The Washington Grain Commission announced a $5 million gift to expand facilities and advance grain research at Washington State University on September 17. Plant growth facilities are central to developing grain varieties through WSU’s plant breeding programs.

Phase-1-of-grain-research-facility-550-300x145“When the Washington Grain Commission asked researchers at WSU what they felt the biggest limiting factor for moving their research forward was, they told us they needed more greenhouse space,” said Washington Grain Commission Chairman Steve Claassen. “This will be a huge benefit to Washington grain growers as they will be able to plant improved varieties of wheat and barley and they will be available sooner.”

The new facility will complement the existing 34,000-square-foot wheat research growth facility on the Pullman campus and provide WSU and U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists with space and technology to conduct groundbreaking research. It will include innovative controlled environment growth rooms, greenhouse spaces and laboratories where plant scientists will address some of the biggest challenges in agriculture and climate.

Read more at: https://news.wsu.edu/2014/09/17/5-million-gift-funds-research-facility-ups-state-grain-game/#.VFq6DPldX3Q