About
Climate change and water quality are 21st century grand challenges with significant impacts on Michigan’s agricultural future. Michigan agriculture must be better prepared and equipped to be part of the solution to address climate change mitigation, adaptation and environmental sustainability, as well as promote the protection and efficient use of our state's invaluable water resources.
The Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program — which operates through MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension — was established in 2024 through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development budget with $1 million in recurring funds to support research and outreach. A non-recurring investment of $5 million will go toward four projects that were funded for roughly $1.25 million each. For 2025, the competitive grants program received $5.1 million in funding.
In addition to competitive grants, one of the program’s objectives is to increase MSU knowledge and expertise in strategic areas of climate and water science. This involves a cluster hire of six new faculty positions and two Extension educators with the $1 million State of Michigan recurring investment. Startup packages are supported in part by the MSU Office of Research and Innovation. An additional six faculty positions will be hired with funds from the MSU Office of the Provost.
News
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Farmers needed for climate change impact on Michigan field crops farms
Published on July 17, 2024
A statewide MSU research project is now accepting enrollment. -
Traverse City cherry, apple grower optimistic new climate program will address soil health
Published on June 19, 2024
Raul Gomez, operations manager of Wunsch Farms in Traverse City, said changing climate patterns have shown the importance of accurately applying water and nutrients to the soil. -
New climate resiliency program aims to assist in ‘challenges our farm hasn’t faced before’
Published on June 12, 2024
Jeanie Igl, fourth-generation farmer of Hawkins Homestead based in Ingham County, said she hopes the new Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program will provide several years of climate research to combat the emerging issues her farm is experiencing.
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