By BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
MANHATTAN - On Wednesday, Kansas State University announced the pledge of $1 million from ADM, a global leader in human and animal nutrition to Kansas State University’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation.
Kansas State University’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation includes one of four new or renovated facilities in the University's College of Agriculture's Agriculture Innovation Initiative.
K-State students will experience elevated academic experiences, find support in food product development, food safety and security, and continue sparking innovation within the industry with the help of this investment by ADM.
“I want to thank ADM for its investment in our Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation,” said Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon Dean for the College of Agriculture and Director of K-State Research and Extension. “The College of Agriculture is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 higher education ag programs in the nation, and this donation will help ensure we remain at the top in educating students, leading in research and helping our partners feed a hungry world.”
Within the Global Center, thirty percent will be dedicated to on-site collaboration between private enterprises and public resources with state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms and interdisciplinary partner spaces.
“ADM is excited to support the development of the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation at Kansas State University. The facility will not only foster new collaborations across the university, but it will enhance the student experience by way of research, creativity and innovation,” said Tedd Kruse, president of ADM Milling. “ADM’s purpose is to unlock the power of nature to enrich the quality of life, and as a milling and baking solutions leader, we are proud to support K-State’s Agricultural Innovation Initiative to help deliver a pathway for highly trained students to lead the advancement of new technologies and change within the industry.”
The Agriculture Innovation Initiative also includes the Agronomy Research and Innovation Center, the Bilbrey Family Event Center, and Call and Weber halls.
The upgrades to the Global Center will support continued grain, food, animal and agronomy research at K-State.
“Our Agriculture Innovation Initiative marks a significant milestone for land-grant universities, especially in K-State’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and development,” said university President Richard Linton. “By fostering greater collaboration across departments and colleges, we’ll broaden the university’s research opportunities and outcomes while working alongside other organizations and private industry partners. This represents an exciting new chapter for K-State, solidifying its position as the next-generation university in education, research and industry.”
A groundbreaking ceremony for the facility is scheduled for May 17.