The University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recently opened its newest research and education center.
Formerly a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) research station, the 1,055 acre-farm and laboratory complex was formally transferred to the university to help expand its research, education, and outreach programs.
In 2011, as the USDA was moving to close similar sites across the nation, Congress approved a provision specifying that 10 land-grant universities could take ownership of such facilities provided they agreed to utilize the property for agricultural research for a minimum of 25 years.
UGA is the first university in the nation to complete the transfer process and take over the management of a former USDA facility.
“Today is important in the sense that it is going to allow the University of Georgia faculty to now to expand and continue their research at this particular facility,” said UGA President Jere Morehead.
Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black praised the transfer, saying it helps keep the state’s flagship college of agriculture continuing its mission to improve Georgia farming.
Congressman Jack Kingston said the addition reinforces the state’s long heritage of agriculture research.
“So we have to have Ag research that shows us how to get more production per acre than ever before,” said Kingston.
Many UGA College of Agriculture experiments are ongoing in the facility.
This report is from our partners at the Georgia Farm Monitor.
