ScottsMiracle-Gro, Texas A&M AgriLife begin construction on new research facility
Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Richard White, 979-845-1550, rh-white@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – Construction is starting on the ScottsMiracle-Gro Facility for Lawn and Garden Research on the Texas A&M University campus, after the recent renewal of an agreement between Texas A&M AgriLife and The Scotts Company LLC.
Renewal of a Master Research Agreement and the initiation of a Master Service Agreement will continue a strong partnership to address many challenges and opportunities in Texas and the region, said Dr. Richard White, Texas A&M AgriLife Research turfgrass management scientist, College Station.
The agreement confirms ScottsMiracle-Gro support for AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service programs that benefit the green industry and contribute to sustainable turf and landscape systems worldwide, White said.
“The partnership with ScottsMiracle-Gro greatly increases our capacity to conduct research and education programs that will benefit our students, the turfgrass industry, turfgrass professionals and the environment,” he said.
Texas A&M AgriLife, the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and ScottsMiracle-Gro first announced a five-year agreement in 2010. At that time, the company pledged more than $750,000 to provide support for the construction of a new facility for turfgrass education and research on F&B Road and $750,000 to support research.
The location already includes a new surface water runoff facility built specifically to look at issues associated with water conservation, irrigation scheduling and water quality preservation, variety plots for turf selection and management, pest management, nutrient management, and new technology and educational demonstrations.
These collaborative efforts with Scotts are overseen by a joint management committee comprised of representatives from both Texas A&M AgriLife and ScottsMiracle-Gro.
Their newest project will be the construction of buildings to house turfgrass maintenance equipment, provide lab space to support water quality and other research, provide office space for faculty and staff, and provide meeting space for seminars, short courses and other educational activities, White said.
The project is expected to be completed in mid-November in time for the annual fall turf and landscape field day.
“This building will allow us to better support research activities and provide top-notch educational programs,” White said.
