HISTORY

The history of the Sugar Processing Research Institute, Inc. began 70 years ago with formation of the Bone Char Research Project at the National Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C., under the direction of Dr. Victor Dietz. In 1963, it became the Cane Sugar Refining Research Project and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, with Dr. Frank Carpenter as its director. In 1981, its scope was greatly expanded under Dr. Margaret Clarke when it became Sugar Processing Research, Inc., then being named the Sugar Processing Research Institute, Inc., in 1991.

WHO WE ARE

SPRI History

ORGANIZATION

Sugar Processing Research Institute, Inc. (S.P.R.I.) is an independent non-profit research institute supported by the international sugarcane and sugarbeet production and refinery industries and their supplier and user companies. The Institute is housed at the Southern Regional Research Center of the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, under a Memorandum of Understanding with U.S.D.A. The governing body of S.P.R.I., Inc. is the Board of Directors. The Board and its Executive Committee and its Research Advisory Committee meet several times each year.

STRENGTHS

• Wide range experience and knowledge in sugar processing, production, and Research & Development in both sugar factories and refineries.

• Extensive collaboration with USDA scientist from agricultural science to processing technology.

• Bottom-line oriented Research & Development.

• Emphasis in interfacing and communicating with the sugar industry.