LANSING-Senator John J. Gleason (D-Flushing) today announced that Governor Granholm will preserve funding for the Michigan State University Agricultural Extension and Experiment Station programs under the agreement that the programs will reorganize and focus more on the renewable energy industry in Michigan.

“The MSU Agricultural Extension and Experiment Station programs play an integral role in Michigan’s agriculture industry and I’m relieved the Governor did not use her veto pen on these programs” said Gleason. “The cutting edge research they conduct will ensure our state is a leader in new crops, new ways of farming, and new energy technologies. This will generate positive economic ripples throughout Michigan and create jobs for our workers that cannot be outsourced.”

A strong MSU Extension and MSUAES will help move Michigan forward by building on the strengths of our diverse and economically important agricultural sector. The Extension offices will give local communities access and support to take advantage of new agriculture technologies in our state and the local offices will also continue to help communities develop initiatives that strengthen both our rural and urban communities like regional food systems where Michigan residents buy Michigan grown and processed products.

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