“We have unparalleled agricultural champions, a deep bench of collaborators and visionaries, and the know-how to both set and execute our strategic direction.”
This issue of Ag Innovation News highlights AURI’s first-term Board Director Brian Hansen. Brian is General Manager of the Food Innovation business at Scoular, where he leads strategy and growth for the company’s food ingredients business. Brian oversees teams responsible for developing and commercializing new ingredient solutions, maintaining close alignment with customer needs, market trends, and the practical realities of scaling innovation in the food industry.
Why did you want to join AURI’s board of directors?
What interested me about AURI is the connection between agriculture, innovation, and actually getting ideas into the market. I have spent much of my career working in that space. There are a lot of good ideas and technologies out there, but the real challenge is figuring out how to turn those ideas into something customers want, and that can be commercially successful. I felt my experience in food ingredients and commercialization could bring a useful perspective to the board.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing farmers today?
I think one of the biggest challenges is the volatility and the uncertainty farmers have to manage. Commodity prices, input costs, weather, trade, and consumer expectations can all change quickly. I think we also need to continue finding ways to create more value from what farmers produce. The more opportunities we can create beyond simply selling a commodity, the stronger agriculture can be in the long term.
How can Minnesota best support its agricultural industry?
Minnesota already has a lot going for it. We have strong agricultural production, great universities and research organizations, innovative companies, and a strong food industry. I think the opportunity is to keep bringing those pieces together. We need to support research, but we also need to help move good ideas out of research and into the market. That is where organizations like AURI can have a real impact.
What role can private companies like Scoular play in supporting AURI’s mission?
Companies like Scoular can help bring a market perspective to innovation. We spend a lot of time with customers, suppliers, and food companies, so we have a good understanding of what customers are looking for and where opportunities may exist for new ingredients or technologies. Private companies can also assist with supply chain, technical expertise, and commercialization, ultimately helping an idea get into the hands of a customer.
What are your goals as a new board member?
My first goal is to learn. There is a lot of experience on the AURI board and within the organization, and I want to understand where I can be most helpful. Over time, I hope to bring a strong commercial perspective to the board, especially in understanding markets, identifying where there is real customer demand, and helping good ideas move from concept to commercialization.
Which ag-related issues are most important to you?
Value-added agriculture and food innovation are probably the areas I am most passionate about. I am interested in how we can create new uses and markets for agricultural products and increase value throughout the supply chain. If we can develop something that is good for the farmer, solves a problem for a customer, and creates a sustainable business opportunity, that is where I think innovation becomes really meaningful.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Music is a big part of my life outside of work. I sing, play acoustic guitar, and perform live when I have the opportunity. I also really enjoy being outdoors, especially fishing and hunting with my German shorthaired pointers.
