PROSSER, Wash. — Scientists at Washington State University’s Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC) gained recognition this month through a proclamation of support from the City of Prosser.
On March 4, Mayor Gary Vegar and the Prosser City Council welcomed locally based scientists from WSU, the Washington State Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to council chambers to celebrate IAREC’s contributions to regional and statewide prosperity.
WSU’s oldest satellite research center, the station has served Washington agriculture since its founding in 1919. The City of Prosser was a proud supporter of the center in its formative years and remains a strong host to the innovative institution, civic and IAREC officials stated.
“Prosser is fortunate to have such a great resource in our community,” Mayor Gary Vegar said. “As we look to the future, the work done at IAREC ensures that Prosser remains a key player in driving agricultural excellence, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality in Washington state and beyond.”
Discovery at IAREC helps solve a wide range of agricultural concerns: from a changing environment and evolving pests and diseases to the need for labor-saving technology and safer, better practices. Experts there share tools and ideas with regional growers and train the next generation of agricultural leaders and scientists.
Original home of the WSU-developed Rainier cherry and a key site in the birth and evolution of the Washington wine industry, IAREC has elevated Prosser on the global map, said Center Director Naidu Rayapati.
“Our center is a hub where the Prosser community and Washington state agricultural producers connect with scientific talent from diverse cultures,” Rayapati said. “Together, they work to foster innovation, train a competent workforce, and share evidence-based knowledge that serves our state and world.”
The proclamation, he added, is a positive outcome of IAREC’s ongoing work to build relationships with the local community through educational and outreach events like the annual fall community gathering and the center’s 2019 centennial celebration.
Supported by citizens of Prosser and grower partnerships, the center continues to develop state-of-the-art advances on a historic campus.
“Strengthening IAREC with modern facilities and equipment will deploy forward-thinking, smart technologies through science and innovation,” Rayapati said. “The exceptional work of IAREC scientists, staff and students will continue to be a significant contributor to WSU’s land-grant mission to advance Washingtonians’ well-being.”
View the full proclamation of support here.
Read the city’s news release on the proclamation here: https://www.cityofprosser.com/DocumentCenter/View/1747/City-Support-of-Washington-State-University-Prosser-IAREC-Program-PDF
About CAHNRS
The land-grant mission of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences is made possible through the U.S. Hatch Act of 1887 and the U.S. Smith-Lever Act of 1914. Respectively, these Acts fund experiment stations and cooperative Extension efforts that aid Northwest growers, provide nutrition and health education, support rural businesses, enhance our environment, and much more. Hatch and Smith-Lever capacity funds drive our work for a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable Washington and are matched by state and local funds.