Crookston institute gets AURI to use funds to assist energy projects

David Dodd

Grand Forks Herald

A Crookston-based agricultural research institute has been awarded nearly $1 million to continue its efforts to promote renewable energy projects undertaken by entrepreneuring farmers in the state.

The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, located on the campus of the University of Minnesota-Crookston, will pick up $984,000 for its Center for Producer-Owned Energy thanks to a federal 2008 omnibus appropriations bill.

"We are thrilled for the continued federal support of the center and its efforts to boost locally-owned renewable energy activities," AURI Executive Director Teresa Spaeth said. "Local ownership is key to creating and maintaining economic activity in rural Minnesota."

The center provides scientific technical and project development assistance to farmer-driven renewable energy enterprises. Created in 2004 as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Innovation Center program, the center has assisted more than 25 projects impacting more than 8,000 Minnesota farmers.