USDA and WSU open facility to drive agricultural discoveries.
A new agricultural research facility is expected to help farmers, improve food production, and support future scientific discoveries across the United States.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service and Washington State University (WSU) have officially opened the USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building on the university's Pullman campus. The modern facility strengthens a partnership between the two organizations that has lasted for nearly 100 years.
The new building brings federal and university scientists together in one location, creating opportunities for greater collaboration and faster development of practical farming solutions. Researchers will focus on projects that help farmers improve crop yields, manage production challenges, and enhance food quality.
The partnership between USDA and WSU dates back to 1931. Over the decades, researchers from both organizations have worked together on scientific advancements that have benefited farmers across the country. The new facility builds that legacy and is designed to support agricultural innovation for many years to come.
“This new Plant Bioscience Research Building opens a new chapter in the nearly century-long partnership between ARS and WSU. By bringing federal and university researchers together under one roof, we are accelerating the discoveries and innovations that U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers need to thrive,” said ARS Administrator Joon Park.
He added, "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 research center was more than two decades in development and received support from scientists, university leaders, agricultural organizations, and government representatives. The project reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the future of agriculture through science and innovation.
Inside the facility, researchers will conduct studies involving soil health, wheat, potatoes, legumes, weed management, and other important agricultural areas. Advanced laboratories and shared research spaces will allow teams to work more efficiently while encouraging cooperation between different scientific disciplines.
One of the major benefits of the new center is its focus on helping develop improved crop varieties. Scientists will be able to conduct more efficient breeding programs to identify plants with stronger performance, higher yields, and greater resilience to environmental challenges.
Potato research will also be a key component of the facility. Researchers will have access to advanced storage systems and specialized laboratory spaces that allow them to study potato quality, shelf life, and post-harvest performance. The work could lead to better products for consumers while helping reduce food waste throughout the supply chain.
Improved storage research will allow scientists to better understand how environmental conditions affect crop quality. Findings from these studies may help producers reduce losses, improve efficiency, and increase profitability.
“Vogel was an architect of the green revolution that led to huge food production gains for the world,” said David Weller, a research leader in the ARS Wheat Health, Genetics, and Quality Research Unit. “This new building is part of a through line from his work to the scientific partnership between the two institutions today.”
The facility also includes resources dedicated to weed science research. This work is especially important as growers continue to face challenges from herbicide-resistant weeds. Scientists will study new management strategies that help farmers maintain productive fields while protecting crop yields.
“We’ve spent many hours planning this, along with USDA, to give us a facility we’re thrilled with,” said Jacob Blauer, assistant professor at WSU’s Department of Horticulture.
Wheat research is another major focus area. Scientists will work on improving breeding programs and developing varieties that better meet the needs of producers. These efforts could help strengthen grain production and support long-term food security.
Although the new building is smaller than the former Johnson Hall research facility it replaces, it was designed with efficiency and collaboration in mind. Shared equipment, modern laboratories, and flexible workspaces will help researchers maximize productivity and accelerate discoveries.
Agricultural organizations representing grain, potato, pulse, fruit, and wine industries have supported the project because of its potential to deliver practical benefits to growers. Industry leaders recognize that research plays a critical role in helping farmers remain competitive and meet future food demands.
Researchers believe the facility will contribute to stronger agricultural systems by improving crops, reducing waste, supporting sustainable farming practices, and addressing emerging challenges facing producers.
“This facility represents far more than an investment in infrastructure. It is an investment in the people, partnerships, and science that will shape the future of agriculture,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “This new facility will strengthen our ability to deliver science-based solutions that matters to growers and advances the long-term productivity and resilience of agriculture in Washington and beyond.”
By bringing scientists together under one roof, the new USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building represents an important investment in agricultural research. The facility is expected to generate innovations that help farmers remain productive and profitable while supporting global food production for generations to come.
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