AgBioResearch

2025 Michigan Farm Bureau Research Priorities

Submitted by:
Michigan Farm Bureau
P.O. Box 30960
Lansing, Mich. 48909
517-323-7000 ext. 2020

• Pest Control
  • • Development of effective controls for current and emerging pests, such as Spotted Wing Drosophila and Spotted Lanternfly
    • Find practical, effective methods to control or reduce the infection of varroa mites, tracheal mites, small hive beetles - and continued study into all diseases affecting bee colonies
    • Development of and enhancement of the use of natural plant pest predator species or bio-controls after thoroughly reviewing the potential consequences to the environment
• Disease Control
  • • Development of viable controls for current and emerging diseases such as Armillaria root fungus, Phytophthora capsica and downy mildew
    • The development of new chemical, cultural and biological controls for disease detection, control, and eradication
• Fruit & Nursery Crops
  • • Find viable control methods for overall spruce decline
    • The development of new tree fruit varieties for growing and marketing that are specifically geared for growers in the Midwest
    • Development of advanced technologies to propagate and grow plants
• Row crops and hemp
  • • Research into areas of dry bean disease control and pest prevention
    • Research on the use of 100 percent biomass fuels for some vehicles, as well as blending biomass fuels with petroleum-based fuels
• Industry Needs
  • • Research and other investments to assist the agriculture industry in adapting to climate variability
    • Research to verify the accuracy of Michigan’s Water Withdrawal Assessment tool
    • Research efforts related to autonomous technology and mechanization on farms

Updated September 2025