The U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, broke ground this week on its new Agricultural Research and Technology Center – a facility located in Davis that will feature specialized labs, greenhouses and research space to tackle key issues in agriculture. In this new center, UC Davis and the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will continue its long-standing collaboration to advance projects in sustainable agriculture, invasive species, water management, soil health and more.

UC Davis and ARS have been working together on high impact research projects for 68 years. Joint research projects that are underway are addressing topics like pest management, improving irrigation efficiency using satellite and drone technology, honeybee genetics and enhancing disease resistance in fruit and grape cultivars. 

Helene Dillard, dean of the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said this new facility is a big step forward for agricultural innovation and the meaningful work researchers with the USDA and UC Davis will be able to undertake.

“I am excited for the collaboration that will happen in the USDA Agricultural Research and Technology Center, which will create more opportunities to take our research to the next level and facilitate greater partnerships between the USDA and UC Davis scientists in ways that can truly make a difference,” said Dean Dillard.

Click here for the USDA announcement with more information and a rendering of the new facility.