Prioritizing investment in our critical infrastructure needs—HEAPR funding request

With the 2024 Minnesota legislative session underway, we reiterate the fundamental priorities we share with our stakeholders— advancing Minnesota as a global leader in sustainable food, agriculture, and natural resources.

Through world-class research, education, and outreach, CFANS brings tremendous value to Minnesota and makes an impact regionally, nationally, and globally. Every day, our researchers, faculty, and students use innovative science to enhance Minnesota and solve the world's grand challenges.

The U of M can't do this life-changing work without partnership and support. This year, in particular, is critical for us as we seek Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) funding to provide gravely needed upgrades in our food science and nutrition and poultry teaching and research facilities. 

Building a food-secure, sustainable future

The Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FScN) is committed to building a food-secure, sustainable future in Minnesota and beyond, and to keeping Minnesota in the lead as a global food systems innovator. Associate Professor of Nutrition Kathleen Hill Gallant testified before the House Capital Investment Committee as part of the University of Minnesota's capital investment request to repair the Food Science and Nutrition building. HEAPR funding will provide critical building updates to keep Minnesota in the lead as a global food systems innovator.

"Our building is one with critical needs for infrastructure improvements. These are long overdue. They're affecting the safety, the learning environment, research productivity, our ability to secure external research funding and ultimately our ability to fulfill our land grant mission on teaching, research and service to the state of Minnesota," said Gallant.

Contributing to a safer and more sustainable poultry industry

The poultry program at the University of Minnesota is recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative research on nutrition, physiology and reproduction, food safety, one health microbiology, disease prevention, and sustainability to support Minnesota’s economy and help feed the world. Today, faculty can no longer perform poultry research in most of the Poultry Teaching and Research Facility (PTRF) due to uncontrollable heat and poor ventilation inside the building. HEAPR funding will help address the factors contributing to excessive heat.

It is vitally important to keep Minnesota competitive with outstanding facilities in poultry research.

As leaders in this effort, it’s imperative that we invest in the infrastructure that creates the environment for continued education, scientific discovery, and outreach. It is imperative that these buildings are modernized in order to maintain our state's leadership position in these critical areas.

Systemwide, HEAPR funding ensures our University remains a thriving place for discovery and innovation that benefits the entire state. This investment can also help reduce operating costs; avoid costly emergency repairs; increase safety and accessibility; support student learning and success; and improve research capabilities.

We need your help to build support with Minnesota’s elected leaders. There are several ways you can advocate for the University including joining Support the U Day on February 22 from 10-11 a.m. at the State Capitol; signing up to become a UMN Advocate; or contacting your legislator to share why the University of Minnesota is important to you.