The future of agriculture innovation is now centered in Nebraska.
Federal, state and campus leaders celebrated that future during the May 6 groundbreaking of the National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Learn more in the video above.
The federally-funded $160 million laboratory will double the U.S. Department of Agriculture's science and support staff presence at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The first phase of construction will feature 15,000 square feet of greenhouses and 10,000 square feet of headhouse space. It will connect to the Greenhouse Innovation Center at NIC.
The new greenhouse space will allow ARS to perform research on wheat, barley, sorghum, forage and bioenergy grasses, and other crops. Research on how these plants respond to emerging pests and pathogens under a full range of environmental conditions will empower scientists to make cutting-edge discoveries with the goal of developing climate-resilient crops for the U.S. agriculture industry.
“This project is a testament to the long history of innovation, ingenuity and adaptability of agricultural producers across the United States and right here in Nebraska. It celebrates an incredibly productive 120-year partnership between USDA-ARS and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and it exemplifies the passion and dedication of agricultural, state, and federal leaders,” said Mike Boehm, vice chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Nebraska is a special place with incredible people, and the ripples of what we do here often extend around the globe. I believe the work that will take place in this facility will usher in a new era of American agriculture, and I’m thrilled that what happens next in agriculture will happen first in Nebraska.”
Leaders who provided remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony include: Chris Kabourek, interim president of the University of Nebraska system; Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett; Gov. Jim Pillen; U.S. Reps. Don Bacon and Mike Flood; U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts; and Simon Liu, USDA-ARS administrator.
.@USDA’s new ARS facility at @UNLincoln marks the beginning of an initiative that will expand the ag frontier.
The funding we secured for this project will attract students, scientists, & industry leaders to the state, cementing NE’s role as a leader in ag innovation. pic.twitter.com/xFzixvgu3i— Senator Deb Fischer (@SenatorFischer) May 7, 2024
The groundbreaking also drew positive media coverage. Learn more by clicking the links below.
- Lincoln Journal Star — New $160M USDA research facility breaks ground at Nebraska Innovation Campus
- KETV — $160 million USDA research center breaks ground at Innovation Campus
- Nebraska Examiner — USDA, UNL celebrate 'new frontier' of Nebraska's ag research and innovation partnership
I am excited to break ground today at @NIC_Innovates alongside esteemed guests & partners. This collaboration between @UNLincoln & @USDA marks a historic 100-plus year partnership. Together, we’ll pioneer solutions for a sustainable future in farming and food production. pic.twitter.com/jhFUdXZO8L
— Rodney D. Bennett (@RodneyDBennett) May 6, 2024
