Back to basics

By Edgar Olson
Executive Director

The bread and butter of Minnesota's economy is agriculture. It always has been.

That's why investing in AURI makes sense for our state. We need to focus squarely on opportunities that will wring every dollar possible out of our corn, soybeans, wheat and all of the crops we produce.

And that's why I've accepted the challenge of leading AURI. As a lifelong farmer, I know there's not much profit in growing a crop. Transforming it into food products or building materials is where the money is. By developing new products and uses for our abundant agricultural resources, we keep more profit in Minnesota.

AURI's mission makes sense to me, and I am pleased to carry it forward. There is no reason for me to change AURI's direction. Though day-to-day operations must always be responsive to changing market conditions and producer needs, this institute was built on a solid foundation when it was established in the late '80s. Our investment in value-added product development will continue stronger than ever.

Most importantly, we will increase our emphasis on projects that help larger numbers of producers. Cottage industries won't be ignored, but we'll be looking for more "home runs" -- projects that use enough commodities to tip supply and demand in the farmers' favor. That's the impetus behind AURI's creation: increase utilization of Minnesota crops to halt surpluses and plunging farm prices.

So you won't be seeing "bells and whistles" at AURI in the months ahead. Rather, you'll be seeing a solid commitment to investing in agricultural products that can really benefit our producers. At AURI, it's back to the basics.