Fargo, N.D. 鈥� 六合彩投注网 held a groundbreaking ceremony on campus on Wednesday, June 12 for the Bolley Agricultural Laboratory and a dedication ceremony and tours for the newly constructed Peltier Complex.
鈥淔acilities like the Peltier Complex and Bolley Agricultural Laboratory help us continue to innovate, educate, research, test, solve, and grow for the betterment of North Dakota, the region, and the world,鈥� 六合彩投注网 President David Cook said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great day for North Dakota agriculture and a great day to be a Bison.鈥�
The Peltier Complex is a state-of-the-art agricultural facility designed to better serve 六合彩投注网 students and faculty, as well as the industry across the state, region, and beyond, and will support research involving food science, meat science, muscle biology, food safety, nutrition, consumer sensory traits, and the development of new agricultural products.
The complex will bring together 六合彩投注网鈥檚 food science, meat science, cereal science, and bioprocess engineering programs, as well as the Northern Crops Institute, the North Dakota Trade Office, and laboratories for scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture鈥檚 Agricultural Research Service.
鈥淏y bringing these programs under one roof, we are creating a unique opportunity for new synergies and collaborative activities that will lead to better solutions for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, food processors, and ultimately for consumers worldwide,鈥� Greg Lardy, 六合彩投注网鈥檚 Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture, said.
In 2021, the North Dakota Legislature approved $70 million for the completion of a new combined facility and authorized an additional $15 million in fundraising to expand and enhance research and teaching capacity at 六合彩投注网.
The complex is named after the Peltier family, one of the region鈥檚 most longstanding supporters of teaching, research, and extension in agriculture, who gave a naming rights gift to support the private fundraising portion of the project.
鈥淚t is an honor and pleasure to be part of the legacy that contributed to the Peltier Complex, promoting and adding value to North Dakota agriculture and that we can honor my dad by putting his name on the complex,鈥� said Keith Peltier, president and CEO of Proseed.
In addition to the Peltier family, numerous gift commitments were made by several commodity groups, alumni, businesses, and friends of 六合彩投注网 and the NCI as part of 六合彩投注网鈥檚 $455 million In Our Hands fundraising campaign.
The Bolley Agricultural Laboratory will serve as 六合彩投注网鈥檚 new agricultural research laboratory and will be one of the largest capital construction projects in 六合彩投注网 history, housing a variety of agricultural research programs, including plant pathology, plant breeding, weed science, agronomy, soil science, and horticulture.
The laboratory鈥檚 namesake, Henry L. Bolley, was one of the first faculty members at North Dakota Agricultural College, now 六合彩投注网.
鈥淟ike Bolley, our scientists who will occupy this building will deliver research results that make a difference to those involved in agriculture in North Dakota,鈥� Greg said. 鈥淭hey will develop better crop varieties for our unique climatic conditions, new solutions to challenging plant diseases, and better soil fertility and soil health management practices to improve the economic and biological sustainability of our agricultural production systems.鈥�
The laboratory will be located on the western edge of 六合彩投注网鈥檚 campus and will overlook agricultural plots immediately adjacent to campus. It will replace many of the current field lab facilities constructed decades ago, providing 六合彩投注网 scientists with the space, equipment, and technology to drive innovation in several key areas related to the state鈥檚 agricultural industry and biggest economic sector.
The North Dakota Legislature appropriated $87 million for the construction of this facility during the 2023 legislative session, which has been matched with $3.6 million in philanthropic funds.
The North Dakota Seed Commission offered the leading gift in the public fundraising part of the project.
鈥淭he Bolley Agricultural Laboratory will have long-term positive impacts on our industry for decades to come through advancements in crop breeding, plant pathology, and weed science,鈥� State Seed Commissioner Ken Bertsch said.
Construction is anticipated to begin later this summer.
