A partnership between Michigan State University, state agencies, and local coalitions invests $5 million in research projects to enhance sustainability and climate resilience in farming.
The Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program, initiated in 2024 and managed by Michigan State University’s (MSU) AgBioResearch along with MSU Extension, is designed to tackle pressing issues in agriculture with a focus on sustainability and climate resilience.
Supported by a one-time $5 million allocation from the State of Michigan, the program has funded four significant research projects, each receiving about $1.25 million over three years.
“We’re thrilled to announce the first set of projects for this essential program,” said MSU AgBioResearch director George Smith in a MSU news release. “The review panel received an impressive group of proposals, and the initial research through the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program will set the tone for the initiative. We believe these four projects represent a diverse set of priorities that are critical to climate resiliency and the long-term viability of Michigan agriculture.”
The projects range from enhancing tree fruit resiliency and creating decision-support systems for sustainable farming, to building climate-resilient cropping systems and developing adaptive pest management strategies. Results from these projects will be disseminated to Michigan’s farmers through MSU Extension, ensuring the findings aid those most affected by climate challenges.
In addition, the program includes a faculty and extension educator cluster hire, funded by a recurring $1 million investment from the State of Michigan, to further expand MSU’s expertise in economic impacts of climate change, water quality, and climate-smart agricultural practices.
For further information on this pioneering initiative, visit canr.msu.edu/climate-resiliency.
