New ag and bioprocessing partnership joins Iowa State University with Cedar Rapids

by | Mar 4, 2015 | News

AMES, Iowa (ISU News Service) – A partnership between Iowa State University and the City of Cedar Rapids will explore opportunities for expanding the success of the region?s agricultural and bioprocessing industries.

City and university officials today (March 4) announced the establishment of an Iowa State research and extension liaison position. The liaison will have an office in Cedar Rapids, and will work closely with the city?s processing industries to identify opportunities for collaborating with Iowa State scientists, engineers, extension and economic development specialists.

Iowa State and Cedar Rapids will share in the cost of funding the new liaison position, estimated to be $114,000. The nature and scope of future collaborations will develop once the position is filled, but may include:

  • – researching and developing more environmentally friendly processing technologies;
  • – adding value to processing waste streams through coproducts and byproducts;
  • – developing innovative products ? such as biorenewable fuels and biobased products ? from agricultural raw materials;
  • – exploring new directions for food ingredients that boost health and wellness; and
  • – facilitating training opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of Cedar Rapids industry employees.

The Cedar Rapids region is one of the leading bioprocessing and food ingredient centers in North America. Area companies serving global demands include Cargill, DuPont, Penford, ADM, Quaker Foods & Beverages, General Mills, Red Star, Genencor and Diamond V Mills. The city also is home to international businesses involved in production of yeast, dietary fiber and cellulose-based pharmaceutical ingredients.

To read more on ISU’s website about the new partnership between ISU and the city of Cedar Rapids, click here.