The Ag Innovation Campus held its phase one grand opening on Thursday afternoon. AG leaders and representatives spoke in front of a large audience before the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.
The project started roughly five years ago when AG leaders realized there was nowhere to process many new soybeans. Many farmers were having issues getting their products tested and getting to the marketplace. It will also see new processing equipment and testing protocols to ensure product quality. The AIC will allow farmers to contract with them for both commercial and specialty soybean varieties. The hope is that it will also open quality job opportunities.
The groundbreaking ceremony was the presentation of the first phase of the plant. Phase one of the campus was installing a facility with three crushing lines. The facility will reportedly produce an average of 240 tons of soybean meal daily. The profits from the crush lines will go toward building the next phase of the campus.
Minnesota Soybean CEO Tom Slunecka stated that stage two will include offices and collaborative spaces. “Phase two is going to be an office complex that is going to have laboratories, it’s going to have collaborative spaces, education space, meeting space.,” said Slunecka, “Its function will have outreach and more science than necessary to make phase three successful.” Phase three of the campus will install 75×50 foot research bays leased out to companies with new technology.
State Representative and farmer Deb Kiel also attended the ceremony. “I think this has a lot of promotional energy for rural Minnesota for the products we provide up here in the Northwest corner, but for all of Minnesota,” said Kiel.
State Senator Mark Johnson said it was good to see his fellow politicians realize the importance of the projects. “This is exciting. Representative Kiel and I worked hard on funding this project,” said Johnson. “You always kind of question, what are they coming for money for? Or is this worthwhile? But for an Ag community like these, finding ways to invest and develop our product in this region, it seemed like a no-brainer.”
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Thom Peterson spoke at the ceremony as well. Peterson had only positive things to say about the AIC and the future of the campus. “As commissioner of agriculture, it’s great to see the investment get built here in Northwest Minnesota,” said Peterson, “But it’s perfect for serving the whole state; I can think of companies that are going to want to work up here and relocate.” Peterson also stated that if companies decide to relocate or invest in the campus, it will result in many bean crops.
Mayor of Crookston, Dale Stainbrook, attended the ceremony and spoke to the pleased audience. “This is fantastic; there’s no other word. And they already looking toward phase two and three,” said Stainbrook, “Bringing in international people to study here and do a lab, I think this is going to be great.” Stainbrook, like others, hopes other businesses will invest in the AIC and possibly expand the campus in the future.
WHY CROOKSTON
The facility is located in Crookston in the heart of Polk County, which is one of the top producers of soybeans in the state. Crookston’s ideal location was also a driving force in the decision, with access to major highways, railroads, and infrastructure.
To watch the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, click here.
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