Why Minnesota Is Positioned to Lead in Food and Agricultural Innovation

By JoAnne Berkenkamp, Managing Director of MBOLD

Minnesota has one of the most complete food and agriculture ecosystems in the world. We are home to global food and agriculture companies, leading research institutions, entrepreneurs, growers, processors, food manufacturers, retailers, and investors—all operating within a relatively compact geography. Few regions can match that combination of assets. From crop production to food manufacturing and consumer insights, Minnesota has expertise and nation-leading capabilities across the entire value chain.

But our greatest advantage may be our culture of collaboration. For decades, companies and organizations in Minnesota have demonstrated a willingness to work together across sectors to solve shared challenges. That mindset is increasingly important as the food system faces growing pressure from climate change, shifting consumer expectations, natural resource constraints, and a growing global population. The challenges are becoming more complex, and the solutions require expertise from many different perspectives.

At MBOLD, we see how collaboration accelerates innovation every day. When startups gain access to experienced industry leaders, when researchers work alongside companies to solve practical problems, and when companies collaborate on pre-competitive challenges, progress happens faster and it happens smarter. New technologies move more quickly from concept to market. Farmers gain access to new opportunities and entire industries become more resilient.

One of the most exciting examples of this approach is the MBOLD Protein Catalyst, a new initiative designed to accelerate innovation and sustainability across protein value chains. Global demand for protein is expected to rise by 50% or more in the coming decades, creating both a significant challenge and a tremendous opportunity. Through the Protein Catalyst, MBOLD is bringing together food companies, researchers, entrepreneurs, growers, and ecosystem partners to explore new pathways for plant proteins and more sustainable animal feed systems.

What excites me most about the Protein Catalyst is that it reflects Minnesota at its best. No single company, university, or startup can solve the protein challenge alone. But together, we can combine scientific expertise, entrepreneurial energy, industry leadership, and market access in ways that few places can. The Catalyst is helping position Minnesota as a global leader in tackling one of the biggest issues facing our food system, in collaboration with stakeholders elsewhere in the U.S. and internationally.