Michigan Sen. Roger Victory: MSU Agriculture Research is ‘Game Changer’ Across Michigan, Nation, World

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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 listen to a podcast with MSU AgBioResearch Director George Smith and Michigan Sen. Roger Victory about the importance of research to Michigan agriculture, click here.

LANSING, Mich. — When Michigan Sen. Roger Victory, 31^st District, travels around the state, he wears two hats. Not literally, of course, although he typically does sport headwear that displays his affection for agriculture.

Prior to his election as a state senator in 2018,

Victory served for six years in the Michigan House of Representatives. Throughout his time in state government, he has also led Victory Farms LLC, a specialty crop operation, and Victory Sales LLC, a nationwide produce distributor. His passion for agriculture is one of the driving forces behind his work in the legislature.

“Some call me ‘Farmer Rog’ and some call me ‘Senator Rog,’ but I’d much rather go by ‘Farmer Rog,’” he said. “People appreciate farmers more than elected officials.”

During discussions with colleagues and constituents, Victory has noticed something encouraging.

“I’ve discovered there is a really deep desire for people to learn about agriculture and where their food comes from,” he said. “In Michigan, we’re blessed with diversity and more than 300 commodities. There’s a saying about how we’re the second-most diverse agricultural state in the country. I like to rephrase that as we’re the most diverse agricultural state with great access to water. That opens up so many possibilities for our farmers.”

Victory mentioned that conversations about agriculture with fellow legislators and Michigan residents are not limited to rural communities.

In fact, he said, those from urban areas have at times expressed an even greater interest.

“I look at the legislative body, and I’m very enthused that people may be from an urban or rural area, but the passion is there,” he said. “Sometimes there’s an even higher interest in urban areas. I think the script has been flipped, especially in the last 10 years or so. Things like food awareness, food as medicine, this is the new narrative out there.

“We look at healthcare costs and how they’re escalating. One of the remedies for healthcare costs is what we can do on Michigan farms, providing a healthy and nutritious diet, and educating people about the benefits of that. I think the opportunity is huge for that education, and there’s an audience in the legislature and around the state that’s eager to hear the message.”

Victory highlighted research through Michigan State University AgBioResearch and outreach through MSU Extension as mechanisms to provide answers to large-scale problems. MSU AgBioResearch Director George Smith said legislative backing is crucial to those efforts.

“We’re dedicated to addressing many of the grand challenges facing society today — nutrition, food access, food security and agricultural sustainability — which also means workforce development to train students to work in agriculture,” Smith said. “To do that, we need support from growers, ranchers and producers, along with the State of Michigan. Sen. Victory has been a leading advocate for our work in these areas.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE 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.