In agricultural research, Minnesota has fostered and invested in several programs aimed at innovating, expanding, and evolving the process of producing food, fuel, and fiber. The many partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the University of Minnesota, and ag, food, bioscience, and related industries, has established Minnesota as a leader with an envious track record for innovation and opportunities for growth.
The Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture supports the advancements of our state’s agricultural and renewable energy industries. The program has made significant investments in farmers, agricultural businesses, and schools, having awarded over $10 million in grants in Fiscal Year 2018. Examples of these grants include livestock investment, farm business management, crop research, expanding local food markets, beginning farmers, urban agriculture, and county fairs. Minnesota is already seeing the benefits of new jobs, improved efficiency, and $1.6 million in increased value-added sales. Our state’s investment in AGRI produced $6.44 for every $1 invested. More information on AGRI’s grant programs, and how to apply for them, can be found on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website at www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/agri.
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) was created to foster innovation and develop opportunities for new agricultural products. As a resource it partners with entrepreneurs and businesses using science and technology, and provides assistance to support development of new initiatives. With projects all over the state, AURI’s clients saw an estimated $76.9 million in new gross annual sales, and 605 jobs created and retained in 2018. AURI has facilities in St. Paul, Crookston, Marshall, and Waseca, each serving their own purpose and addressing various agricultural needs throughout the state. AURI assists local businesses with ideation and optimization in the four focus areas of biobased products, renewable energy, coproducts, and food. I was pleased to be recently named to serve on the board of directors for AURI. You can learn more about AURI at www.auri.org.
The Agricultural Research, Education, Extension and Technology Transfer Program (AGREETT) is a fairly new development in Minnesota research, providing funding to the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), the University of Minnesota Extension, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. AGREETT was established by the state legislature in the 2015 session, and works in these seven key areas: advancing soil fertility and water quality; agricultural technology and decision-making; nutrient recycling and management; agro-ecological innovation; crop and livestock productivity; microbial science; and technologies aimed at managing pest resistance and climate change. AGREETT works to help agricultural industries take advantage of new technological advancements while simultaneously training the future workforce for the industry.
These research efforts and foundational programs are incredible assets to Minnesota and the agricultural community. They highlight the critical need to invest in these and future scientific developments in agriculture. The agricultural industry looks a lot different now than it did a decade or more ago, and its future is strengthened through creative investments, productive solutions, and accelerated advancements.
###