A major renovation to the greenhouses at the Borlaug Center for Southern Crop Improvement ushers in a new era of plant research at Texas A&M AgriLife.
The renovation project was an investment by the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife Research to upgrade the facility in support of advanced innovative plant research. AgriLife Facilities Management and Construction managed the renovation project.
© Hannah Harrison/Texas A&M AgriLife
Troy Vann, who manages the Borlaug Center greenhouses and the newer AgriLife Automated Precision Phenotyping Greenhouse, said the renovated 24,372-square foot facility is open to researchers within The Texas A&M University System and will provide rented space by the square foot.
The greenhouses, first built in the late 1990s, now feature modern control systems, lighting and ventilation. Upgrades provide insect containment, uniform light, temperature and airflow control features.
Vann said new features like LED lights provide efficiency, run cooler for better temperature control and cost less to maintain. The greenhouse's central control system provides automated control of facility systems, continuously tracks environmental conditions and provides data reports to support research projects.
© Hannah Harrison/Texas A&M AgriLife
Leadership highlights broader impact
Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said the renovation marks a significant investment to modernize facilities that will accelerate discovery and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration that tackles challenges across plant science, crop resilience and food security.
"Updating the Borlaug Center greenhouses reinforces our dedication to supporting world‑class researchers and delivering solutions that matter to Texans and beyond," Savell said. "These enhanced facilities directly support our strategic priorities — advancing scientific excellence, expanding our research capacity, and ensuring that Texas A&M remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation."
© Hannah Harrison/Texas A&M AgriLife
G. Cliff Lamb, Ph.D., director of AgriLife Research, said the state-of-the-art facility will allow researchers to advance leading-edge innovations for sustainable agriculture and natural resources, economic strength, and healthy living.
"The renovations give us new advantages to lead and support the production of abundant, affordable, high-quality food and fiber products in Texas, the U.S. and the world," Lamb said.
"The facility is a big step for the plant research community," Vann said. "The administration heard the need and invested in a facility that makes our researchers more competitive and effective in the fields they study."
Source: Texas A&M Agrilife
