Purdue Center to Target ‘Urgent’ Global Challenge
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPurdue University President Mitch Daniels says the school’s new, $15 million Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation Center will be at the leading edge of addressing one of the "largest of all of humanity’s challenges." The center will focus on developing plants that need less water and less pesticide, as part of an effort to feed a growing global population. The facility is key to the plant sciences research and education component of the university’s Purdue Moves initiative.
During an interview with Inside INdiana Business reporter Mary-Rachel Redman, Daniels said this kind of facility is not common. He believes it is the only center of its type in the United States, and one of only two in the world.
Purdue Agriculture Dean Jay Akridge says the facility "brings together multidisciplinary teams of faculty and students to develop innovative technologies in plant agriculture." In a release, he said, "Scientists, engineers and aviation specialists are collaborating to apply their expertise to the most pressing problem in plant sciences and our food production system."
The innovation center is the result of a major partnership, including a combined $4 million investment from the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council. Purdue is also partnering with with AgReliant Genetics, Ag Alumni Seed and ALMACO on the project.
Inciana Corn Marketing Council President David Gottbrath, says the facility will help the industry’s future, saying "the students who will be trained here will play a vital role in helping farmers remain efficient and sustainable."