MAIA - Midwest Apple Improvement Association

Founded and maintained by growers, MAIA develops apple varieties that are available to growers worldwide. Work continues to develop spectacular tasting varieties that incorporate disease resistance and favorable tree characteristics. Goals and Activities: - Champion the cause and build a viable membership organization wherever apples are grown commercially. - Carry out a grower-driven, grower-involved breeding program. - Carry out a marketing program for the varieties developed, including nursery stock and the apples. Apple Breeding Objectives: - Reliable and productive cropping. - Fruit qualities acceptable to the modern consumer: size, firmness, storeability, flavor, unique qualities and texture. - Growing characteristics desirable to the modern grower: disease resistance, including fireblight and scab resistance; frost tolerance; tree structure qualities, etc.