Biotech Updates

New USDA Research Facility Opens in Hawaii

June 1, 2007

The United States Department of Agriculture recently opened a modern scientific facility in Hawaii where pioneering research on the island’s exotic tropical crops will be conducted. The multi-million-dollar office and laboratory structure is part of the U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, operated by USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

ARS researchers have long been developing new and environmentally friendly ways for Hawaii's growers and home gardeners to raise premium tropical and subtropical crops-from bananas to papayas. ARS Administrator Edward B. Knipling said, "Our research has helped reduce the need for pesticides, open new markets for Hawaii-grown fresh produce, and unlock secrets about genes that hold the key to boosting plants' ability to survive drought or resist attack by disease."

Read the press release at http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=1261.