Penn State purchasing a 20-acre property in Benner Township. This is the plan for it
Penn State is set to purchase 20.36 acres in Benner Township, Centre County, for $2.35 million — in an effort to further agricultural research.
The university’s full board of trustees unanimously approved the acquisition of 131-151 Mendels Way — off Buffalo Run Road, 1.5 miles west of Benner Elementary — on Friday afternoon. The property is currently home to GardenGenetics, which bills itself as an independent plant-breeding company that develops “innovative ornamental and edible plant genetics.”
The property includes a 25,000-square-foot research greenhouse, a 3,324-square-foot residence and nearly 10 acres of adjacent land that can host field experiments, such as testing new crop varieties. Penn State’s interest in the property “primarily” came from the greenhouse, according to one official.
“This property will offer researchers immediate access to modern greenhouse facilities at a fraction of the cost of building new structures so that we can continue to fulfill our mandate to advance agricultural industries in our state and the nation,” Blair Siegfried, the College of Agricultural Sciences’ associate dean for research and graduate education, said in a written statement. “Additionally, it will provide students the chance to learn about recent advancements in plant propagation and research. We see a bright and productive future ahead.”
According to the university, the site could provide future opportunities for research on invasive plant pests and genetically modified plants requiring biocontainment. It can also prioritize experiments focused on global food security and sustainability, with plants that might be more resistant to droughts and/or pests.
The current property owners are Richard and Andrea Grazzini. Richard is a Penn State alum who earned a master’s in horticulture from Purdue and a Ph.D. in genetics from PSU. He has invented more than 50 new plant varieties, many of which are patented.
Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for finance and business/treasurer, said Thursday the acquisition is an important one for the university.
“This is a step that will help increase access to modern facilities for both graduate and undergraduate students in the plant sciences with the use of that greenhouse,” she said. “It will also aid in recruitment and retention of plant scientists and graduate students to Penn State.”
