9/23/97

Contacts:
Manjit Misra, Seed Science Center, (515) 294-6821
Brian Meyer, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-0706

ADDITION TO SEED SCIENCE CENTER TO BE DEDICATED ON SEPT. 26

AMES -- A new addition to Iowa State University's Seed Science Center will help meet an increased demand for research, training and testing by the U.S. seed industry.

The completed addition will be dedicated on Friday, Sept. 26, at a 4 p.m. ceremony at the center. "These improvements will allow us to help the industry increase its competitiveness in world markets," said Manjit Misra, center director.

The project was made possible by $670,000 in contributions from 40 companies, associations and individuals. Pioneer Hi-Bred International kicked off the fund-raising with $250,000, and ISU's College of Agriculture added $100,000.

The 1,600-square-foot addition houses a high-technology training, demonstration and conference facility. The facility will be the focal point for the center's educational activities for seed industry personnel, international clients and students. The project also included remodeling and expansion of the seed health testing laboratory. The center annually conducts more than 3,000 seed health tests, which help seed companies meet other countries' requirements that imported seed be free of diseases.

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