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Water quality and extreme weather are 21st century grand challenges with significant impacts on Michigan’s agricultural future.
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 and supports four projects at $1.275 million each.
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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Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program funds four new projects
Published on March 11, 2025
The partnership among MSU, the Michigan Plant Coalition, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will fund four new projects at $1.275 million each. -
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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