The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is hosting a discussion on the burgeoning support network available to independent meat processors for assistance with financing and other essential business functions. The webinar “Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Opportunities” is from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 14.
Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Services (USDA-AMS) allocated millions of dollars of federal funding to support the resiliency and competitiveness of the meat and poultry supply chain in four key areas. In response, a collaborative network of organizations across the country came together to support meat and poultry processors through federal grant application management, business development, technical assistance and supply chain development.
In March 2022, USDA-AMS identified AURI as one of six organizations to serve as technical assistance providers. AURI’s meat science team advises businesses on the production, preparation and preservation of meat for the benefit of the upper Midwest economy. As an official technical assistance provider, AURI works to connect meat and poultry processors to the resources and expertise best suited to support a project’s needs.
At the Dec. 14 webinar, technical assistance experts will discuss the resources and opportunities available for meat and poultry processors in the upper Midwest region, including the services and expertise offered through USDA’s technical assistance program.
The panelists for the webinar include:
Dave Carter
Regional Technical Assistance Provider Director, Flower Hill Institute
Sara Hernandez
Meat & Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Program Coordinator, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Dr. William Rotenberger
Owner, Spruce Hill Ranch
Clay Newton
Meat Innovation Specialist, AURI
Laura Bachmeier
Business Development Director – Meat, AURI
The webinar is free and open to the public. Media members are invited to attend. For more information, or to register, visit the event page.
AURI Connects: Webinar Wednesday is a monthly webinar series hosted by AURI. Each session explores different aspects of the food and ag sectors in Minnesota—from resources for food entrepreneurs to innovations in coproducts and biobased energy.
About AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute’s mission is to foster long-term economic benefit through value-added agricultural products. It accomplishes this by using science and technology to help develop new uses for agricultural products. It partners with businesses and entrepreneurs to generate economic impact in Minnesota communities by h0elping businesses take advantage of innovative opportunities in four focus areas: biobased products, renewable energy, coproducts and food. AURI provides a broad range of services, including applied research and development, scientific assistance and a targeted network of resources to develop value-added uses for crops and coproducts.