Dec. 19, 2019
Contact: Christian Basi, 573-882-4430, basic@missouri.edu
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt announced that a plant bioscience laboratory building will be constructed at the University of Missouri with $24.8 million in federal funding passed this week in Washington, D.C.
The building will house U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists based at MU. These scientists have joint appointments in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Division of Plant Sciences, and conduct research in collaboration with other MU scientists.
“I am grateful to Senator Roy Blunt for his tireless advocacy on behalf of these projects,” MU Chancellor Alexander N. Cartwright said. “This national funding is an investment not only in innovation and valuable agriculture research, but also in the food security of all Missourians. As the University for Missouri, we are committed to improving lives through research partnerships with national agencies and industry, and the plant, livestock, genetics and policy research funded by this bill advances our reach even further.”
The MU Division of Plant Sciences is regularly recognized as a national leader for its research at one of America’s leading research universities.
“We appreciate our collaborative research with the Agricultural Research Service,” said Christopher Daubert, vice chancellor and dean of CAFNR. “Plant genetics collaborations between the ARS and the University of Missouri are a huge win for agriculture in the state. Agriculture is the No. 1 economic driver in our state, and these research areas touch all producers — and consumers — in the state. We are grateful to our Missouri legislators for working hard to bring this funding to the state’s land-grant institution.”
“Senator Blunt is an exceptional leader for the state of Missouri, the University of Missouri System and the nation. We are grateful for his vision and leadership in passing this bill,” UM System President Mun Choi said. “With the support of state and federal legislators, the UM System can continue to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including food shortages, pest control, crop losses and resource management. These types of projects demonstrate both the versatility and necessity of cutting-edge university research.”
