PULLMAN, WASHINGTON, US — A new research facility focused on improving the health, resiliency, and profitability of dryland and irrigated agriculture in the Pacific Northwest was opened by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Washington State University (WSU). 

The 100,000-square-foot USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building features laboratories, collaborative workspaces, and research infrastructure designed for ARS and WSU researchers to address some of the most pressing challenges facing agriculture.

The building, opened Oct. 14, houses four ARS research units: Wheat Health, Genetics, and Quality; Grain Legume Genetics and Physiology; Northwest Sustainable Agroecosystems; and Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing. Collectively, the researchers will work on science-based solutions to agricultural issues in cereal and pulse crop production that affect US farmers.  

“This new Plant Bioscience Research Building opens a new chapter in the nearly century-long partnership between ARS and WSU,” said Joon Park, administrator for ARS. “By bringing federal and university researchers together under one roof, we are accelerating the discoveries and innovations that US farmers, ranchers, and producers need to thrive. This facility reflects our shared commitment to advancing plant and soil science in ways that strengthen the agricultural prosperity of Washington state, the Northwest region, and ultimately American agriculture for generations to come.”

The new facility will help scientists build on past accomplishments and incorporate the latest cutting-edge tools and technologies into their research, focused on new innovations and rigorous high-impact science to improve Pacific Northwest agriculture, the ARS and WSU said.

“This new USDA-ARS facility is an investment in the future,” said Betsy Cantwell, president of WSU. “It brings together world-class scientists, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and a shared determination to address the challenges and opportunities ahead for agriculture.”

John Reidy is senior digital media editor for World Grain, covering the grain, flour and feed industries. He spent 25 years in newspapers as a reporter and editor and has been an editor in the grain industry since 2019. He joined Sosland Publishing Company in 2021. He is a graduate of Creighton University with a degree in journalism. Connect with John Reidy on LinkedIn or via email.