Agricultural Technological Innovation in Michigan

Agriculture is Michigan's second largest industry and with its proximity to the automotive industry and burgeoning biosciences and Information Technology sectors, the State is poised for food and agriculture technological innovation. Currently, resources for food and ag technology are siloed, the aim of this Co-Learning Plan is to work with stakeholders to identify and collect the materials needed to develop this sector. The completed report will provide immediate support for growing businesses and a blueprint for stakeholders interested in developing this sector.

Ms. Barker's CLP will be highlighted throughout this project year as our "Stand-Out" project for 2018. Barker is already working with several food and agricultural tech companies looking to grow in Michigan, and she has engaged the MSU Tech Transfer Center and the MEDC Smartzone business accelerators to start identifying existing resources and tools. By leveraging existing Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development networks and partnerships such as the Michigan Economic Development Association and venture capital and angel investor groups, Barker is collecting existing food and agricultural tech resources quickly and effectively. Ms. Barker applied to work on this project requesting no financial support. We are impressed with her enthusiasm and passion to do this important work without compensation. We look forward to Ms. Barker's CLP and being able to share it with you!