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Mission/Research Target Areas

The MAES Mission

The Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station generates knowledge through strategic research to enhance agriculture, natural resources and families and communities in Michigan.

This mission, productively executed by more than 300 researchers in five colleges at Michigan State University, has enabled the MAES to be one of the most successful agricultural experiment stations in the country. This accomplishment is fueled by close ties with MSU Extension, state agencies, and commodity groups and other stakeholders, as well as outstanding legislative support.

The challenges facing Michigan agriculture and natural resources are increasingly complex and diverse. MAES research programs are continuously evaluated for relevance and progress. A strategic visioning process, linked to those of MAES-affiliated colleges at MSU (Agriculture and Natural Resources, Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Social Science and Natural Science), has identified five target areas that will drive the MAES research agenda over the next decade. These target areas address the research priorities of Michigan agriculture and natural resources industries, but are also linked to national goals and new initiatives.

They are:

  • Food and Health. Microbial and chemical food safety, nutritional enhancement of foods (biofortification), nutritional immunology, consumer choice and diet, food security, nutrition, and epidemiology.
  • Environmental Stewardship and Natural Resources Policy and Management. Land use, land cover policy and research, air quality, soil conservation, waste management and utilization of waste products, landscape ecology, ecosystem management, and water research (quality, watershed management, and water use for agriculture and natural resources businesses).
  • 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 (biological control, applied chemical ecology), and the identification and development of value-added agriculture opportunities for the state of Michigan.
  • 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.
  • Families and Community Vitality. Community and economic development, recreation/tourism, youth, aging, family dynamics, demographics, and rural and urban community security.

This research will result in profitable Michigan agriculture and natural resources industries, enhanced rural and urban community development, and strong and healthy families. As programs develop, the MAES strives to maintain a balance between applied and basic research and relies heavily on the input of its constituents in identifying research priorities.

 
Last Updated: March 9, 2007
© 2006 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
MAES