions conducted at tree farms. The events are as follows:

  • Dutchman Tree Farms — guided field tours with presentations focused on irrigation management and systems, as well as insect activity and pest-related issues.
  • Northern Pines Nursery/Greenhouse — tour focused on greenhouse and nursery management, seedling care, transplanting, rootstocks and tree genetics.
  • Getty Tree Farms — tour of three sites including learning about the farm’s history while viewing Fraser and Korean X Balsam; Fralsam, Concolor and white pine tours with discussions of seed sourcing, deer fencing and the appearance of Fraser; and in-the-field drip irrigation and weed control demonstrations.
  • Dutchman Main Location/Wholesale — a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics of high-volume tree farming including pot-in-pot production and the use of drone technology for inventory and operations management.
  • Dutchman Main Location/Choose and Cut — focused on how to create an unforgettable retail experience, engage with customers and effectively utilize branding.
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