Cargill Donates $1 Million to K-State Agriculture Initiative

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Cargill has contributed $1 million to Kansas State University's Agriculture Innovation Initiative, bringing the university within 5% of its $210 million fundraising goal, officials announced.

The donation pushes Cargill's lifetime giving to the university past $10 million, marking a philanthropic milestone for the agribusiness company.

The Agriculture Innovation Initiative, launched in 2022, aims to modernize K-State's agricultural infrastructure through interdisciplinary research, infrastructure expansion and industry collaboration, according to university officials.

"Cargill and Kansas State University are united in their commitment to nourish our planet's rapidly growing population," said Scott Eilert, senior director of responsible sourcing for Cargill's global food business. He said the company chose to invest because the initiative brings academia and industry together to help farmers and ranchers produce more food with less environmental impact.

The initiative includes four new or renovated facilities: the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, the Agronomy Research and Innovation Center, the Bilbrey Family Event Center, and Call and Weber halls.

Dan Moser, interim Eldon Gideon Dean of the College of Agriculture, said the donation will help sustain the student experience and research excellence while creating positive economic and community impacts.

Kansas State University President Richard Linton said the initiative addresses a nearly 15-year need to modernize the university's agricultural infrastructure. He said the project is funded through combined contributions from the state of Kansas, private donors and corporate partners.

The KSU Foundation serves as the university's strategic partner for philanthropy.