Badger Common’Tater January 2024 Issue
Food + Farm Exploration Center Grand Opening Draws Enthusiastic Crowd
Board members, donors, legislators, growers, and the media got a first-hand look at the center
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater
Wisconsin potato growers Carole and Cliff Gagas (left) chat with Wisconsin Sen. Joan Ballweg (right) during the Ceremonial Grand Opening program, November 30, of the Food + Farm Exploration Center (FFEC). On October 25, 2023, the Wisconsin State Building Commission approved the release of $3 million in state grant funds, through a joint effort that included Sen. Ballweg, to support construction of the FFEC, in Plover, a monetary sum that was recently enumerated in 2023 Wisconsin Act 19 for the Farming for the Future Foundation Inc.
The Food + Farm Exploration Center (FFEC) in Plover, Wisconsin, was buzzing with activity, November 30-December 2, during three Grand Opening events befitting of the brand-new facility.
The activities kicked off with a Ceremonial Grand Opening Program, November 30, for FFEC Board members and monetary donors, Wisconsin state legislators, industry professionals, growers, and media representatives.
That was followed, December 1, by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Portage County Area Business Council that included a private open house.
Last, but certainly not least, was a public Grand Opening, December 2, which officially kicked off the Exploration Center’s regular business hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays. The center is closed on Mondays.
The state-of-the-art FFEC facility is a science and technology center where visitors have the chance to learn about Wisconsin’s rich agricultural industry and innovative practices through an immersive experience.
It is a destination for learning, exploring, and celebrating agriculture, as well as being home to the world’s largest potato masher.
The 50,000-square-foot center sits on 24 acres generously donated by Worzella & Sons, Inc., and includes 60 hands-on, immersive, interactive exhibits, four acres of demonstration farm fields, a kitchen lab, Colorful Plate Café, meeting, events and exhibit space, an agriculture lab makerspace, Farm Tech Shed, and Ag Grand Hall.
