From the Director, Dr. Naidu Rayapati
Greetings,
Helping solve the challenges of a growing world population, shrinking cropland, changes in soil health, and shifting crop practices, Washington State University’s Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC) explores new frontiers in science and technology for agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Established in 1919, Prosser IAREC is the largest Research and Extension Center within WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, and has made major scientific contributions to increased food production, enhanced food safety, and nutrition for better health for all people. Prosser IAREC’s highly talented team of faculty are supported by skilled staff, graduate students and research associates. We conduct interdisciplinary, collaborative research on a wide range of challenges to crop improvement, advancing sustainability of perennial specialty crops and food, forage and biofuel crops in Washington’s fertile Yakima Valley.
We partner with growers and commodity commissions to turn research-based knowledge into practical applications benefiting agriculture and related industries in Washington. At Prosser IAREC, WSU scientists work alongside USDA and WSDA researchers, enhancing our abilities through cross-commodity programs that increase economic prosperity. We’re uniquely positioned to collaborate across the WSU system and with other educational and research organizations for public-private partnerships and greater societal impacts.
Prosser IAREC is a ‘Global Village’ with faculty, staff and students from different nations and cultural backgrounds. Our faculty contribute to crop improvement in irrigated agriculture worldwide, bringing global perspectives to our mission.
Our faculty are actively involved in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, providing life-changing, experiential learning opportunities to high school students, undergraduate students and graduate students. We help prepare a new generation of global citizens with essential life skills to face agricultural challenges of the 21st century.
I welcome you to visit Prosser IAREC and meet our dynamic team of faculty, staff and students. Explore our website to learn how our research, extension, and education programs are benefiting agriculture and ag-based industries in Washington state and the world. Prosser IAREC values your advice and suggestions, and appreciates your support and encouragement in advancing the land-grant mission of WSU.
Sincerely,
Naidu A. Rayapati, Professor
Director, Prosser IAREC
Contact
Email: naidu.rayapati@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-786-9215
Office: Hamilton Hall, Room 155