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Great Lakes states and provinces unite on sustainable farming research and innovation plan

Governors across the Great Lakes region are prioritizing sustainable agriculture and research as part of a new collaboration.

Cailyn Andrews is the program manager of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Sustainable Agriculture Initiative.

“It is an opportunity for all of the state and provincial departments and ministries of agriculture to work together to advance sustainable agriculture across the region, to strengthen the agricultural economy, increase resilience and food security, and promote sustainable natural resource management,” she explains.

She says the initiative marks the first time the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers has formally focused on agriculture since the group was established in the early 1980s.

“This is an opportunity to tell the story of sustainable agriculture in the Great Lakes region, not just right now, but what’s being done to innovate for the future and ensure that the Great Lakes region continues to be a leader in sustainable agriculture,” she says.

A newly released research agenda identifies key challenges and needs across the sector to support producers and the region’s broader agricultural economy.

Andrews says a framework will help amplify ongoing efforts while working to advance soil health, water quality, water management, economic vitality, and healthy communities.

Leaders have also agreed to create an action agenda and collaborative pilot projects to address challenges.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring chairs the initiative and says the work will fill identified research needs across States and Provinces in a way that will elevate the entire region.

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello says the efforts will strengthen the agricultural economy, protect natural resources, and support farmers now and in the future.

Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb says teamwork is essential to improving water quality, and the regional approach is a model for how local leadership can drive broad, lasting impact.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says agriculture doesn’t stop at state or national lines, and neither should the research.

Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge says the Regional Research Agenda will build on momentum seen from the H2Ohio initiative and lead to real improvements in water quality and farm sustainability.

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski says the work will strengthen collaborative support for farmers, protect land and water resources, and build a resilient regional food system.