The Prospects for Pasture-based Agriculture in Michigan: Overview of Findings

The pasture-based model of livestock production can bring a broad array of benefits to farmers, consumers and their communities. Over the past three years, members of the Mott Group have been conducting research on pasture-based agriculture and its prospects in Michigan, with a key question in mind: is there potential to expand the market for these products? Based on our findings, we believe that there is unmet demand for pasture-raised products. We advocate a series of initiatives, including consumer education, development of alternative supply chains and greater attention from public scholars and policy makers, which would increase consumer awareness and product availability, and better coordinate supply and demand of these products. This report is a summary of findings: these issues are discussed in greater length and detail in the studies cited below. This paper presents an overview of findings for a scholarly audience; a research brief (1) provides a synopsis for a wider audience.