Jun 28, 2024

New climate program in Michigan aims to boost ag resilience

As Michigan’s agricultural sector grapples with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, a new initiative promises hope for farmers like Raul Gomez, operations manager at Wunsch Farms in Traverse City.

The Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program, launched by the Michigan Plant Coalition in collaboration with Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), aims to tackle long-term climate and water challenges affecting the state’s farms.

Gomez, overseeing a sixth-generation cherry and apple farm, highlighted the critical importance of precise water and nutrient management in light of shifting climatic conditions.

“We’ve had years where we lose a significant portion of our crop due to unexpected freezes or unseasonably warm winters,” Gomez explained in a recent article shared in an email from MSU AgBioResearch.

Michigan, renowned as the nation’s leader in tart cherry production, faces mounting pressures from climate change.

“Cherry trees prefer sandy soils and rely on distinct seasonal patterns,” Gomez noted, reflecting on recent production fluctuations due to climatic variability in the article.

The initiative comes at a crucial time as Michigan’s tart cherry production dipped to 133 million pounds last year, down from previous years, influenced by climatic shifts affecting pollination and fruit development.

For Gomez and others in the agricultural community, the program offers promise through innovative solutions and research-backed strategies to mitigate climate risks. “Managing water resources efficiently has become paramount,” Gomez emphasized, citing the need to conserve water and prevent nutrient loss in sandy soils prevalent across Michigan.

The Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program underscores Michigan State University’s commitment to pioneering agricultural research. With over 300 faculty members engaged in cutting-edge studies, MSU AgBioResearch continues to lead efforts in developing sustainable practices crucial for the future of food systems and environmental health.

For more information on the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program and its impact on Michigan’s agricultural landscape, the full research article is available online.

Founded in 1888, MSU AgBioResearch remains at the forefront of agricultural and environmental research, managing multiple research facilities statewide. For more information, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.