FAPC impacts Oklahoma food industry in 2019

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

The Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center continued to support innovation and growth of food and agricultural businesses throughout Oklahoma in 2019, providing a total economic impact of more than $28 million.

“With the start of the new year, it is important to evaluate and review the work of the center from the previous year,” said Roy Escoubas, FAPC director. “The impacts FAPC had on the food and agricultural industries in the state in 2019 are tremendous. From education and training sessions to client projects and food safety assistance, FAPC continues to be a resource for food processors.”

In 2019, FAPC had an economic impact of $75,000 on entrepreneurial business, $250,000 on small and medium processors and $28.43 million on large food processors.

FAPC conducted 79 education and training sessions, which brought in 1,386 attendees to FAPC. Combined with 3,527 visitors, the center continues to be a popular destination on the OSU-Stillwater campus.

FAPC professionals worked on 154 client projects in 62 communities and 44 counties throughout Oklahoma in 2019.

A large focus in 2019 was the development of food safety programs. FAPC made food safety a top priority, hosting 435 food safety focused activities and events.

FAPC, a part of OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, was established in January 1997. Since its inception, the center has helped to discover, develop and deliver technical and business information that stimulates and supports the growth of value-added food and agricultural products and processing in Oklahoma.

“FAPC has had a tremendous impact on Oklahoma’s value-added food sector, which is an important part of our local, county and state economies,” said Tom Coon, DASNR vice president. “The center’s research labs, pilot-processing facilities and educational programs keep entrepreneurs, as well as small, medium and large food processors, on the forefront of value-added processing and technology, strengthening their operations and providing significant value to the state of Oklahoma.”

More information about FAPC’s 2019 activities can be found at http://fapc.biz/videos/fapc-features/2019-highlights-and-impacts.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mandy Gross | FAPC Communications Services | 405-744-0442 | mandy.gross@okstate.edu