Minor Use Foundation

The Minor Use Foundation (MUF) is a non-profit organization devoted to advancing the accessibility of crop protection tools for specialty crop growers, ensuring the production of healthy and diverse minor-use crops globally. Recognizing the significance of minor-use crops, which encompass small-scale crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and ornamentals, the foundation aims to address the disparity in support these crops receive compared to major crops. Despite their market significance and role in promoting biodiversity and agroecosystem health, minor-use crops face challenges in terms of regulatory approval and international trade barriers due to a lack of established maximum residue limits (MRLs). MUF's mission is crucial in bolstering the cultivation and trade of minor-use crops by providing essential research and field training to facilitate the integration of pesticides in minor-use fields worldwide. By conducting high-quality research and advocating for the internationalization of crop protection tools, MUF contributes to the sustainability and economic viability of minor-use crop production. As a foundation operating at the intersection of agriculture, education, and information technology, MUF's initiatives have the potential to significantly impact global agricultural systems and enhance the resilience and productivity of minor-use crop cultivation. With its headquarters in the United States, MUF stands as a pioneering force in addressing the needs and challenges associated with minor-use crop protection on an international scale.