The Center for Plant Products & Technologies is a research based initiative that was established in July 2000. The mission of the Center is to provide initial funding for new and innovative research projects until the investigation advances to the point of obtaining external funding. Another focus of the Center is to provide funding, in whole or in part, for procurement of capital equipment items that enhance cutting edge technology research.

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, through Research Excellence Funds, and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station provide funding for the Center.