Follow AURI and its continuing story of innovation through our podcast, publications, videos, press, and news releases.
This past October, during the first-ever Food Ag Ideas Week, AURI along with partners MyFormulary and Larta Institute co-hosted a special event called The Nexus of Food & Health. Minnesota…
For 2019 AURI categorized the research priorities into three broad, but distinct groups: Coproducts/Biobased/Renewables, Multi-Disciplinary and Food.
This quarter, Ag Innovation News is highlighting Larry Johnson. When we last spoke to Johnson in April of 2017, he was just getting settled into his new role as a…
By AURI Entrepreneurship in the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry This edition of Ag Innovation News brings you an interview with Tera Johnson, a serial entrepreneur whose mission is to create…
As a service to our readers, we provide news about the work of others in ag utilization. Often, research done elsewhere complements AURI’s work. Read on to learn about blockchain technology in Australia and how spinach protein and blackberry dye give juice to biohybrid solar cells.
It has taken a lot of work, dedicated hours and collaborations to advance AURI’s programs and resources from its creation in 1989 to where it is today, but the investment…
Food Macro Trends By Jason Robinson Trends in food can be a fickle thing – some are multiyear in duration, some are fads, which are here today, gone tomorrow. They…
Midwest Pantry and its NE Food District lower hurdles that encumber food entrepreneurs by AURI Midwest Pantry’s Zoie Glass is an avid ice fisher. She finds it relaxing, but one…
Since 2002, AURI has recognized these kinds of businesses with the Ag Innovator of the Year award, presented to a Minnesota company that has shown innovation in the development of an ag-based product or process. The goal is to recognize the accomplishments of one deserving business and draw attention to value-added agriculture’s contributions to the state.
“We present this award to recognize innovation and excellence in Minnesota’s food and agriculture space,” says AURI Executive Director Shannon Schlecht. “AURI sees many great ideas from across the state and the award provides an opportunity to highlight a unique idea and innovative business.”
When producing food items, being clean is a very good thing. These days, though, being clean goes beyond sanitation. It also applies to food labels.
Today, there is no clear regulatory description defining a clean label. However, consumer preference is pushing food manufacturers to make products that are minimally processed and/or contain fewer artificial ingredients.
MN Cup Finalists Announced More than 20 teams of Minnesota based entrepreneurs are advancing into the finalist round of the 2016 MN Cup competition. The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute sends…
Research sponsored by Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council (MCRPC) and AURI indicates rations high in reduced-fat distillers grains (the high protein ethanol coproduct) fill the bill as a feed for young dairy heifers. It’s economical, it’s efficient, and dairy producers end up with a sturdy, lean replacement heifer.
AURI recently announced thirteen research initiatives for 2016. The projects in the organization’s core four focus areas-renewable energy, biobased products, coproducts and food- all aim to create new and improved products and processes in order to utilize its commodities, grow the economy and create new jobs.
AURI helps develop new uses for agricultural products through science and technology, partnering with businesses and entrepreneurs to bring ideas to reality. Our work in the four focus areas (biobased products, renewable energy, coproducts and food) assists entrepreneurs and growing businesses navigate the demands of entering the marketplace. One industry undergoing a dramatic transformation right now is food production and processing – as consumer preference changes and retailers work to accommodate their needs. As an example, consumers increasingly want a local, sustainable and healthy product.
EarthClean Corporation is being recognized for its innovative approach to utilizing Minnesota’s agricultural commodities for an environmentally friendly firefighting additive and its commitment to expand the product line of natural solutions to difficult problems.
Protein. It’s a hot trend. But is it just a fad that marketers are using to drive sales? Facts show that there’s more to it than that—protein increases energy levels, helps with muscle maintenance and weight management, curbs cravings for carbs and generally promotes a healthy diet.
Buying local. Knowing where food comes from. Eating healthier. These are all trends in food consumption, and food hubs are one way that towns and regions are giving consumers more access to local, fresh foods. Food hubs connect growers with local places needing healthy food such as schools, large businesses and health care facilities, and help grow the local and regional economies at the same time.
Read the full research report Watch a video about this report –by Dan Lemke Most Americans don’t get enough fiber in their diets. If research into an innovative new technology…
The changing face of microbiology Humanity has relied on microbial fermentation for thousands of years for the production of wine, beer, yogurt and bread. Today, the significance of microbiology has…
Midwest Ag Enterprises and TechMix highlighted in story about Ag Innovator of the Year Award >Read the story
Midwest Ag Enterprises highlighted in story about Ag Innovator of the Year Award >Read the story
By Liz Morrison Clearbrook, Minn. — Times are tough for small country elevators. Big grain price swings, higher capital requirements and consolidation have eroded profits, forcing many rural elevators to…
— by Jonathan Eisenthal photos by Rolf Hagberg Wild rice, the high-protein, high-energy cereal grain long revered by native peoples as a sacred and life-giving food, may be a significant…
— by Amanda Wanke photos by Rolf Hagberg AURI recently announced 16 research initiatives for 2013. The projects in the organization’s core four focus areas—renewable energy, biobased products, coproducts and…
— by Liz Morrison Before Lavonne Kucera joined Caribou Coffee, she was part of a large food safety department at a multi-national company. But at Minneapolis-based Caribou, the entire food…
— by Jonathan Eisenthal, photos by Rolf Hagberg Food allergies continue to create consumer markets, and the potential for nut-free snacks is one of the biggest, but many big ideas…
Ag Innovator of the Year makes news AURI’s Ag Innovator of the Year, Bio-Plastic Solutions of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, was recently featured in the AgriNews and the Owatonna People’s Press.…
Bio-Plastic Solutions was named AURI’s 2012 Ag Innovator of the Year. This recognition, which has been awarded annually since 2002, recognizes an innovator who has contributed to Minnesota’s economy by creating a unique product or process using agriculture commodities.
Minneapolis, Minn. — Larry Shiller’s mom died three years ago at age 98. Her chocolate macaroons live on. In 2009, when Shiller decided to produce gluten-free macaroons for the commercial…
New Prague, Minn. — Consumers who love their probiotics may be smiling with thick, white mustaches. A new drinkable yogurt has been released by Cedar Summit Farm, a fourth-generation family…
At AURI, we don’t work alone; we have an expansive network of experts and partners. Recently, I hit the road as part of a year-long “Innovation Tour” to meet up with a few of the important players in our network.
Detroit Lakes, Minn. — Minnesota’s most unique pet litter producer is expanding its Detroit Lakes operation, creating additional space and jobs. Farmers Union Industries says it is pouring $4.25 million…
Benson, Minn. — North American Fertilizer is AURI’s 2011 Ag Innovator of the Year. The award was presented at a June 16 AURI board of directors luncheon in Benson. AURI…
Marshall, Minn. — “Recall” is an alarming word food for companies, especially when it’s caused by contamination. The ramifications can be long lasting and the recovery arduous for a business…
Minneapolis, Minn. — In the late 1990s, Enrique and Noelia Garcia were making traditional Mexican tamales for friends. Today they make tamales for 250 groceries and food service outlets, and…
Marshall, Minn. — Consumer tastes that constantly change are a challenge for most retailers, marketers and product developers. But those who understand their customers gain more of the retail dollar.…