USDA's Agricultural Research Service broke ground on a new agricultural research center next to the University of California-Davis Agriculture and Natural Resources headquarters. The center will be home to a wide array of research, including irrigation efficiency, drone and satellite technology and sustainable pest management.
USDA Public Affairs Specialist Amaani Lyle said the overall construction budget is $76 million and construction is estimated to be completed by November 2026. According to a press release, the 59,000 square foot center will include custom laboratories, greenhouses and space for collaborating ARS and UC Davis researchers.
Rendering of the new USDA-ARS Agricultural Research and Technology Center. Courtesy: Burns & McDonnell)Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., the keynote speaker, said his constituents need research, particularly for specialty crops.
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"I am one of the members of Congress who believes in science," he said. "There's not unanimity there, sadly, but I believe in science, and I know that climate change is real and we're dealing with it. We're dealing with it in every aspect of our life, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and in agriculture."
UC-Davis College of Ag and Environmental Science Dean Helene Dillard and UCANR Vice President Glenda Humiston reiterated their institutions' commitment "to addressing the most pressing issues in the environment and agriculture."
