Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-2) visited Washington State University’s Breadlab, where WSU’s leadership in agricultural innovation, food system resilience, and rural economic development was on full display.
Led by Breadlab Director Dr. Kevin Murphy, the visit highlighted the lab’s work to develop healthier, more resilient grain varieties and advance research that benefits growers, consumers, and communities across Washington.
Dr. Murphy emphasized how federal investments, through programs such as the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, Agricultural Research Service, the Organic Agriculture Research Extension Initiative, and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, enable WSU scientists to drive innovation that strengthens the region’s agricultural economy.
Congressman Larsen toured the Breadlab’s grain breeding program and learned about ongoing efforts to develop crop varieties that support climate resilience, nutrition, and market diversification.
The lab also shared examples of successful public-private partnerships that help move WSU’s discoveries from the lab to producers and consumers.
The visit also emphasized the lab’s work connecting researchers with bakers, millers, chefs, and food-based businesses to strengthen local economies and create new opportunities for them to serve their communities.
The event concluded with a hands-on pizza-making activity, highlighting the Breadlab’s commitment to making nutritious, whole-grain foods more accessible while demonstrating the connection between agricultural research and everyday life.
