The Center for Applied Genetic Technologies supports genomics research on plants and animals that are critically important to Georgia agriculture, for example, peanuts, pine trees and chickens. In addition to addressing issues surrounding the basic human need for food and sustenance, the center’s research may also provide insight into cures for disease and solutions to environmental problems.

Worth noting: The center also houses the Georgia BioBusiness Center, which provides access to management expertise and sophisticated instrumentation for biosciences startup companies, helping them accelerate their early growth.

Institutions involved: University of Georgia

Research focus: The center’s research focuses on several areas, including: 

·         Engineering crops that are better adapted to Southern climates, such as new varieties of forage (for example, alfalfa) and soybeans

·         Determining the genetic sequences of plants and animals crucial to Georgia agriculture (for example, cotton and chickens)

·         Developing techniques that allow plants to be genetically engineered  

GRA investment:  GRA has invested more than $6 million in creating the Center and has partnered with private developers to build the Georgia BioBusiness Center.

Web site: http://www.cagt.uga.edu/