Michigan State University supports food security and sustainable food production by providing farmers, food producers, and agricultural professionals with access to research-based knowledge, training, technical assistance, and innovative technologies. Through MSU Extension, the Center for Regional Food Systems, aquaculture outreach programs, and other initiatives, MSU helps strengthen farm productivity, environmental stewardship, business viability, and long-term resilience while supporting Michigan's food economy.
MSU Extension's Beginning Farmer Program provides educational resources, training, and decision-making tools that help new and established farmers build successful agricultural enterprises. Resources cover soil health, water management, organic production, farm business planning, marketing, livestock management, and risk management. The program connects producers with research-based information and technical assistance that support resilient farms and food systems.
MSU Extension's Organic Agriculture Program advances sustainable farming through research-based education and outreach. Programming focuses on integrated pest management, soil health, nutrient management, and environmentally responsible production practices that help growers maintain productivity while improving farm resilience and long-term sustainability.
MSU Extension provides field crop producers with workshops, consultations, publications, and the Virtual Breakfast Series. These programs deliver timely information on crop management, pest control, soil health, nutrient management, weather conditions, and emerging agricultural challenges. Producers gain direct access to MSU experts and the latest agricultural research to improve farm performance and environmental stewardship.
MSU's Center for Regional Food Systems strengthens food security by supporting farmers, food businesses, and regional food networks through education, technical assistance, and market development programs. Initiatives such as Michigan's Emerging Farmers help producers expand market opportunities while increasing access to locally produced food throughout the state.
Michigan SARE supports farmers, educators, and agricultural professionals through grants, training opportunities, and collaborative learning focused on sustainable agriculture. The program promotes practices that improve environmental stewardship, farm profitability, and long-term agricultural resilience while supporting sustainable food production.
MSU's Aquaculture Outreach Program provides training, technical assistance, and educational resources that support healthy and sustainable aquaculture production. The program works directly with fish farmers and aquatic animal producers to improve disease prevention, biosecurity, fish health management, and operational practices that strengthen local food production.
The Good Food for Michigan Project connects farmers, food producers, schools, hospitals, and institutional buyers to strengthen Michigan's food system and improve access to local food. Through technical assistance, training, and partnership development, the initiative helps expand market opportunities for producers while increasing the availability of nutritious, locally grown food.