Michigan invests in climate smart agriculture research

By Andi Anderson

Michigan farmers are getting a helping hand in adapting to changing weather patterns. The state's new Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program has awarded $5 million in grants to four research projects focused on building climate-smart practices.

Launched by MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension, the program tackles key challenges like water management, soil health, and crop resiliency. The research will be conducted over three years, with results disseminated to growers statewide through MSU Extension.

"These projects provide farmers with the tools they need to succeed in a changing climate," said Laura Campbell, a Michigan Farm Bureau specialist. "They involve farmers directly, ensuring solutions address real-world concerns."

Here's a breakdown of the funded projects:

• Building Climate-Ready Cropping Systems: This project helps farmers develop resilient cropping practices through on-farm research and partnerships.
• Regenerative Agriculture for Soil Health and Climate: Researchers will explore how regenerative practices can improve soil health, crop yields, and greenhouse gas reduction. They'll also identify factors influencing farmer adoption of these practices.
• Decision-Support System for Sustainable Farming: This project aims to create a statewide tool that integrates various factors like economics, water flow, nutrient cycling, and field observations. This will help farmers make informed decisions about sustainable practices.
• Enhancing Fruit Production Resilience: Researchers will develop a technology for optimizing irrigation and fertilizer use in fruit production systems. This will improve water and nutrient efficiency and make fruit crops more resilient to climate fluctuations.

"The program is grounded in on-farm research and outreach," said Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension. "This ensures our recommendations are practical and directly applicable to Michigan growers."

The program goes beyond research grants. It's also adding faculty and Extension educators to expand expertise in areas like climate change's economic impact on farms, water quality, and modeling climate-smart practices.

This comprehensive approach positions Michigan agriculture for a more sustainable and resilient future in the face of climate change.

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