Director's Comments

Milford A. Hanna, Ph.D.

Industrial development in this country depends on our ability to capitalize on the development of rapidly changing technology. We must be able to move from ideas to reality more quickly than ever before. Technology transfer is no longer a linear process. In the Industrial Agricultural Products Center, our staff members work closely with entrepreneurs and members of private industry from the initial stages of research to final production. Our joint goal is to develop biobased industrial products and processing techniques which will enhance industry's ability to compete in the global marketplace.

The mission of the IAPC is to improve the economy of Nebraska and the Great Plains region by developing uses for agricultural raw materials. Initial support for our efforts came from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and from the state commodity boards, particularly the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Soybean Board. Financial support has expanded to include the National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Beef Council, the Nebraska Sorghum Board, and Nebraska Wheat Board as well as non-agricultural groups such as the World Wildlife Fund, the Western Area Power Administration, the Nebraska Bankers Association, the Department of Energy, and the Nebraska Recycling Association. The Center also has conducted proprietary research with large and small companies, and is currently engaged in several projects of that nature.

Many private companies have shared their expertise, and donated time and plant facilities for pilot runs of new products. Industry representatives have been active team members, working with IAPC staff to solve technical problems and develop research goals. Our partnership between research and industry, academician and entrepreneur, is as important as the research itself. As we work together to solve problems, we develop common goals which serve not only rural Nebraskans, but our whole nation. As we work together to develop economically viable, environmentally friendly products and processes, we help secure our position in a healthy global environment and business community.

Our future begins with what we do today.

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