JBS USA makes contribution valued at $12.5M for food innovation center at CSU

FORT COLLINS — Greeley-based food processor JBS USA is partnering with Colorado State University to construct the JBS Global Food Innovation Center in Honor of Gary & Kay Smith.

The $15 million project is intended to advance best practices in food safety, meat sciences, and animal handling and welfare.

JBS USA will contribute $12.5 million for the project — a $7.5 million philanthropic contribution to build the center at the university and an investment in employee educational programs valued at $5 million.

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The College of Agricultural Sciences is in the process of selecting an architect and general contractor, and construction could start as soon as this summer, according to CSU spokeswoman Jennifer Dimas.

The center will improve CSU’s teaching and research in meat sciences, as well as provide a space for industry collaboration through continuing education and training, equipment development and testing.

Students will learn about meat processing in a hands-on environment that has not been available at CSU.

“We have had a long-standing research and academic partnership with JBS, and this gift will allow us to cement that relationship for years to come,” Ajay Menon, dean of CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, said in a prepared statement.”

Wesley Batista, JBS’ global chief executive, said the gift is an investment in the future competitiveness of food and farming in Colorado and across the United States.

“We envision this facility as a place that will allow the best and brightest CSU students to innovate, discover and explore as they prepare for future careers in the industry,” Batista said.

Professor emeritus Gary Smith, who, along with his late wife, Kay, are honored in the naming of the building. Gary Smith held one of CSU’s oldest endowed chairs, the Monfort Chair, and spent more than 20 years as a professor in CSU’s Department of Animal Sciences. Smith is a world-renowned expert in meat science and food safety, the university said. He serves as a visiting professor of animal sciences and special adviser to CSU’s president, Tony Frank.