Seventeen Michigan State University researchers and Extension outreach and education specialists have received more than$600,000 in funding from the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture.

The M-AAA is a partnership between Michigan’s animal agriculture industries, the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension. It focuses on advancing the state’s animal agriculture economy by supporting applied research and outreach efforts that address key issues identified by the industry.

The Michigan food and agriculture system contributes roughly $100 billion annually to the state’s economy and provides nearly 1 million jobs. About 37 percent of the agricultural products sold are attributed to the animal agriculture sector, so it is a critical component of Michigan’s economy.

Thirty-six proposals, requesting approximately $1.4 million, were submitted to M-AAA for consideration in three categories: Applied research, Extension efforts and seed grants. 

George Smith, MSU AgBioResearch acting associate director, is in charge of administering the M-AAA grants program.

“These M-AAA research and Extension projects continue to exemplify the strong history of successful partnerships between the Michigan animal agriculture commodity groups and MSU to help grow the animal agriculture economy, enhance employment opportunities, and build economic vitality and sustainability for the entire state,” Smith said. “Michigan’s relatively stable climate, the availability of water and locally produced feedstuffs, and the progressive nature of its animal agriculture producers are foundational to the strength of this partnership and our collective goals.”

Ray Hammerschmidt, MSU Extension interim director, called the program a valuable tool in helping expand the knowledge of Michigan’s food producers.

“This gives our educators an opportunity to multiply the great work they already do,” he said. “This helps ensure that the good research we do around the state gets into the hands of the farmers who can put it into practice on their farms.”

 

 

12 Dec 2014