Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics Food Security Group

The 50th Anniversary Celebration of MSU’s Food Security Group (FSG), held on September 12, 2024, highlighted key themes to guide the future of food security research. The event, which featured a keynote by Professor Matin Qaim and remarks from Dr. Derek Byerlee and Dr. Jeffrey Bloem, focused on the challenges and opportunities in food security, sustainability, and agricultural economics.

Key themes included the need for food system transformation, particularly in light of climate change, urbanization, and growing global demand for food. There was a strong emphasis on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex challenges in nutrition, health, and environmental sustainability. Panel discussions also stressed the need for equitable partnerships with local institutions to ensure sustained impact.

Looking ahead, FSG will continue to focus on rigorous research, both descriptive and causal, and emphasize transparency in academic work. The group is committed to fostering local leadership, strengthening institutional capacities, and promoting innovative approaches that integrate public and private sector efforts in food security and climate resilience.