Key facts
- The new building will house labs for soil science, wheat, legumes, potatoes, and weed research.
- The facility features state-of-the-art storage and kitchen facilities for post-harvest potato research.
- The partnership between ARS and WSU dates back to 1931.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Washington State University (WSU) have officially opened the USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building on the WSU Pullman campus on October 14. This new facility is the culmination of a nearly century-long partnership between the two institutions, dating back to 1931.
The building will house ARS and WSU researchers working on various aspects of plant and soil science, including wheat, legumes, potatoes, and weed management. It features advanced laboratories, including specialized storage and kitchen facilities for post-harvest potato research aimed at reducing waste and improving shelf-life. The facility replaces Johnson Hall, which was demolished in 2022 and 2023.
Officials highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project, noting broad support from ARS scientists, WSU administrations, and Washington state representatives. The new building is intended to accelerate scientific discoveries and innovations to support American agriculture.