Support the Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard

Select to view a livestream of the construction in progress (click arrow icon in the upper right of the screen to start stream).

University of Idaho’s current meat science laboratory serves as home to Vandal Brand Meats and the center of the meat science program. This facility — a United States Department of Agriculture-inspected plant used for teaching, research and outreach activities — is vital to the program. Despite its critical role, the laboratory has not been updated in decades, creating a tremendous need for modernization.

University of Idaho seeks support to build a modern laboratory. A new, contemporary laboratory will allow U of I to serve more students and meet the needs of our stakeholders by providing professionals ready for the workforce for years to come.

University of Idaho’s new Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard will be a modern teaching, research and retail sales center. The new center will support:

• Larger classrooms to accommodate growing student numbers and modern processing technology for teaching purposes.
• Hands-on, experiential learning opportunities related to all aspects of harvesting, processing, packaging, storage and consumption of meat products.
• An environment conducive to cutting-edge research.
• Separate spaces for processing fresh and packaged foods in compliance with USDA regulations.
• Modern infrastructure that keeps workers safe and ensures humane treatment of animals.
• Easy accessibility with a prominent location on campus.
• Greater exposure for Vandal Brand Meats retail sales and community education opportunities.

For more information, contact:

Melinda Jean Stafford
Director of Development
208-364-4617
melindas@uidaho.edu