Priority Research Areas
AgBioResearch (formerly known as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station) programs are continually evaluated for relevance and progress to meet changing needs. These programs address the research priorities of Michigan but are also linked to national goals and new initiatives.
The five priority research areas are:
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Food and Health. Microbial and chemical food safety, nutritional enhancement of foods, nutritional immunology, consumer choice and diet, food security, nutrition and epidemiology.
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Environmental Stewardship and Natural Resources Policy and Management. Land use policy and management, air quality, soil conservation, waste management and use of waste products, landscape ecology, ecosystem management and water research (including water quality, watershed management and water use for agriculture and natural resources businesses).
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Enhancing Profitability in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Basic research in the plant and animal sciences to reduce dependency on chemicals and enhance resistance to diseases, insects and environmental stresses; integrated crop management; and the identification and development of value-added agriculture opportunities for Michigan.
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Secure Food and Fiber System. Basic and applied research on new, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, invasive species (insects, plants, pathogens and aquatic animals) and agro-security.
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Families and Community Vitality. Community and economic development, recreation/tourism, youth, aging, family dynamics, demographics, and rural and urban community security.
As programs develop and evolve, MSU AgBioResearch will strive to maintain a balance between applied and basic research and rely heavily on the input of its constituents in identifying research priorities.
How are projects funded?
AgBioResearch projects are funded through state, federal and private funds. In Michigan, state contributions represent more than 80 percent of the total AgBioResearch annual budget. Michigan commodity organizations contribute research funds to improve production, processing and marketing of their respective products, and foundations and industries contribute funds toward basic research.