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IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 13, 2002 Groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 24 for $3 million state-funded greenhouse at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center UC and agricultural officials will break ground at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, for a 20,000-square-foot greenhouse at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center near Parlier. Monies from the 1998 Higher Education Capital Outlay Bond Fund will cover the approximate $3 million construction cost. Completion is projected in a year. "California agriculture has grown to a $30 billion industry due in great part to cutting-edge research," said University of California Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources W.R. "Reg" Gomes. "Because the San Joaquin Valley is a prime producer, it is important that UC conduct research in this region. New, state-of-the-art greenhouse technology at Kearney will enable our scientists to more than double the number of greenhouse research projects." The six existing greenhouses total 2,767 square feet and provide six working environments. The new U-shaped greenhouse will have a 5,000-square-foot headhouse and 24 modules individually controlled for light and temperature. Each module is designed to isolate insects and other pests. Research in the new greenhouse will include studies of air pollution, plant water use, and insect, virus and disease control. Who: What: Following the ceremony, faculty will offer tours of current research projects with components that will be moved and/or expanded when the new greenhouse is completed. When: Where: Visuals: Jeannette Warnert (559)
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