Michigan Vegetable Growers Rely on MSU Partnership, Research

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EAST LANSING, Mich. — For more than 60 years, the Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC) has advocated on behalf of the state’s vegetable industry, bringing together growers, processors, shippers and other industry organizations.

Since its inception,

the MVC has valued research as a necessity to ensure the long-term stability of the industry. To that end, partnering with Michigan State University has been one of the MVC’s top priorities.

“Just about everything we do in research and education is tied to MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension,” said Greg Bird, MVC executive director. “We know the research staff at MSU, and we know their skills and abilities. Over time, the MSU team has been tailored to fit agriculture industry needs, especially for vegetables. So when we’re doing planning, we know what’s available at MSU, which researchers to go to for certain things, and we’re not starting fresh each year. We look at our priorities and know what MSU can handle.”

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the economic impact of the Michigan vegetable industry totals more than $428 million annually.

Vegetables are grown on more than 3,000 Michigan farms.

The state ranks highly in the production of several vegetable crops, including asparagus, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumbers (fresh and for pickling), green beans, onions, pumpkins, radishes, summer and winter squash, sweet corn, potatoes, tomatoes and turnips.

Sharing the results of MSU research with growers is something Bird identified as critical to vegetable production.

To read the full story, click here.

Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and agriculture to natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan. To learn more, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.

This story is part of a series highlighting the impact of MSU AgBioResearch’s work with Michigan agriculture and natural resources told through our stakeholders’ perspectives. Through partnerships with the State of Michigan and industries, MSU AgBioResearch is finding solutions to some of the most timely problems facing our state. To view the entire series, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.

To view a podcast with MSU AgBioResearch Director George Smith and Michigan Vegetable Council Executive Director Greg Bird on MSU’s impact with the vegetable industry, click here.