Traverse City Record-Eagle

Michigan

June 28, 2012

Detroit, MSU embark on urban ag program

From wire reports ----

DETROIT — Michigan State University is working with Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's office on plans for an urban agriculture facility that could lead to new companies and jobs.

Bing said Wednesday in a release that the MetroFoodPlus Innovation Cluster at Detroit could help "redefine metropolitan food and agriculture for the 21st century." The Detroit Free Press says a large working farm could be part of the program. Empty buildings also may be turned into multi-level farms.

The East Lansing-based school is providing a three-year, $1.5 million commitment and faculty for the project. Backers say it's expected to develop the city as a world center for urban food systems technology.

The project will use vacant property and land in Detroit, and backers will solicit money to build the facility.

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