PHOTO: NDSU
RESEARCH
Approximately 150 people attended NDSU's BioOpportunities Workshop.
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also producing a healthy plant and improving the plant’s performance for that specific purpose. The NDSU Oilseed Development Center of Excellence is one example of this important research area. During the past few years, the center has obtained new and improving canola germplasm (genetic material) that has increased oil content of the seed from 16 percent to 18 percent. This result alone has an estimated annual value to North Dakota of $22 million, based on current acreage. If the demand increases as antic-
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ipated, it could escalate to approximately $110 million per year. Benefits of biorelated research includes increased employment and educational opportunities, as well as increased income for producers and processors in North Dakota and the region. NDSU has classes to educate tomorrow’s engineers and scientists in areas relating to biofuels and bioprocessing. In addition, NDSU faculty are sharing their expertise statewide. For example, Hellevang, also an NDSU Extension Service agricultural engineer, is involved in the North Dakota Biomass Energy Task Force and the North Dakota Alliance for Renewable Energy. Other faculty are demonstrating canola biodiesel production and use, and providing off-campus educational programming on biofuels and agricultural energy efficiency. Faculty are also working with groups, businesses and communities across the state to develop the future of renewable energy and bioproducts. “It is this team approach that will help North Dakota communities participate in the bioeconomy,” Hellevang says. “It is continuing the land-grant philosophy of NDSU to foster the economic prosperity and quality of life of the people we serve.” NDSU has the expertise and experience to research biobased products from the ground up—from soil to product—to their effect on community and the region. Collaboration among the researchers and educators provides a complete range of services. NDSU BioEPIC will continue its mission to coordinate and encourage interaction across disciplines on campus and throughout the state and region to enhance and promote a sustainable future for generations to come. BIO Mary-Anne Fiebig works with BioEPIC at North Dakota State University. Reach her at mary-anne.fiebig@ndsu.edu or (701) 231-8190. For more information, visit www.ndsu.edu/bioopportunities.