LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Following today’s vote by the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC), Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced $5 million will be allocated from Restricted Reserve for the construction of the University of Arkansas Department of Food Science’s Center of Excellence for Food Science and Innovation.
The Governor’s investment builds on $30 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Senator John Boozman to construct the state-of-the-art facility, which will serve as the new home for the department’s faculty, staff, and students. The two-story, 62,000-square-foot building will house specialized laboratories that expand food science research, prepare students for high-demand careers, create new opportunities for Arkansas-grown commodities, and drive economic development across the state.
“Arkansas is an agricultural powerhouse, and this investment will ensure we remain a leader in food innovation for generations to come,” said Governor Sanders. “The new Center of Excellence will give students access to world-class facilities, strengthen partnerships with Arkansas producers and businesses, and accelerate research that directly impacts one of our state’s largest economies. We’re investing in the workforce, agriculture, and innovation that will keep Arkansas competitive in the future.”
The University of Arkansas Department of Food Science is a national leader in research, education, and industry research, and is currently ranked 8th in the nation for research productivity in food science by Academic Analytics and 3rd of 56 programs for Scholarly Research.
The facility will advance each of the department’s core research areas, including:
• Sensory and Consumer Sciences
• Food Microbiology and Safety
• Food for Health
• Food Chemistry and Functionality
• Food Systems Engineering
Additionally, it will deepen partnerships with Arkansas farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers with dedication spaces for food and beverage processing through programs that connect researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, such as Arkansas Food Innovation Center, the Center for Beverage Innovation, and the Rice Processing Program. As part of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Science, the department of food science trains the next generation of experts in specialized, innovative technologies and skills to ensure graduates are more prepared than ever to join the workforce.
“This continued investment in UADA’s nationally renowned food science program represents another monumental step forward for our state’s agricultural infrastructure and its efforts to serve Arkansas communities,” said University of Arkansas System President Jay Silveria. “This funding will solidify and accelerate groundbreaking research, support local food entrepreneurs, help us further address food insecurity in Arkansas, and equip our students with the hands-on technical skills required to lead the global food processing industry. This project perfectly aligns with our system-wide mission to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for all Arkansans.”
“We are extremely grateful for Governor Sanders’ support for The Center of Excellence for Food Science and Innovation,” said Deacue Fields, head of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “The mission of the center aligns with the Governor’s priorities to address food insecurity and health throughout the state. This support will allow us to build a world-class facility to drive the innovation necessary to address these critical issues and also identify ways to add value in the production agriculture sector.”
Governor Sanders has prioritized transforming Arkansas’ education system to ensure every student has access to opportunity and is prepared for the careers of the future. After signing Arkansas LEARNS to expand access to high-quality education from birth to 12th grade, the Governor signed Arkansas ACCESS to build on those reforms in higher education and launched the Arkansas LAUNCH program that already has more than 16,000 unique users able to view the nearly 6,000 jobs that 600 employers have posted to connect jobseekers with opportunities with employers in the state.
Last November, Governor Sanders launched the Arkansas Plate Initiative, connecting Arkansas producers with schools to provide nutritious, locally sourced meals made from Arkansas-grown commodities, supporting her commitment to enhance the connection between Arkansas agriculture and student nutrition.
The Arkansas Plate Initiative complements the Arkansas Rice in Schools program, focused on increasing the use of Arkansas-grown rice in school meals and classroom activities, as well as legislation providing free breakfast to all public-school students for a third consecutive year. Together, these efforts strengthen connections between Arkansas agriculture, student nutrition, education, and workforce development.
Learn more about the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture here.
