The National Center for Food Protection and Defense has introduced the next iteration of its Homeland Security Center of Excellence: the Food Protection and Defense Institute. Over the past few years, its focus and breadth of work have expanded to keep up with the evolution of the food system. Now its name, its vision: “A safe, abundant food supply for all,” and its mission: “Protecting the global food supply through research, education, and the delivery of innovative solutions” also reflect those efforts.
The core work of the Center will remain as it becomes an Institute with advancements that reflect growth and its continued focus on protecting the global food supply. The institute’s beginnings as a small research consortium have expanded over the years into an agile organization that is able to provide a multitude of food protection needs. “While we continue to conduct critical research, we have expanded our efforts into four distinct product lines: Research, Education and Training, Information Technology, and Service Delivery. When integrated, these product lines transition our research and education into an expert workforce and innovative solutions that meet the needs of the food sector,” said Director Amy Kircher in the release.
“The heart of our Institute will continue to be focused on protecting and defending the intricate food system that needs to be analyzed on a global scale. The food on our dinner table is no longer from a 100-mile radius, but travels from across the world. We look forward to continued partnership both at home and in the global community,” she added.
Other changes include a new website available at foodprotection.umn.edu, updated social media pages, and a new email address fpdi@umn.edu. The institute’s phone numbers and addresses remain the same.