Agricultural News
OSU's FAPC Center Highlights Its $52 Million Economic Impact on Oklahoma's Food Industry in 2017
Fri, 15 Dec 2017 11:44:33 CST
Oklahoma State University's Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center continued to support innovation and growth of food and agricultural businesses throughout Oklahoma in 2017, providing a total economic impact of $52.25 million.
"The impacts FAPC has had on the food and agricultural industries in the state are tremendous," said Roy Escoubas, FAPC director. "From education and training sessions to client projects and food safety assistance, FAPC continues to be a resource for food processors."
In 2017, FAPC had an economic impact of $150,000 on entrepreneurial business, $650,000 on medium and small food processors and $51.45 million on large food processors.
FAPC conducted 68 education and training sessions, which brought in 1,415 attendees to FAPC in 98 days. Combined with 1,244 tour visitors, the center continues to be a popular destination on the OSU-Stillwater campus.
FAPC, a part of OSU's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2017. Since its inception in January 1997, the center's research laboratories, pilot-processing facilities, educational programs and seminars have kept food and agricultural processors and entrepreneurs on the forefront of cutting-edge, value-added processing and technology.
Although based on OSU's Stillwater campus, FAPC professionals worked with 119 clients in 67 communities and 41 counties throughout Oklahoma in 2017.
Of those clients, 64 focused on food safety assistance during 179 sessions and 344 training opportunities, making food safety a top priority for FAPC.
"The celebration of 20 years of excellence this year gives us the opportunity to reflect on the tremendous impact of Oklahoma's value-added food sector to the state's economy," said Tom Coon, DASNR vice president. "The center's research labs and programming keep entrepreneurs on the forefront of value-added processing and technology."
More information about FAPC's 2017 activities can be found here or text FAPC to 80802 to download the free FAPC Connect app.
Source - Oklahoma State University's Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
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