Universities and state legislatures across the country see the need for and potential of investing in plant science centers. Maria Brown mariabethbrown@gmail.com BUILD IT WILL GROW AND THEY INTEREST IS STRONG AMONG universities to invest in plant science research. Across the country, institutions are announcing new collaborations and, in many cases, turning ground to construct multi-million dollar facilities that will expand existing programs or launch new ventures. For many, it’s simply time to create modern facilities or realize the extra space they need because of robust programs. Other university leaders say they’re responding to calls within agriculture to deliver more highly-qualified students and more nutritious and resilient plants. Combine that with investments in the latest technology — everything from robots to gene- sequencing platforms — and these institutions believe they can accelerate the pace of research and development for the benefit of a hungry population and a more sustainable agriculture system. 24 / SEEDWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019