Randolph Beaudry is the 2025 recipient of the Carl K. Eicher Award for International Development, which recognizes MSU faculty or staff members who have made lasting contributions that continue the legacy of Carl K. Eicher, former University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Economics in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Beaudry is a postharvest physiologist and professor in the Department of Horticulture. His research is focused on preserving the postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables with the bulk of his work dedicated to the support of Michigan’s blueberry, asparagus and apple industries.

Shortly after he earned his doctorate from the University of Georgia, Beaudry became a faculty member at MSU. Only a few years later, his international collaborations began. First, with a project in Chile on blueberry storage and shipping. His collaborations there helped initiate the growth of the international blueberry industry in Chile, now the world’s fourth largest producer.

Next, came projects in Thailand, Brazil and India with more to follow in Chile. Throughout his 35-year career, Beaudry has hosted visiting scholars from countries around the globe and has mentored both graduate and undergraduate students.

“His mentorship has not only guided students through their academic journeys but also prepared them to tackle real-world challenges in food security—creating a profound impact on the academic, professional and personal growth of numerous individuals in the horticulture sector globally,” wrote William Vance Baird, professor and chairperson of the Department of Horticulture, in his letter of nomination.

Beaudry’s contributions to sustainable food security include his development of post-harvest methods and technologies that reduce dependency on chemicals and provide inexpensive, cold storage options. His research has resulted in the reduction of food waste and preserving nutritional quality of fresh produce available to consumers.

“Creating a simplified refrigeration system using solar power energy in India has been a most interesting and wonderful challenge,” Beaudry said. “Overcoming practical problems, using simple materials in a most cost-effective way, to effect change for farmers in India — that’s been incredibly rewarding.”

The conditions he was met with in India were unlike any he’d encountered in other countries. With no grid to plug into and after encountering one problem after another, it is clear, Beaudry would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Not only is the finished product patented, changing lives and the global food supply chain, like all his international collaborations, Beaudry continues to receive even greater rewards personally as he discovers new cultures and builds relationships with his colleagues.

“I have fallen in love with each culture of the countries I have visited. The friends I have made are irreplaceable, which is my own personal reward,” said Beaudry.

The impact of his work cannot be overstated, especially in areas of the world where resources are limited.

“The award is a wonderful acknowledgement of the collaboration with my colleague in India. This is validation that you can start new ideas, new partnerships—in a new country—and be successful with a desirable outcome for the people you are serving,” Beaudry said.

“International work can be for everyone. You don’t have to have a particular appointment or training. I was hired to do work on fruit and vegetable storage; I never dreamed I would be developing the technology itself. This experience means the world to me.”