A safe and abundant food supply
As the next worldwide revolution in food and agriculture takes shape, the state of Washington—with the nation’s second-most diverse agricultural enterprises—is at the center of innovation. Building a modern food system that is safe, productive, competitive, and sustainable is critical to meeting the health needs of an ever-growing world population. At the same time, many of WSU’s scientific discoveries benefiting the state and region also support our long and ongoing commitment to alleviating poverty abroad and provide a proven framework for empowering the economic health of developing nations.
The University’s plant scientists—known internationally for their expertise—collaborate across disciplines to tackle some of the world’s most fundamental health-related challenges, including hunger and malnutrition. WSU researchers are building on their understanding of the biochemical properties of plants to develop the healthiest way to grow crops and to design diets that prevent and treat disease. The results of those efforts will deliver sweeping changes to the food and agriculture system, our state’s number one industry.
Among the critical research in which WSU scientists are engaged:
Grain research
WSU plant scientists are tackling some of the planet’s biggest challenges: adapting to climate change and enhancing the sustainability of agricultural systems to deliver a safe, healthy, and abundant food supply. To advance leading research in these areas, the University has partnered with the Washington Grain Commission to construct a state-of-the-art Washington Grains Plant Growth Facility. The facility will provide WSU and USDA-Agricultural Research Service scientists the space and technology to conduct research that will continue to expand knowledge about plant science.
Food science
Scientists in the jointly administered WSU-University of Idaho School of Food Science pursue a variety of important health-related research. Among the efforts: studies of how food bioactives such as carotenoids and polyphenolics can alleviate inflammation-induced chronic diseases such as mammary cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and urinary tract infections; development of educational programs about food-borne illnesses directed to at-risk and hard-to-reach populations; and studies of dietary factors such as the impact of a high-fat diet on gut development and health.
Enhancement of the sustainability of agricultural and natural resource systems
The Agricultural Research Center (ARC) promotes research beneficial to the citizens of the state of Washington. The ARC provides leadership in discovering and applying knowledge through high-quality research that contributes to a safe and abundant food, fiber, and energy supply while enhancing the sustainability of agricultural and natural resource systems.
Molecular biology and plant biochemistry
Scientists in the renowned Institute of Biological Chemistry undertake fundamental research in the molecular biology and biochemistry of plants. These efforts offer potential applications in forestry and agricultural biotechnology that ultimately may contribute to a healthier society.
Food safety
The Food & Environmental Quality Lab (FEQL) works to resolve unmet pest control needs in the Pacific Northwest by researching crop-protection chemistries and production systems and evaluating their compatibility with environmental stewardship and human health considerations. FEQL scientists provide information and expert research about food safety, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship to food producers, private industry, governmental agencies, and the public at large.
