Jan–Mar, 2016

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.

Minnesota has long been a leader in the development and acceptance of biodiesel. AURI scientists were among the first to research biodiesel’s potential back in the early 1990s. After decades of work, biodiesel became accepted as a viable alternative fuel and was designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the nation’s first advanced biofuel. It’s currently blended at a 10 percent level with diesel sold in Minnesota during the summer months and 5 percent year round. While its primary focus in the Midwest has been as a transportation fuel, home heating is potentially an equally exciting biodiesel opportunity.

A Minnesota feed company has a new meal deal. Midwest Ag Enterprises in Marshall is making a high-protein soybean meal to replace expensive fishmeal in livestock diets. NutriVance, introduced last spring, is designed for young pigs, young poultry, and fish, which need a high-protein, low-fiber diet.

http://rrfn.com/indepth/012216%20AURI.MP3 –by Jonathan Eisenthal Since the beginning of agriculture, farmers have prided themselves on leaving nothing to waste. A research project funded by AURI, Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council…

A new Minnesota food product is finding its way into stores nationwide thanks to production improvements for Velvet Bees Gourmet Honey Butter. Created by Krista and Steve Aspinwall in 2011, the honey butter will soon be available in 22 states with plans to continue reaching new markets.

–by Jen Wagner-Lahr, Senior Director of Innovation & Commercialization  The 2014 Farm Bill authorized the creation of an independent foundation designed to catalyze innovation to solve pressing challenges in food…

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.

New ethanol plant on the block DuPont has opened its newest $225 million cellulosic ethanol plant in Nevada, Iowa which will produce ethanol from cornstalks, leaves and cobs instead of…

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.