The Center for Crops Utilization Research (CCUR) is a research, development, and technology transfer program. CCUR is focused on adding value to Midwest crops, biorenewables development, the application of biotechnology to increase value, and technology transfer to the private sector.

Developing value-added food and biobased products will increase crop demand and thus prices that farmers receive. New jobs will be created bringing increased income to rural communities. Many of these new products will reduce consumption of nonrenewable resources such as petroleum, and many will lead to green products and technologies reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other environmentally harmful compounds. The more crop-derived products we consume, the more sustainable our lifestyle.

The Center for Crops Utilization Research is dedicated to developing new technology and high-value products from Midwestern crops. The Center’s pilot plant facilities are the finest in the world, focusing on converting crops into food, food ingredients, feed ingredients, fuels, industrial chemicals, and biomaterials. We conduct contract and grant research and provide pilot plant services for a fee. The Center for Crops Utilization Research offers industry incubator facilities and flexible terms on intellectual property. We have over fifty affiliated faculty with expertise in science and engineering as well as experience helping businesses be successful. If we can assist you in developing new crop utilization technologies, we are eager to hear from you.