Nonprofit boosts state economy by assisting companies to create jobs, develop products, invest in agriculture
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is instrumental in accelerating Minnesota’s agriculture economy, helping businesses in the state bring in more than $187 million in annual sales over the last five years. This is just one of the many highlights AURI outlined in its 2024 annual report.
“Minnesota is home to a strong agribusiness ecosystem, which means there are numerous opportunities for product innovation in the ag sector,” says Shannon Schlecht, AURI executive director. “AURI is working to fulfill its mission by being a resource for these ag producers, businesses, and entrepreneurs to develop new uses and markets for agricultural products and keep ag enterprises thriving.”
Along with helping businesses generate sales, AURI’s partnership with these organizations has led to $85 million in capital invested and created or retained 717 jobs for Minnesota’s economy over the last half-decade. During the 2024 fiscal year, AURI worked together with businesses on 210 projects—114 in the food arena, 55 in the bioindustrial space, and 41 that explored opportunities across both sectors.
“AURI’s team members are experts, and they really know the kinds of challenges and questions that businesses face day to day,” says Troy Lightfield, owner of Lightfield BBQ Sauce. “They take a lot of pride in the businesses they work with.”
Other AURI highlights from the 2024 fiscal year include:
- The Grand Opening of AURI’s Bioindustrial Innovation Center on April 8, 2024, in Waseca, Minnesota. This new facility doubled AURI’s pilot lab footprint and capabilities to help meet demand.
- Completion of a three-year partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Marketing Service. Through this collaboration, AURI produced a series of reports, briefs, and tools to aid small meat processors.
- A partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to explore the potential of using industrial hemp fiber in erosion control sediment products.
- The AURI Connects program hosted 10 events, bringing together more than 1,000 participants across the food and ag value chain. Events included webinars, field days, the annual New Uses Forum, and a Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable.
“AURI plays a critical role in advancing Minnesota’s agricultural sector by bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore new opportunities and overcome challenges. We look forward to continuing our partnership with AURI to help strengthen and grow Minnesota’s agricultural industry,” said T. Marc Schober, Director of CRM and Specialized Solutions at Bremer Bank.
Learn more about how AURI has made an impact on agriculture in Minnesota by reading the full annual report, or by visiting the AURI website at auri.org.
ABOUT AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute is a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate the expansion of the agricultural economy by empowering expanded uses and markets of agriculturally derived products. It accomplishes this by using science and technology to help develop new uses for agricultural products. It collaborates globally, acts regionally, and is known as an economic catalyst for Minnesota with a focus on bioindustrial products and food. AURI provides a broad range of services, including applied research and development, scientific assistance, and a targeted network across the value chain to foster collaboration. To learn more, visit auri.org.
