January 17, 2008
AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Egg Council has made a $2 million gift commitment to establish an endowed egg industry program in Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The Iowa Egg Council's commitment will support the establishment of a proposed egg industry center of excellence at ISU and development of new ideas and technologies to address emerging needs of the egg industry. The proposed center will be submitted for approval by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, later this spring.
"The Iowa Egg Council has been a tremendous supporter of Iowa State's research over the years," said Gregory L. Geoffroy, Iowa State University President. "Its support has helped strengthen this very important industry for Iowa by addressing critical issues such as air quality and odor mitigation, and this gift takes the council's support to a new level."
"This new center will respond to issues of importance to the egg industry," said Kevin Vinchattle, executive director of the Iowa Egg Council. "We see the new center providing science-based solutions for growing existing markets, exploring new uses and new markets, developing more efficient and environmentally friendly production practices and enhancing nutritional aspects for the benefit of consumers."
"We're very appreciative of the support shown to us by the Iowa Egg Council," said Wendy Wintersteen, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "The opportunities for this endowed program will be mutually beneficial to both Iowa State University and the egg industry, and will lead to a better understanding of the industry's needs and greater opportunities to deliver results."
Some of the primary goals for the endowed program include:
- Provide a perpetual source of funds directed to research and outreach priorities of the egg industry.
- Serve as a vehicle for communicating new research information that bolsters the profitability and competitiveness of the egg industry.
- Increase education, outreach and research in the areas of egg product functionality, disease diagnosis, food safety, marketing and distribution and positive environmental programs for egg production and processing.
- Expand Iowa State's animal feeding operation-air quality initiative through research and outreach specific to the egg industry.
The Iowa Egg Council is a producer-supported organization that was established in 1973. Its mission is to increase consumption of eggs through promotion, education and research. The council's headquarters are located in Urbandale.