In January, representatives from across the state gathered for the first meeting of the Missouri Food Entrepreneur Network (Mo-FEN). Notable attendees included Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe and Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn. Topping off a well-rounded group, representatives from institutions across the state also attended the discussion.

 

Representing Missouri State University’s Darr College of Agriculture, Dr. Del Vecchio, Dean, and Dr. Sudbrock, Assistant Professor, proudly attended the steering committee. When asking Dr. Sudbrock to share about the purpose of the gathering, she stated, “The purpose of the first meeting was to go over our charge. We were able to network with each other and begin the process of pooling resources and knowledge… The committee is identifying resources available at each of our institutions… We are also working together to develop new ideas to serve these entrepreneurs”. Missouri State stands with numerous other Missouri institutions to increase opportunities for Missouri producers.

 

Dr. Sudbrock went on to share, “Mo-FEN is creating a network for Missouri’s agricultural entrepreneurs to support their efforts to innovate, further add value to agriculture products in the state of Missouri and provide additional choices to Missouri consumers”.

 

Mo-FEN is associated with the Show Me Food, Beverage & Forest Product Manufacturing Initiative that began in 2019. The goal of this network is to advance new food processing and manufacturing projects in the state of Missouri.

 

It is always a top priority for individuals within agriculture to strive to find ways to help increase opportunities for Missouri producers.