Texas Tech receives $28.9 million USDA grant for food research complex
Texas Tech University’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources has received a $28.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to establish a food science and safety research complex in Lubbock, Texas.
The funding will support the Food Science, Safety, and Workforce Development Complex, which will be housed in the planned Davis College Flagship Building. The grant was awarded through USDA’s Research Facilities Act Program, which supports the construction and modernization of agricultural research facilities at universities.
The complex will include food innovation and sensory evaluation laboratories, pilot-processing facilities and spaces for collaboration with industry partners. It will bring food safety research, product development, processing, quality testing, consumer evaluation and workforce training into one facility.
Texas Tech officials said the project will expand the college’s research capacity while providing students and industry professionals with access to commercial-scale food processing technology.
“Agriculture has been central to Texas Tech’s mission since the university was founded, and it remains essential to our future,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “We are grateful to USDA for recognizing the significance of the work done by Davis College and the role Texas Tech can play in advancing food security and agricultural innovation.”
The facility will feature flexible research spaces designed to accommodate changes in technology and industry needs without requiring major renovations.
Training opportunities will include professional certificates, continuing education, workforce microcredentials and applied training programs for students, industry professionals and entrepreneurs.
Clint Krehbiel, dean of Davis College, said the project addresses the college’s need for additional research and teaching space.
“Our continued growth as a founding college is a testament to the role we play in our university’s mission and underscores the reality that we have outgrown our current infrastructure,” Krehbiel said.
Darren Hudson, associate dean for strategic initiatives and assessment and the Larry Combest Endowed Chair for Agricultural Competitiveness, led the grant proposal. He will serve as project director and primary liaison with USDA.
Hudson said the facility is intended to support food science research and workforce development while creating opportunities for agricultural producers in the region.
“At the same time, it allows us to directly impact our regional stakeholders through increased product development and value that support our farm and ranch profitability,” Hudson said.
The complex will be part of a planned three-story building on 15th Street at Texas Tech. The project is being supported by the federal grant and private donations through ON&ON: The Campaign for Texas Tech University.
The building will replace the existing Davis College Annex and the former Fisheries and Wildlife Research Building.
In addition to the food science complex, the building will house a Student Success Center, classrooms, research and teaching laboratories, the Raider Red Meats Café, administrative offices and spaces for faculty, staff and student collaboration.
Davis College, one of Texas Tech’s four founding colleges, has experienced enrollment growth in recent years. Enrollment increased from approximately 2,800 students in fall 2020 to nearly 3,300 in fall 2025.
University officials said the college has outgrown its existing facilities despite renovations over the years.
Groundbreaking for the Davis College Flagship Building is anticipated during the 2026-27 academic year.
