When Vandals embark on a project, great things happen. When we pair our faculty and staff with industry leaders and our state, that progress turns into major breakthroughs. The new Seed Potato Germplasm Laboratory showcases the impact of that collaboration. The facility on the west side of campus officially opens next week and it will be a game changer for Idaho’s most famous crop, increasing production and food safety. The new laboratory became a reality thanks to investment from the Idaho Potato Commission, Northwest Farm Credit Services, private donors and the state of Idaho. The partnerships are key in supporting the industry that produces 13 billion pounds of Idaho potatoes each year. The Seed Potato Germplasm Laboratory maintains the startup material used to produce about 90% of the potatoes grown in Idaho and about 60% of the potatoes grown in the US. As potato demand continues to increase worldwide, the new lab will support the production growth needed to meet it. The Seed Potato Germplasm Program also acts as a repository for about 300 different potato varieties, conducts virus clean up services and supports the development of new potato varieties. “This new facility is a transformational improvement for the program,” said Michael P. Parrella, dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. “The new larger location provides enhanced measures for biosafety and enough room to triple the current annual production of 250,000 certified disease-free plantlets to meet a growing demand from the seed potato industry.” Students will also gain valuable hands-on experience at the Seed Potato Germplasm Laboratory. Program Director Jenny Durin employs up to 12 students each year, though staffing ebbs and flows based on production needs. Make plans to join me at the Seed Potato Germplasm Laboratory grand opening at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 29. |