USA – Kansas State University proudly unveiled a significant partnership with ADM, announcing a US$1 million donation towards developing the university’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation.
This generous contribution from ADM, a global leader in food processing and commodities trading based in Chicago, Illinois, underscores a shared commitment to advancing food product development, safety, and security.
Scheduled to break ground on May 17, the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation is a cornerstone of K-State’s ambitious Agriculture Innovation Initiative. This visionary initiative, spearheaded by the College of Agriculture, aims to propel the university to the forefront of agricultural research and education.
Dean Ernie Minton expressed gratitude for ADM’s investment, emphasizing its pivotal role in sustaining K-State’s reputation as a premier institution for agricultural studies.
“The College of Agriculture is consistently ranked among the nation’s top higher education ag programs,” Dean Minton remarked. “This donation will ensure that we continue to excel in educating students, driving research, and addressing global food challenges.”
The Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation will serve as a nexus for interdisciplinary collaboration, with 30% of its space dedicated to fostering partnerships between academia and industry.
Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and collaborative workspaces, the center is poised to catalyze innovation across the agricultural sector.
Tedd Kruse, President of ADM Milling, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting its potential to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“ADM is proud to support the development of the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation,” Kruse affirmed. “This facility will not only facilitate groundbreaking research but also provide students with unparalleled opportunities to drive technological advancements within the industry.”
Beyond the Global Center, K-State’s Agriculture Innovation Initiative encompasses several other key projects, including the Agronomy Research and Innovation Center, the Bilbrey Family Event Center, and the renovation of Call and Weber Halls.
Together, these initiatives will bolster grain science, food production, and animal agriculture research while fostering resilience across multiple disciplines.
President Richard Linton hailed the Agriculture Innovation Initiative as a transformative milestone for K-State, emphasizing its potential to redefine the university’s role in the agricultural landscape.
“By fostering collaboration and innovation across departments and colleges,” President Linton stated, “K-State is poised to lead the way in agricultural research, education, and industry partnerships, solidifying its position as a next-generation university.”
For all the latest grains industry news from Africa, the Middle East, and the World, subscribe to our weekly NEWSLETTERS, follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
