Fox Family Stories: Agricultural Utilization Research Institute

In 1986, the Minnesota Legislature created the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) for the purpose of conducting research and promoting innovative uses for the state’s agricultural commodities and products. AURI is a one-of-a-kind resource providing assistance to Minnesota businesses and entrepreneurs looking to create more value for the state’s agricultural products.

The complex research and success in identifying alternative uses for agricultural products has positioned AURI experts as highly sought after on the global and national stage including testifying before the United States Congress on renewable energy and the impact on the rural economy.

AURI staff and scientists keep abreast of critical issues impacting the agricultural sector and its economy. For example, with the interest in industrial hemp growing both nationally and internationally, and the passage of the 2018 farm bill allowing cultivation of the crop in the United States, AURI completed a comprehensive report which provides an overview for the history and background of hemp around the globe and the United States as well as the primary areas of opportunity for hemp value-add in Minnesota.

Today, AURI is a thought leader and scientific research organization paving the way for businesses and entrepreneurs to test innovative ideas with agricultural products benefitting Minnesota and beyond. To that end, AURI retained Fox Advancement to conduct a Vision Impact Alignment process which will assist in identifying the most critical needs for the agricultural community over the next 5-10 years along with a suggested path to achieve those goals. We are honored to be working with the dedicated staff to assist in this process.