Chobani Donates $1 Million to Help Launch Largest Research Dairy in the U.S.
Chobani, known for its thick, Greek-style yogurt has made a large contribution to the construction of the nation’s largest research dairy in Idaho’s Magic Valley. The donation was made on Wednesday to the University of Idaho-led Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Idaho CAFÉ).
A variety of ongoing research experiments will be overseen by the University’s faculty and staff will happen at the new research dairy in Rupert. Officials shared that the push is twofold, both geared toward scientific research and sustainability efforts. The results from the site’s research will then immediately apply to Idaho dairy farms and around the Western U.S.
"Sustainability is part of the fabric of Chobani. Caring for our people and animals, conserving resources, putting back what we take – this is how we operate, and this is how dairy farmers operate," Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani founder and CEO said. "As more and more people – consumers, investors, and regulators focus on sustainability, the dairy industry must be part of the conversation. The dairy industry has a deep history of commitment to and leadership in sustainability, which must be honored. This is why the University of Idaho's leadership to establish this comprehensive and groundbreaking CAFE project is so important, and why we are so proud to support it."
Idaho CAFE will include a 2,000-cow research dairy and 640-acre demonstration farm, as well as a Jerome-based education center and a food science program developed with the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.
"The Idaho CAFE project has been conceptualized for years, but the need for this integrated research center is growing by the day," Michael P. Parrella, Dean for the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, says. "The dairy industry nationwide has set aggressive goals to become carbon neutral and maximize water quality and quantity among other environmental sustainability goals in the very near future. Chobani's investment in the Idaho CAFE research dairy highlights their partnership in this mission and pushes us closer to the finish line that is having this center operational and contributing to the cutting-edge research that develop environmental solutions for the dairy industry now and into the future."
Rick Naerebout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen’s Association, stated for dairy producers, sustainability is not always the most welcome term, but also shared that the project is set up to help producers.
“The reality for our dairy producers that I represent, sustainability honestly is not always the most welcome term because typically the expectation that they must once again figure out how to do more with less. That's the pressure that our dairy producers feel,” he said. “This Research Center is all built around how we help give our dairyman solutions. How do we help them accomplish these goals?”
The $22.5 million project is set to begin in June and the first stage of construction is scheduled to wrap up in 2023, with the University to begin milking cows at the Rupert location.
"Chobani's latest commitment to Idaho CAFE is an investment in Idaho's economy and, importantly, Idaho's current and future workforce,” Idaho Governor Brad Little says. “A strong dairy industry supports jobs and our Idaho way of life. We are grateful to the leadership and employees at Chobani for their continued pledge to excellence, which helps us in reaching our goal to make Idaho the place where our children and grandchildren choose to stay.”