New on the AURI blog: What Are Sustainable Packaging Materials? Explore different packaging options, their environmental impacts, and what businesses should consider before making the switch. Read more: zurl.co/RJ9mQ

What makes a plastic biodegradable? This week's AURI Quick Takes blog explores how biodegradable plastics are made, their benefits and challenges, and what businesses should know before making the switch. Read more: zurl.co/Dehf9

Applications are open for MBOLD's 2027 Bold Growth Program! Protein innovation companies looking to expand into the U.S. market can access mentorship from Minnesota industry leaders at no cost. Apply by November 6: zurl.co/ESJFt

Registration is open for the Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable! Join AURI Dec. 16 to explore how Minnesota agriculture and renewable fuels could connect with emerging markets for lower-carbon maritime fuels. Register: zurl.co/TEtxU

AURI joined the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for a visit to the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris. The group toured WCROC’s green ammonia facility and learned more about its renewable energy and agriculture research. Thanks to WCROC for the tour!

This week on AURI’s Quick Takes blog: What is a business feasibility study? Learn how feasibility studies help biobased, biogas and coproduct businesses evaluate an idea before investing in scale-up. Read more: zurl.co/0kSlz

AURI’s Brad Matuska will join industry leaders at the 2026 Minnesota AgriGrowth Fall Summit for a discussion on unlocking Minnesota’s biofuel potential. Learn more and register: zurl.co/cG2co

What’s next for aronia berries? In the latest Ag Innovation News podcast, Paul Wright shares his journey growing aronia and how niche markets, innovative marketing and aronia infused ice cream are creating new opportunities for the fruit. Listen here: zurl.co/avEMv

AURI has a new weekly blog: Quick Takes! Each week, we’ll explore topics and questions related to AURI’s work and agricultural innovation. First up: What is a pilot plant? Read the first Quick Takes: zurl.co/8h8fb

AURI was at the Big Iron Farm Show in West Fargo this week! Harold Stanislawski connected with industry professionals to discuss soy-based roof rejuvenation, hemp, camelina and global market development. A great opportunity to connect and talk Minnesota agriculture!

AURI’s Ben Swanson recently joined researchers, producers and industry professionals at SMSU’s Agronomy Field Day to share how AURI helps identify new uses and markets for agricultural products. Read more: zurl.co/X2PHu

Scaling your food business and considering a contract manufacturer? AURI’s free Contract Manufacturing Toolkit offers templates, checklists and guidance to help businesses prepare for successful manufacturing partnerships. Explore the toolkit: zurl.co/V7etH

Aronia harvest is underway at Wright Farms! These Minnesota-grown berries recently made their way into the U of M’s 175th anniversary ice cream flavor, North Star Apple Crisp. From a Minnesota farm to Gopher ice cream, today the Gophers… tomorrow the Vikings?

The 2026 MNIFT Suppliers’ Expo is coming up September 28 in Minneapolis! Connect with food industry professionals and explore ingredients, suppliers and innovative solutions from 175 exhibitors. Learn more and register: zurl.co/ItXZd

What will the next 5 years look like for agriculture? Steve Olson, co-founder of the Next 5 Years Executive Conference, joins the Ag Innovation News podcast to discuss planning ahead, preparing for change and staying relevant in a changing industry. Link:zurl.co/6PUQm

North Star Apple Crisp, the winning flavor in the U of M’s 175th anniversary ice cream contest, features aronia berries from Wright Farms. We supported Wright Farms with product development, helping bring the MN grown ingredient into the finished product. zurl.co/kDgZo

Did you catch AURI on Ag Week TV at Farmfest? AgWeek stopped by to check out our SuperPoop display and learn how manure can become a valuable resource in agriculture and renewable energy. Watch the segment: zurl.co/Hd1cZ

New to biogas? The American Biogas Council’s Biogas Crash Course on Sept. 9 provides a three-hour introduction to biogas systems, renewable energy and the fundamentals of the industry. No prior technical experience required. Learn more: zurl.co/7PEqz

Save the date! The 2026 Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable is Dec. 16 in Minneapolis. Join us to explore biofuels for maritime shipping and opportunities to connect Minnesota agriculture to emerging global fuel markets. Pre-register: [email protected] or [email protected]

AURI’s food team was excited to attend the Minnesota School Nutrition Association Annual Conference with our friends at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture! Jason Robinson and Charlie Lucas explored ways AURI can create new value for MN food businesses and schools.