Michigan Launches Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program

By Andi Anderson

Michigan is taking proactive steps to fortify its agricultural sector against the impacts of climate change with the launch of the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program. This collaborative initiative, led by Michigan State University (MSU) in partnership with the Michigan Plant Coalition and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, aims to tackle long-term climate- and water-related challenges in plant agriculture.

Administered by MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension, the program focuses on conducting research and disseminating findings to growers across the state through MSU Extension. In 2024, the State of Michigan allocated $5 million for a competitive grants program, supporting four innovative projects over three years.

"We're excited to announce the inaugural projects for this crucial program," stated George Smith, director of MSU AgBioResearch. "These projects represent a diverse set of priorities critical to climate resiliency and the sustainability of Michigan agriculture."

The four funded projects will address the following key areas:

1. Enhancing Tree Fruit Production Resilience: This project aims to develop climate-smart technologies for optimizing irrigation and fertilizer management, led by Younsuk Dong, an assistant professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.
2. Building a Decision-Support System for Sustainable Farming: Pouyan Nejadhashemi, an MSU Foundation Professor, will spearhead the development of a statewide tool integrating various analyses to promote sustainable farming practices.
3. Promoting Climate-Resilient Cropping Systems: Christine Sprunger, an assistant professor, will assess factors influencing climate adaptation and mitigation of major commodity crops, focusing on regenerative agriculture practices.
4. Developing Pest Management Strategies: Julianna Wilson, an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology, will address pest management concerns in apple, blueberry, cherry, and grape production systems affected by erratic weather.

"These projects underscore our commitment to on-farm research and outreach," emphasized Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension. "Through partnerships with growers and industry stakeholders, we aim to provide actionable recommendations for building climate resilience in Michigan's agricultural landscapes."

In addition to competitive grants, the program is conducting faculty and Extension educator cluster hires and receiving ongoing state funding to support research and outreach efforts.

For more details about the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program, visit canr.msu.edu/climate-resiliency.

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