Project GREEEN Calls For Proposals

Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Environmental and Economic Needs), Michigan’s plant agriculture initiative at Michigan State University (MSU), has issued a request for proposals for fiscal year 2007. It is seeking research projects that will benefit Michigan’s plant-based agriculture industry in response to critical research and education priorities identified by the state’s plant commodity and stakeholder groups.

Proposals will be accepted in three categories: basic research, applied research and extension/education/demonstration. Proposals must clearly identify how projects will affect the economic and environmental aspects of Michigan agriculture and respond to Michigan plant industry priorities.

During the 2006 fiscal year, Project GREEEN awarded $1.725 million in grants for 65 new research projects. Another $500,000 was directed toward multiyear projects that started in 2004 or 2005. A total of 91 new project proposals and 22 continuation proposals requesting nearly $4.3 million were received for consideration in fiscal year 2006.

Approximately $1.5 million will be available for funding new research projects in fiscal year 2007, and up to $2.2 million will be available for funding continuation projects started in fiscal years 2005 and 2006.

An RFP application can be found at www.greeen.msu.edu/rfp.htm, and a complete listing of updated plant commodity research and educational priorities can be found at www.greeen.msu.edu/priorities.htm. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2007. Awards will be announced in late March, with funds becoming available in April. To learn more about Michigan’s plant agriculture initiative at MSU, visit www.greeen.msu.edu.