Ag Innovation Update-February 2017
Register Today for AURI's New Uses Forum ! 
With record crop yields across several regional commodities in recent years, the support and expansion of value-added agricultural products within Minnesota and the greater Midwest is of the utmost importance. To that end, AURI is inviting you to register today for its New Uses Innovation Forum for Minnesota's agricultural industry.

The forum, scheduled for March 22 at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth, MN, is bringing together experts and entrepreneurs across the new uses arena, including university and industry R&D experts, Minnesota business and agbioeconomy partners, as well as the financial community. Together, they will participate in open discussions about the latest innovations and opportunities for developing new uses for Minnesota grown crops and agricultural
processing byproducts. The day's events include:
  • Industry panel discussions
  • Minnesota's activities and resources, 
  • Regional and global research efforts,
  • Networking opportunities, and 
  • Keynote addresses tailored to the interests of MN agriculture.
Above all, this will be an event to bring people together under the common goal of encouraging new growth and agricultural innovation here in Minnesota.
Alternative Protein is a Growing Market in the Food Arena

AURI is seeing more activity in the alternative protein arena thanks to significant innovations in food products. This is a global trend recently explored by Lux Research who reported that "the demand for alternative proteins, beyond fish and meat...will grow at 14 percent annually by 2024." Many food innovators are exploring new formulations to impact the existing protein supply chain. Total protein demand will double to 943.5 million metric tons in 2051, according the new report.
AURI Releases Clean Label Guide
 
AURI has produced a free Clean Label Guide that provides important information to help small- and medium-sized Minnesota food producers wanting to transition to clean label product ingredients. These are ingredients consumers perceive to be healthier or more natural alternatives to traditional ingredients like additives, preservatives, emulsifiers and sweeteners. For example, a clean-label baked good would contain raisin juice concentrate instead of the propionates or sorbates to inhibit mold growth.

The Clean Label Guide is the latest step taken by AURI to help our state's food processors understand clean label alternatives and successfully reformulate their foods in a way that responds to consumer demand.
Join AURI at the Upcoming International Biomass Conference & Expo

 

BBI International recently announced the agenda for the technical sessions of the 10th annual International Biomass Conference & Expo, North America's largest and fastest growing biomass conference, taking place April 10-12 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 2017 agenda -- featuring four comprehensive tracks -- is tightly focused on leading edge developments in the biomass industry, from feedstock cultivation, harvest and storage to conversion technology, project finance and regulatory guidance. 

The 2017 main program will include 30-plus panels and more than 100 speakers, including 90 technical presentations, all within the structured framework of four informative tracks:

Track 1: Pellets & Densified Biomass 
Track 2: Biomass Power & Thermal
Track 3: Biogas & Landfill Gas 
Track 4: Advanced Biofuels & Biobased Chemicals 

"The International Biomass Conference & Expo has always been notable for the breadth of its content. This year's agenda is no different. Whether attendees manage a biomass boiler that serves a couple of buildings or they broker cargo vessels full of wood pellets, there are panel discussions they'll find valuable," says Tim Portz, vice president of content & executive editor for BBI International. "We're always excited to begin the proceedings at the International Biomass Conference & Expo with a conversation with biomass association executives. This has become a tradition our attendees count on every year. I think this year will find interest in the discussion at an all-time high as conference attendees will be interested in hearing what these industry leaders think a new administration means for our business."

 

AURI Notes

Upcoming events:
If you want to connect with AURI this fall and learn about its programs, or how its services can help Minnesota entrepreneurs, agricultural processors and agribusinesses, keep an eye open for AURI staff at the following events:


Other events:
Ag Innovation News: Subscribe Today!

Where do you go to learn about the latest news about renewable energy, coproducts, biobased products and food science? If your answer didn't include the Ag Innovation Newspaper, then you have been missing out on important updates from around Minnesota. Contact us today at news@auri.org to get your free, quarterly subscription to AURI's official publication. Each issue contains useful and interesting information, like:
  • News from Minnesota's ag industry
  • Updates on the latest technology and idea implementation
  • Information on how AURI is fostering economic benefits for the state
  • A special column from the Executive Director
Agricultural Utilization Research Institute | 800.279.5010  |auri.org

Foster long-term economic benefit for Minnesota through value-added agricultural products.
STAY CONNECTED: