Cross-College Collaborations and Public-Private Partnerships

Cross-College Collaborations

Agricultural research and development are multidisciplinary and multi-faceted. The expertise required for agricultural and resources management stretch beyond CANR. Leadership strongly supports cross-college collaborations at MSU for various programs encompassing research, education and outreach.

The CANR is actively pursuing cross-college collaborations in the following areas:

  • Agribusiness and Marketing – Collaboration with Eli Broad Business College
  • International Food Laws – Collaboration with MSU Law College
  • Bioenergy – Collaboration with College of Engineering
  • Zoonotic Diseases – Collaboration with College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Food Security and Livelihoods – Collaboration with James Madison College

In addition, the CANR International programs are aligned with the centers, units and programs of MSU International Studies and Programs (ISP). Discussions are continuing to develop collaborative programs with the MSU College of Education.

Public-Private Partnerships

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are vitally important for advancing the agricultural sector to meet global challenges in food security and natural resources management. PPPs bring multiple benefits to the agricultural sector worldwide, including widening access to technology and product development, linking farmers to markets, and providing opportunities for technology licensing and commercialization. They also provide opportunities for industry-sponsored research support, industry-based internships and practical hands-on training for students and scholars. In addition, PPPs help create knowledge partnerships through sharing of experience in various programs with universities.

CANR is strongly linked and works closely with numerous private companies in Michigan, the U.S. and internationally in diverse areas of agriculture and natural resources. For example, CANR partners with the Neogen Corporation in Lansing, Michigan and with RB/Mead Johnson Nutrition Company in Zeeland, Michigan on food safety topics. Collaborations with companies outside Michigan such as Simplot Company, Corteva AgriScience and Bayer Corporation in the area of agricultural biotechnology are also critical. Internationally, CANR collaborates with private companies in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and other parts of the world.

For more information, please contact: Doug Buhler, Director of MSU AgBioResearch, at buhler@msu.edu.