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Innovation critical as down farm economy wears on

Leaders of two of the largest farm groups in Minnesota are pointing to the significance of innovation as the economic downturn in agriculture continues.

Minnesota Farmers Union president Gary Wertish says the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) was created by the state legislature 30 years ago at a time of low commodity prices and overwhelming debt.

“The legislature was looking to help out-state Minnesota get things started.  So (AURI) is very important.  Rural communities are struggling, so the more businesses we can start across the state, we’re all better off.”

Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council CEO Tom Slunecka says AURI facilitates new uses and new markets for crops, livestock, and their byproducts.

He tells Brownfield the current financial struggles of agriculture reinforce the need for constant innovation.

“Just like innovations have gotten our production to the levels that they are today, innovations are going to get that demand to the levels that they once were.  The world is a hungry place, and it needs products (including) biodegradable products.  And the best place to find those is from our growers right here in Minnesota.”

Brownfield interviewed Slunecka and Wertish during the AURI New Uses Forum in Minneapolis Wednesday.

 

Gary Wertish audio:

 

 

Tom Slunecka audio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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