Research

Agrifood value chains key to climate action

A policy forum article published in Science by Michigan State University distinguished professor Thomas Reardon emphasizes the role agrifood value chains (AVCs) can play in helping farmers adopt climate-smart practices. Coauthored with Jo Swinnen, director... more »

When are the robots taking over greenhouse operations?

Growers face significant challenges with cost and availability of skilled labor. Technological advancements in computer, vision, AI and robotics with ever-increasing capabilities are decreasing component costs, allowing all kinds of new technologies at an impressive... more »

MSU researcher studies labor shortages in agriculture

Michigan State University agricultural economist Zach Rutledge has received a $650,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to examine labor challenges in the U.S. agricultural sector and potential... more »

California proposes new regulations on pesticide to protect worker health

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), in partnership with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), has introduced new regulations aimed at reducing the risk of exposure to 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), a widely used... more »

Researchers uncover strategies to boost zinc in crops

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered new ways to improve zinc-enriched fertilizers, which could increase crop yields and enhance food nutrition worldwide. The study, conducted using the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the... more »

Signify and UBC trial advances year-round pepper yield

Signify and the University of British Columbia (UBC) are entering the fourth year of an LED lighting trial aimed at increasing year-round pepper production. By employing GreenPower LED toplighting force 2.0 (TLF 2.0) with color... more »

MSU wins grant for biopesticide to battle invasive pest

Michigan State University (MSU) has received a $325,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop a biopesticide to combat spotted wing drosophila (SWD), a pest harming berry... more »

DOE announces $428M for clean energy projects

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $428 million in funding for 14 projects aimed at boosting clean energy manufacturing in 15 former coal communities across the U.S. The projects, led by small and medium-sized... more »

MSU researcher awarded $800K grant to study wood supply

Michigan State University has received an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study wood supply chains and the effects of carbon offset programs on forest product... more »

USDA ARS holds workshop on PFAS solutions for agriculture

The USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) announced outcomes from a recent workshop addressing the challenges posed by Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in agricultural soils and waters. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” have been increasingly... more »