In a November 8th announcement the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy has awarded $45 million in a first round of funding to Wageningen Research an arm of the Agricultural University.
The Wageningen Food and Bio-based Research Facility will receive funding for food processing technology, product formulation and consumer research. The institute operates at the interface of fundamental and applied science and functions in cooperation with other universities, research institutions and the private sector.
Funding will also be allocated to a biosafety Level-3 facility to evaluate high-risk pathogens transmitted through food to consumers and through feed to flocks and herds. Additional research will be conducted on antimicrobial resistant pathogens.
In commenting on the awards, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate noted, “The Dutch knowledge base remains exceptionally strong. However, knowledge does not succeed in the market on its own and we are facing increasing competition in the global innovation landscape especially in technologies necessary for sustainability and digitalization. To remain successful excellent and modern research facilities will be the foundation of future success.”