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Institute for Agricultural Biosciences groundbreaking
ARDMORE, Okla. – Oklahoma State University’s Institute for Agricultural Biosciences groundbreaking ceremonies took place on May 1 in Ardmore.
With a similar focus to enhance agriculture in the state of Oklahoma, OSU and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation will collaborate on many projects at the Institute for Agricultural Biosciences located near the Noble Foundation.
The 33,000 square foot facility will enable OSU to more effectively assist producers through the development of new or improved crops and crop production systems that will in turn enhance livestock production; develop new, viable alternatives for rural economies with an emphasis on economic development and technology transfer; and advance Oklahoma’s research capacity in the fields of plant science, agricultural research and biomass development.
The Oklahoma Legislature and Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education identified the institute as a high priority because of the expanded biobased-energy and -product research made possible by the joining of scientific resources within OSU and the Noble Foundation.
“In many ways, Oklahoma is the intersection between agriculture and energy, making our state particularly well-positioned to take a lead role in helping the United States become a viable biobased economy,” said Robert E. Whitson, vice president, dean and director of the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, of which the institute will be a part.
Whitson said the ability to enhance Oklahoma’s research capacity with the addition of the Institute for Agricultural Biosciences cannot be overstated.
“The best way to ensure Oklahoma’s needs are met by the coming biobased economy is to be a leader in terms of developing scientific advances and new technologies, which will doubtless affect quality of life in both rural and urban areas,” he said.
The Noble Foundation and OSU have worked on many projects and this relationship will become much stronger with the unique opportunities for faculty and staff to work together.
“The knowledge related to bioenergy research at OSU and the Noble Foundation are unmatched,” said Bobby Wegener, secretary of energy for the state of Oklahoma. “We have to bring that together and since these collaborations are already in place they are going to get stronger with projects like this.”
Construction of the institute will conform to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards. It will adhere to high performance for sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.
The facility will include administrative space, traditional and controlled environmental laboratories, greenhouses, conference facilities and state-of-the-art telecommunications for worldwide conferencing and long-distance education programs.
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CUTLINE:
Groundbreaking for Oklahoma State University’s Institute for Agricultural Biosciences took place May 1 in Ardmore. The 33,000 square foot facility is a branch of the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station and is located near the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. Pictured from left to right is Burns Hargis, president of OSU; Robert E. Whitson, vice president, dean and director of the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau; Mike Cawley, CEO and president of the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation; J.D. Strong, secretary of the environment; and Bobby Wegener, secretary of energy. (Photo by Todd Johnson, Agricultural Communications Services)
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
Katie L. Reim
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications
Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-6792 (Phone)
405-744-5739 (Fax)
katie.reim@okstate.edu
