For Immediate Release:
Monday, March 20, 2006

LANE, Okla. - Congressman Dan Boren today toured the South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory in Lane, Oklahoma.  Boren spoke with scientists and staff at the lab about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to close the facility, and pledged to do anything he can to keep it open.

 

“The lab contributes $3 million a year to the local economy,” Boren said.  “Its closure would have devastating effects on the community.”

 

Earlier this month, Boren spoke personally with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns about his concerns with the proposal.  Boren sent a letter to Johanns on Friday further outlining the importance of keeping the lab open.

 

“The lab is important not only to my congressional district and the state of Oklahoma, but also makes valuable contributions to agriculture in the region, nation and across the globe,” Boren said.

 

“When the center was established in 1985, it was in response to the need for new and improved agricultural enterprises in the south central region of the country,” Boren wrote in the letter.  “I believe that need still exists.  It is important our research facilities be spread across the state and country to provide the best research for varying soil types and climates.”

 

USDA’s Agricultural Research Service runs the facility jointly with Oklahoma State University’s Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center.  The laboratory houses seven ARS and five OSU scientists, along with approximately 30 support personnel.  Facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories, greenhouses and field plots.  The facility is recognized nationally and internationally as a center of excellence for cucurbits research, especially on watermelons and cantaloupes.

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