The mission of the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center shall be to enhance the economic viability of the agriculture in the state of Michigan through the development and practical demonstration of technological advances in plant materials and cultural practices, as well as sound farm management. The execution of this mission shall be consistent with and strengthen the land grant mission of Michigan State University. It shall uniquely join the resources of the agricultural experiment station, Michigan State University Extension and the commercial agricultural industry of this state. The work of this center will reflect the diversity of agricultural products that can be grown in this region and it will seek to maximize the commercial potential of these products.