USDA Awards MSU $16.2 Million for Greenhouse Renovations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded Michigan State University (MSU) more than $16.2 million to continue renovating its Plant Science Research Greenhouse Complex. With required matching funds from MSU, the project will receive over $32.5 million in support.
MSU received the third-largest award from the program’s $121 million investment in research facilities nationwide. The Research Facilities Act Program provides funding to build, alter, or modernize facilities for agricultural research.
Upgrades Target Research Needs
Approximately 60% of the greenhouse complex has already received renovations, including new construction, a headhouse, environmental control systems, LED lighting, glazing panels, and taller ceilings. The latest phase was completed in April 2026, while 40% of the greenhouses had received few or no updates.
The new funding will support:
- LED lighting
- Environmental controls
- Taller ceilings
- Automated shade and energy curtains
These upgrades are expected to enhance researchers' control over growing conditions and remove barriers such as height restrictions on tall crops. The facilities support research into plant growth, drought, pests, and disease, among other areas.
“In a state with an unpredictable growing season, our greenhouses are critical for plant research,” said Eric L. Hegg, College of Natural Science Dean.
Agriculture Partners Backed Project
The complex supports various research programs, including:
- The Department of Energy-funded Plant Research Laboratory
- The Plant Resilience Institute
- State-funded programs administered by MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension
Those programs include Project GREEEN, which addresses emerging plant agriculture issues such as insect pests and plant diseases.