Agriculture and Agribusiness

Supporting agriculture, Michigan’s second-largest industry, is key to a brighter future. MSU Extension works to increase farmers’ success while protecting the environment, ensuring food safety, reaching new markets and advancing agriculture through applied research.

Agriculture is now one of the fastest growing sectors of the Michigan economy. MSU Extension works to ensure it has a thriving knowledge base to become more competitive in local, state, national, and international markets making Michigan’s economy stronger.

MSU Extension research continued to improve production techniques and yields while reducing costs and maximizing processing opportunities.

Other MSU Extension agriculture programs work to:

• Improve Michigan’s economic viability as a result of increased food production internationally, nationally and locally.
  
• Protect water and soil quality.
  
• Position Michigan as a leader across the country as a model for producing and delivering a safe, affordable, and nutritious food.
  
• Increase businesses and employment in agriculture.
  
• Ensure that food crops and animal diseases are reduced.
  
• Provide training and counseling to develop entrepreneurship and value-added new crops and products and the educational opportunities on marketing these crops.