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Lisa Martinez

AURI and the USDA’s new Ag Innovation Center Program

    In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, AURI staff Jen Wagner-Lahr, Senior Director of Business Development and Commercialization, and Lisa Gjersvik, Senior Director of Strategy Management, chat about AURI’s work within the USDA’s new Ag Innovation Center Program to foster long-term economic benefit for the state of Minnesota through value-added agricultural products.

    AURI Publishes Report on Minnesota’s Shared-use Commercial Kitchen Sector

      The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) recently published a research report on shared-used commercial kitchens in Minnesota. The study’s authors say the findings can be used to improve and enhance the commercial kitchen business model and ultimately better support scaling food businesses in the state. Shared-use commercial kitchens are businesses or nonprofits that provide commercial space and equipment for other businesses or individuals… Read More »AURI Publishes Report on Minnesota’s Shared-use Commercial Kitchen Sector

      AURI Hosts Discussion on New Markets for Minnesota Oilseeds

        The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), Bremer Bank and the Minnesota Businesses Focused on Food and Agriculture initiative are sponsoring a discussion on how Minnesota’s agriculture producers and economy can benefit from the growing market for renewable oil feedstocks. Global demand for renewable biofuels is projected to keep growing, driving demand for oilseed crops like soy, canola and sunflowers. These factors also create opportunities for animal fats and emerging crops… Read More »AURI Hosts Discussion on New Markets for Minnesota Oilseeds

        Minnesota-based Agricultural Innovations, LLC Named Ag Innovator of the Year

          AURI recognizes Winthrop, Minn.-based manufacturer and distributor of organic fertilizers The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is pleased to announce that Agricultural Innovations, LLC has been named the organization’s 2023 Ag innovator of the Year. Based in Winthrop, Minn., Agricultural Innovations, LLC was founded by brothers Adam and Michael Asmus. Adam and Michael operate a fifth-generation egg farm with about 550,000 laying hens. The company uses chicken manure from egg… Read More »Minnesota-based Agricultural Innovations, LLC Named Ag Innovator of the Year

          2023 Bold Open: ‘Why Food is the Answer to Our Healthcare Costs’

            In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, AURI Executive Director Shannon Schlecht outlines the history and goals of the Bold Open Reverse Pitch and Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Step One Foods, discusses her submission to the 2023 Bold Open and shares why food is the problem AND the solution when it comes to healthcare costs.