Oct–Dec, 2016

With record 2016/17 U.S. crop yields projected for several Minnesota grown commodities, the support and expansion of value-added agricultural products within Minnesota and the greater Midwest is of the utmost importance to spur new demand opportunities. To that end, I am working with AURI staff and key partners to build an informational and educational event for Minnesota’s agricultural industry about the latest ideas and opportunities for developing new uses for Minnesota grown crops and agricultural processing byproducts.

Earlier this year a new feasibility study, conducted in part by AURI, showed biomass cooling can be a viable option for small-to-medium sized commercial, industrial and residential units. The research results, which are part of the Biomass for Cooling System Technologies: A Feasibility Guide, also identifies innovations that utilize biomass as the essential wellspring of energy for cooling systems.

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.

This past August AURI once again hosted a tent at IDEAg Farmfest 2016, one of Minnesota’s largest agricultural events. In addition to AURI scientists and staff, AURI welcomed a number of strategic partners and clients who shared their own experiences of working with AURI on various projects with a number of VIPs visitors.

Looking at what is available in the marketplace today is a great way to gauge the average consumer’s interests. Going to supermarkets, of various sizes and locations (urban and rural), can give the industry and others an idea of what consumers want along with upcoming trends.

Looking at what is available in the marketplace today is a great way to gauge the average consumer’s interests. Going to supermarkets, of various sizes and locations (urban and rural), can give the industry and others an idea of what consumers want along with upcoming trends.

Carissa Nath’s world is filled with teachable moments. As meats scientist at AURI’s Marshall office and operator of the organization’s meat laboratory, Nath interacts with a wide range of Minnesota clients looking to develop or refine food products.

BY AURI In January 2016, AURI announced the launch of 13 research initiatives related to one or more of the organization’s four focus areas: renewable energy, biobased products, coproducts and…