CFANS at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair

Update: Thanks for joining us in 2023! See you next year.

Food for thought with CFANS at the Minnesota State Fair

Whet your appetite for science at the U of M’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences exhibit

Sink your teeth into science! Visitors to the U of M’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) exhibit at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair will have a variety of hands-on opportunities to see their food choices from all angles, get friendly with an arthropod ambassador, and touch grass with advice from Master Gardeners and turfgrass experts. 

Feeding a Growing Population, Protecting the Planet

A photo of two State Fair visitors experiencing virtual reality

Protein is an important part of a healthy diet, and today, the majority of Americans prefer to get their protein from animal sources. But the popularity of plant protein is on the rise, especially as consumers consider the impacts of their food choices. Producing plants for protein can benefit the environment by reducing the use of land, water, and energy. In addition to supporting sustainability, they can also create revenue streams for farmers. 

The University of Minnesota's Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC) at CFANS is the first center of its kind in the nation for plant and other alternative proteins. Visitors to the CFANS exhibit can follow a protein-packed pea from field to family through an immersive 360° video experience to see how research is shaping the future of food. 

Watch a sneak preview of the 360° virtual reality experience

Talking traditional protein 

A sign outside the Dairy and Meat Salesroom at the University of Minnesota

Meat is the most popular source of protein for Americans, with 80% of consumers reporting their preferences for pork, beef, poultry, and fish as their main sources of protein. 

While meat is clearly an American staple, 36% of animal product consumers express concern about environmental impacts from the industry. CFANS is researching ways to reduce the environmental impact of raising animals for food, from formulating swine diets; repurposing food waste; and improving the growth and health of food-producing animals. 

You can purchase delicious CFANS-made products on Wednesdays from 2 to 5 p.m. at our Meat and Dairy Salesroom. Located in St. Paul on the U of M Twin Cities campus in the Andrew Boss Lab of Meat Science, the Saleroom offers an array of tasty items! Want to see how golden gopher ice cream is made? Check out this video!

Visit the Meat & Dairy Salesroom

Surprising pop-up science and selfies

Little kid takes a selfie in the CFANS canoe at the MN State Fair.

Each day of the Fair, visitors can participate in a number of hands-on pop-up learning stations featuring engaging science activities for kids and adults alike. CFANS researchers will be there to “get buggy” with live insects, help you take the plant disease “personality quiz,” live sustainably with help from engineering, and more. 

Visitors can "say cheese!" and put their paddles up in the CFANS custom canoe selfie station. Don't forget to tag us in your pics! 

CFANS will be at the Minnesota State Fair August 24 through September 4 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily in the southwest wing of the Agriculture Horticulture building. 

Explore the full pop-up learning schedule