By Pamela S Kan-Rice
Agricultural Research and Innovation Laboratory Complex will be established at UC West Side Research and Extension Center in Fresno County
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has been awarded $1,479,774 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to establish a vital research lab in western Fresno County. UC ANR is matching the grant so the total project investment is nearly $3 million. The Agricultural Research and Innovation Laboratory Complex at UC West Side Research and Extension Center will allow scientists to study and diagnose problems more efficiently so farmers can get answers faster to reduce crop losses.
“This award recognizes the San Joaquin Valley, and California as a whole, as a preeminent producer of so much of our country’s agricultural bounty,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “Our farmers are incredibly resourceful and productive, but they need cutting-edge science to help overcome a host of difficult challenges, including water scarcity, severe drought, extreme weather, soil quality issues and ever-evolving pests and plant diseases. These enhanced lab facilities at West Side REC will enable researchers to better develop and deliver solutions to our growers with greater speed, efficiency, economy and effectiveness.”
Located in in Five Points, the complex will close a critical infrastructure gap by providing environment-controlled laboratory units and associated training, meeting and research-support space for timely, field-integrated agricultural research and extension.
Source : ucanr.edu