Michigan Fights Climate Change with $6 Million Agriculture Investment

By Andi Anderson

Michigan's plant agriculture is gearing up to face climate challenges with the launch of the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program. A collaborative effort involving Michigan plant agriculture organizations, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and Michigan State University (MSU), the program is designed to aid the state's agriculture in mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Established in 2024 through the MDARD budget, the program allocates $1 million in recurring funds to support faculty and Extension positions. An additional $5 million, a one-time investment, will fund a competitive grants program. MSU researchers and Extension specialists can apply for three-year grants, with a maximum of $1.25 million per project.

Jim Zook, Executive Director of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, highlights the program's origin in 2016, emphasizing the need for cross-commodity research to benefit Michigan agriculture as a whole. The program aims to support longer-term research and involve growers directly in the process.

While Michigan's agricultural industries face immediate and long-term challenges, most funding has traditionally addressed urgent needs. The program represents an opportunity for MSU to lead climate and water research, providing practical strategies for growers.

George Smith, Director of MSU AgBioResearch, emphasizes the multidisciplinary and sustainable nature of the research, focusing on approaches like regenerative agriculture. The program aligns with the state's goal to bolster agricultural system resilience in the face of evolving challenges.

To ensure practical applicability, proposals for the first set of projects are due by March 1, evaluated by experts from MSU, MDARD, and the plant coalition. The program also includes a cluster hire of six faculty positions and two Extension educators, enhancing MSU's expertise in climate and water science. Positions will address key areas such as groundwater use, economic impact of climate change, and modeling climate-smart agricultural practices.

Michigan's Climate Resiliency Program demonstrates a commitment to advancing agricultural resilience, with a focus on actionable research outcomes benefiting the state's agricultural community.

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