MSU Researcher Honored for Global Farm Diversification Study

By Andi Anderson

Michigan State University Assistant Professor Olivia Smith has been recognized internationally for her contributions to a groundbreaking global study on farm diversification.

The research, published in Science, analyzed data from 2,655 farms in 11 countries and showed that integrating livestock, conserving soil and water, and increasing crop variety produce both environmental and social benefits.

Smith, who joined MSU’s Department of Horticulture and the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program in 2024, led a regional study on integrated crop-livestock systems across California, Oregon, and Washington.

Her research supported the larger global project that received a Frontiers Planet Prize international champion award, which includes a $1 million prize to support continued innovation.

The award-winning study found that diversified farming systems—those using practices like mixed crop-livestock operations, hedgerows, and flower strips—can support biodiversity, improve food access, and maintain crop yields.

Notably, the more diversification practices farms used, the greater the benefits to both ecosystems and human wellbeing.

“Diverse systems generally lead to better joint outcomes across environmental and social factors,” said Smith.

Smith’s contributions built on her Ph.D. dissertation and were key to understanding how integrated systems boost biodiversity without sacrificing productivity.

Currently, Smith is working with 40 small-scale organic farms in Michigan, partnering with MSU’s Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning and Innovation, and the MSU Student Organic Farm. Her goal is to help underserved farms enhance biodiversity and sustainable practices statewide.

This work is backed by MSU AgBioResearch and Project GREEEN, with support from the Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance and Michigan Food & Farming Systems.

The Frontiers Planet Prize, launched on Earth Day 2022, celebrates science that supports a sustainable future within Earth’s planetary boundaries. Smith’s work reflects MSU’s growing role in shaping that future through evidence-based agricultural practices.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu