This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), and the Nebraska Innovation Campus.  

Development of this facility is expected to further reinforce the century-long partnership between the ARS and the UNL. 

This centre is intended to address the challenges and opportunities faced by agriculture in modern times. 

The $160m USDA laboratory is set to enhance the ARS' scientific and support staff presence at the UNL twofold.  

The first phase of the project includes the development of 15,000ft² of greenhouses and 10,000ft² of headhouse space. 

This will be linked to the existing Greenhouse Innovation Center at the Nebraska Innovation Campus. 

The new greenhouse facilities will enable ARS researchers to conduct studies on a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, sorghum, forage, bioenergy grasses, and others.  

The research will be geared towards fostering sustainable, resilient, and efficient agricultural practices. 

Upon completion, the agriculture research complex will serve as a hub for multidisciplinary experts, including scientists and engineers.  

These professionals will work with industry and producers to enhance water and food security, bolster the resilience of agricultural landscapes, and improve agricultural profitability. 

UNL chancellor Rodney Bennett said: “The complex problems we face today in the ag [agriculture] industry require unprecedented levels of collaboration to overcome. This facility will help us achieve that goal, aligning resources and magnifying impressive impacts on agriculture nationwide."