Center for Crops Utilization Research

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Contact us at
(515) 294-0160 or ccur@iastate.edu.

About CCUR

The Center for Crops Utilization Research (CCUR), established in 1987, is a multidisciplinary research, development, and technology transfer program focusing on new processes, products, and markets for corn, soybeans and other Midwest crops.

CCUR explores new food, feed and non-food industrial uses for agricultural materials, and focuses on problem-oriented research directed at expanding midwestern crop utilization. CCUR's mission would not be possible without the modern facilities of the Crop Products Pilot Plant. By contracting with CCUR and using the Center's equipment and expertise, commercial participants have found a cost-effective way to test new products and processes without interrupting their own full-scale production systems.

Mission

CCUR is committed to adding value to and increasing the utilization of Midwestern-grown crops to increase grower profitability and contribute rural economic development.

Goals

Iowa farmers and companies should add value to every bushel of grain that currently leaves the state. Doing so, will contribute immensely to the economy of Iowa. Development of new technologies to produce value-added products from corn and soybeans will increase demand and, thus, prices that growers receive. This will foster new industries that may locate in rural areas bringing jobs and economic development. To achieve this vision, CCUR focuses on the following goals:

• Develop new products and processes to improve the demand for crops and to stimulate economic development by adding value to crops;
• Replace petrochemical-derived products with those derived from renewable agricultural resources;
• Channel the application of genetics, biotechnology and plant sciences to increase end-use value and to enhance utilization of grain; and
• Transfer new technologies to the private sector for commercialization and assist commercial enterprises with their own technologies for the betterment of Midwestern agriculture.

Capabilities

CCUR conducts grant and contract research, and provides analytical, pilot-plant processing, consumer evaluation, and technical consulting services. Technology transfer personnel assist with short-courses, workshops, and training experiences. Expert assistance, equipment rental, and limited space are available to new business ventures.

Unique Facilities

A recent $15-million investment makes possible state-of-the-art laboratory, processing, and training facilities. 35,000 sq. ft. of pilot-plant processing and support space is available for wet processing, dry processing, fermentation and product recovery, hazardous solvent extraction, industrial product development, food preparation, and consumer and sensory testing.

CCUR's pilot plants provide commercial enterprises a cost-effective way to test new products and processes without interrupting their own full-scale operations. CCUR assists small businesses through its limited small business incubator program. Resident businesses are accommodated as space becomes available for relatively short periods (up to 2 years) to network with faculty and access expertise and other services. These companies are assisted so that they can develop successful, permanent off-site operations.