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| Purdue life sciences investment will pay off for the future |
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The four largest livestock sectors in Indiana - swine, poultry, dairy and beef - create an economic impact on the state of nearly $6 billion and generate jobs for more than 35,000 Hoosiers.
Animal agriculture has grown in importance as an economic driver for Indiana, and Purdue University plays a significant role in Indiana’s livestock sector.
Purdue has made the construction of a new life sciences facility its top capital project proposal for the 2009-11 state budget request.
The facility would consolidate animal sciences programs from four buildings on campus, creating new research laboratories, classrooms and offices. The facility is expected to cost $60 million.
As proposed, Purdue would raise $20 million and $40 million in bonding authority will be requested from the legislature."
During an economic downturn, investments need to made with foresight and vision.
If Hoosiers are to weather the stormy economy successfully, the goal must be to maintain and strengthen those industries and sectors that will not only contribute to financial gains, but will also improve people’s lives.
A new life sciences facility will help Purdue Agriculture keep Indiana’s animal agriculture industry strong and well-positioned for the future.
Indiana producers have long relied on animal sciences faculty and staff to help improve their farms, increase efficiency and profitability, and keep pace with new regulations and new technologies. Research and Purdue Extension work in our Department of Animal Sciences emphasize sustainable production and environmental practices, animal well-being, and animal growth and development. The department has advanced its basic science mission to take advantage of new discoveries in biotechnology and genomics.
The department also has expertise in developing animal models to study both animal and human health.
Consequently, the department’s sponsored research funding has grown significantly and includes competitive funding from the National Institutes of Health and the USDA.
These projects promise benefits to both animal producers and the general public.
Purdue’s request for the state to invest in a new life sciences complex will put animal sciences at the forefront of genomics and biotechnology research, leading to new technologies, health benefits for the general public and greater opportunities for animal agriculture in Indiana.
Jay Akridge
Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture
Purdue University |
| 1/29/2009 |
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