WSU and USDA Opened New Plant Bioscience Facility

A massive 100,000-square-foot research center in Pullman has officially opened to advance regional crop science.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Botany

WSU and USDA Opened New Plant Bioscience Facility

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Washington State University and the USDA have opened the Plant Bioscience Research Building in Pullman. This facility replaces the demolished Johnson Hall and provides new space for joint agricultural research efforts.

Why it matters

The new facility aims to modernize the long-standing agricultural research partnership between WSU and the USDA. Researchers will focus on improving crop varieties, combating herbicide-resistant weeds, and reducing food waste.

The new building encompasses 100,000 square feet of laboratory space dedicated to studying wheat, legumes, potatoes, soil health, and weeds. It provides essential storage and testing environments for ongoing potato research.

The players

Washington State University

This is a public research university located in Pullman that serves as a hub for regional agricultural studies.

USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture is the federal agency responsible for developing and executing laws related to farming, forestry, and food.

The details

The facility centralizes federal and university laboratories into a modern footprint that replaces the outdated Johnson Hall. This collaborative environment supports advanced testing for regional agricultural challenges.

The research partnership between WSU and the USDA began in 1931.
Johnson Hall was demolished during 2022 and 2023.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the building occurred on October 14, 2026.

The Big Picture

The opening of this facility updates the physical infrastructure for the WSU-USDA agricultural research partnership established in 1931. This investment signals a commitment to long-term crop research paradigms that bridge gaps between federal objectives and academic science.

Residents and the regional agricultural community can expect faster development of improved crop varieties and solutions for herbicide-resistant weeds. These advancements may eventually lead to more sustainable farming practices and reduced food waste across the local economy.

The takeaway

The transition from the old Johnson Hall to this modern research building reflects a shift toward highly specialized laboratory needs in plant science. Residents can monitor how these new facilities influence regional crop quality and agricultural productivity in coming years.