The Corvallis Western Agriculture Research Center (WARC) is gaining two new experts to help fruit and vegetable growers in Montana. They start work next week.
The Montana State University research center specializes on fruits and vegetables that can grow in the regional weather. The center has had success over the years in a number of studies, including apples and berries.
Starting February 1, Dr. Andrej Svyantek, an Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Oklahoma State University, is replacing Dr. Rachel Leisso. Also joining the Bitterroot Valley center is Dr. Zhuoyu Wang, an Assistant Research Professor. The two new researchers will add to the studies into cold hardy fruits and vegetables, along with studying value-added products, with an emphasis on genetics.
Dr. Darrin Boss, Department Head of MSU Research Centers, said in a news release, “With the recent explosion of interest in specialty crops, locally grown fruits and vegetables and value-added products, the timing of these two hires could not be more The combined work of Dr. Svyantek and Dr. Wang will pioneer new topics for the center that will advance the pace that we deliver research-based solutions to Montana growers and ensure a diverse and healthy local food system in the state.”
Dr. Zach Miller, WARC superintendent, said, “Our stakeholders are really engaged in the research we do at the ag center. It’s an awesome community to be a part of. We are thrilled to have these two excellent scientists coming on board to add to our capacity to serve these farmers, processors, and eaters across the state.”
The Corvallis Western Ag Research Center is in the Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana and recently was approved for a million dollar Montana grant to build a new office and lab facility. The center is developing a fund-raising campaign to add funds for completion of the project. The facility north of Corvallis is part of the statewide agriculture research center network managed by MSU in Bozeman.
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