$250,000 commitment supports Egg Industry Research Grant operated by Egg Industry Center
Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) has made a $250,000 commitment to the Egg Industry Center (EIC) at Iowa State University. The four-year commitment supports EIC’s Egg Industry Research Grant Program.
“We’re funding this research to support the long-term viability and success of the egg industry,” said Marshall Hansen, FCSAmerica’s senior vice president of corporate protein lending. “This donation is one of the many ways we are fulfilling our mission to serve agriculture.”
The EIC’s research grants benefit on-farm egg production and processing. Fourteen academic institutions in North America have received $2.5 million in funding since the inception of the EIC grant program in 2013.
“EIC is deeply grateful that Farm Credit Services of America agrees that solid scientific solutions are important for the future of the egg industry,” said Dr. Richard Gates, EIC director. “These funds help find answers to important challenges for the industry, and help students stay interested in careers within the poultry and egg industry.”
EIC funding has supported research into avian influenza and other diseases, hen and pullet housing, animal welfare, air quality, sustainability, value-added markets, and other areas where the industry needs more scientific information.
To support EIC’s continuing donation drive, FCSAmerica will match contributions up to $50,000.
“This forward-thinking donor set aside a $50,000 match to encourage other industry organizations to survey their commitment to research for America’s egg farmers and get involved,” said Gates. “We are grateful for all of our donors, and we are looking forward to the industry coming together to further support this important mission.”
Visit eggindustrycenter.org for more on the research results and current research projects.