It takes a minute to adjust your eyes to Joe Chierak and Mike Beddoe in hats through the greenhouse doors of NC State University’s Plant Sciences Building.

It’s so bright there’s a sunglasses case in the entryway.

“When the sun shines on the white floor, it’s like being blinded by snow,” says Beddoe.

The 24-foot-tall glass and steel behemoth that sits atop the Centennial Campus building might look like an ordinary greenhouse.

© NC State UniversityThe 10,000-square-foot Plant Sciences Building controlled-environment laboratory has 11 greenhouse bays (top left) that provide fully conditioned, glass-bottom growth environments for research.

But inside computer-controlled facilities, researchers work year-round to tackle the biggest challenges farmers face from disease, pests and extreme weather.

Plants for dozens of changing research projects are grown at any given time, all with different needs, requirements, growing seasons, and Chiera and Beddoe are tasked with overseeing them.

“We serve the entire campus,” says Chiera.

Increasing innovation
Researchers in one room have rows of blue-green plants. They are mostly eucalyptus© NC State University Widely planted hardwood trees throughout the world.

By editing specific genes in eucalyptus, NC State researchers like forestry professor Jack Wang and genome editing expert Rodolphe Barrangou are developing trees to make paper and other wood products, reducing emissions and promoting the sustainability of paper mills.

In another room, they set up chain-like runners of hanging strawberry plant racks, which can be used to root and grow more strawberries.

Associate Professor of Horticultural Sciences Mark Hoffmann is researching new ways to propagate strawberry plants to minimize the spread of pathogens before they are shipped from nurseries to growers.

Growing plants for this job requires precise control of light, humidity and other conditions.

Controlled environments for research accuracy
Shouting over the hum of fans, sprinklers and other equipment, Beddoe leads her down the hall to a back office.

© NC State UniversityEach greenhouse bay is individually monitored, helping to ensure that experiments meet the researchers’ exacting standards. Pictured: Mike Beddoe.

“This is the brains of the entire greenhouse,” Beddoe says, tapping into a control system that allows the researchers to adjust the environment in each room to their needs.

© NC State UniversityThe Plant Sciences building has 25 growing chambers of various sizes where plants are grown for food, fiber and even erosion control.

The facility includes 11 independently controlled greenhouse rooms spanning more than 10,000 square feet, as well as 25 plant growth chambers.

Sensors in each room continuously monitor temperature, soil moisture, CO2 concentration and more.

The data is then sent to a central computer, where it is analyzed and compared to optimal standards before issuing commands to the system, such as adjusting shade screens or turning on misters. Watering schedules are also programmed.

“We try to automate everything,” says Beddoe.

Safety first
Passing pots and earthenware, Chiera leads to one of the most unique rooms on the fifth floor.

The biocontainment greenhouse is one of the few facilities nationwide designed to safely screen for agricultural pests and pathogens.

Every year, farmers around the world lose up to 40% of their crops to pests and diseases.

As new threats continue to emerge that could threaten global food security, NC State is not taking any chances.

So they have converted one wing into a specialized high-capacity facility known as a biosafety level 3 laboratory.

Research here could be used to test treatments for crop diseases, for example, or to develop fruit and vegetables with greater resistance to insect pests.

The space itself is only accessible to credentialed staff, who work under the watchful eye of security cameras.

Chiera walks through the automatically closing doors and the researcher dons gowns, gloves, face shields and other protective gear before entering the lab.

What comes here, stays here
From air and water handling to waste disposal, it’s designed to ensure that what comes here stays here.

All water discharged from the BSL-3 greenhouse is run down pipes and boiled before leaving the facility.

Solid waste is treated in a special oven called an autoclave, which uses steam and pressure to ensure that any microbes are dead.

Air is also designed for safety.

A negative pressure ventilation system creates a flow of air in a direction to prevent anything in the air from escaping, and all the exhausted air is filtered out.

“So if we’re dealing with a pathogenic plant that produces spores, for example, it will trap them and not release them,” says Chiera.

Supporting diverse research in the face of tough challenges
Back in the main corridor, Chiera and Beddoe make their way through the hall to their next meeting, passing thousands of green plants along the way.

© NC State UniversityAlex Woodley (left) and Raine Lookabill study greenhouse gas emissions from greenhouse soils as part of efforts to find ways to reduce them and mitigate their effects.

Back in the main corridor, Chiera and Beddoe make their way through the hall to their next meeting, passing thousands of green plants along the way.

In one room, tests are being done on the sweet potato. Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Wenye Wang and his team are developing ways to help farmers monitor starchy and swollen roots as they grow underground, using low-cost Wi-Fi signals (PDF) instead of expensive buried sensors.

in another room, NC State Professor Dorith Rotenberg, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, is growing corn. Plants will eventually become dinner for insects, such as plant eaters and aphids, to better understand how these insects spread viruses that can stunt growth and reduce yield in one of the world’s largest crops.

A fan favorite
Beddoe stops in front of a room at the end of the corridor. “This is my favorite bay,” he says.

© NC State UniversityGrayson Cothran tends plants in a popular greenhouse bay where students have the opportunity to care for various plants and learn about greenhouse operations.

Inside, there are soybeans and banana plants basking in the sun, cotton plants with their hibiscus-like blooms, as well as a genetically engineered petunia that looks like an ordinary white flower during the day but glows at night using bioluminescent mushroom genes.

“These plants are mostly for our students,” explained Beddoe. “So they can learn different ways to water and breed and things like that.”

Always called
Beddoe will return here before heading home as part of his twice-daily inspections.

Because keeping the greenhouse running requires a lot of hands-on work.

“One of us is always on call,” says Beddoe, whose phone buzzes on evenings and weekends if something needs attention.

“Plants don’t take vacations,” he added.

Source: NC State University

As Massachusetts voters face a November ballot initiative to roll back the state’s recreational marijuana law, a new report from officials finds legalization is achieving one of its main goals: stopping the illegal sale of cannabis as adults move into the regulated market.

A Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) report released Friday found that among adults who used marijuana in the past year, 84 percent said they got their cannabis from a licensed source.

“Adult consumers are moving away from mostly unregulated sources as the state’s adult marijuana industry enters its eighth year of operation,” says a CCC press release about the report.

with that More than $9 billion in gross sales since the launch of the adult-use market in 2018this data point indicates that illegal sales are becoming very successful; Advocates worked to drive home the impact of the policy while building support for legalization.

The analysis — which also looked at usage trends, self-reported health benefits, public opinion on legalization and more — interviewed 11,635 Massachusetts residents ages 16-65. (State law prohibits the sale of recreational cannabis to those under 21, but the CCC included younger people in the survey to understand trends in that cohort, t0o.)

“This new research shows that Massachusetts residents are moving away from the illegal market when safe and well-regulated options are available,” CCC Executive Director Travis Ahern said in a press release. “We will continue to monitor sources like the (International Cannabis Policy Study or ICPS) to guide our mission to oversee an efficient and fair cannabis market in Massachusetts.”

Here are some other findings from the report:

• Nearly half of cannabis users (43%) said they used it to “manage or improve mental health.”
• The frequency of cannabis use “generally increased year-on-year across all 16-20 age groups, where it decreased from 2019 to 2023.”
• People are more likely to report using marijuana flower products (70 percent) than other product categories.
• Overall, 81 percent said they supported legalizing adult use based on the 2023 survey data, which was “a slight decline from 83 percent support in the 2022 wave.”

“New analysis of ICPS data provides valuable insight into patterns of use and levels of education around cannabis use,” said CCC Research Lead Julie Johnson. he said.

“We are also making recommendations to help strengthen future data analysis and collection, including future research collaborations with other regulators and public health professionals and the initiation of larger studies to guide cannabis-related impairment and assess health care utilization,” he said. “We also encourage more resources to be directed to public awareness and youth education, with ample funding available through tax revenue generated from the sale of cannabis.”

The fact that 81 percent of Massachusetts residents said they supported legalization in a recent poll raises questions about the chances of anti-cannabis initiatives getting the majority needed to pass the November ballot.

A separate survey published earlier this month Residents were specifically asked about their position on the measure of withdrawal It found that 63% were against it, including 48% who said they were “strongly” against it. Only 20 percent of respondents said they supported the proposed initiative, while 11 percent “strongly” supported repeal.

The survey comes a month after cannabis activists filed a complaint with the State Voting Law Commission under the Secretary of State, alleging that petitioners with anti-cannabis campaigns used deceptive tactics to convince voters to allow them to cast their ballots.

The commission withdrew the complaint in January, however, and the ballot measure was challenged, advocates said raised “unsupported allegations” about the adequacy of the signature collection process they said he needed an official exam.

The decision marked a setback for advocates and industry players who have reported numerous accounts of alleged misconduct by applicants working on behalf of the Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts.

He came anyway A separate survey found that nearly half of those who signed a petition to repeal marijuana sales felt cheatedaccording to many, the measure was presented to them as a proposal to deal with unrelated issues such as public education and expanded housing.

The anti-marijuana coalition has denied any wrongdoing in the signature collection process and dismissed the poll results.

The initiative would still allow adults 21 and older to possess and give away an ounce of cannabis, but it would repeal provisions of the voter-approved legalization law that allow commercial sales and home cultivation by adults. The medical cannabis program would remain intact under that measure.

A state association of marijuana companies urged voters to report them to local officials if they observe them Instances of “spoof mail” or other fraudulent solicitation tactics.

The office of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell (D), that is He cleared the signature collection campaign in September—stressed the importance of voters reading the summary at the top of the signature form before signing any petition.

The Massachusetts legislature took up the initiative earlier this month when the 2026 session began. Since the state electoral commission has issued a resolution on the complaint, the members of parliament have until May 5 to act on the proposal. If they decide not to pass it in the legislature, the campaign would have to go through another round of petitions and get at least 12,429 certified signatures by July 1 to get on the November ballot.

Meanwhile, the head of Massachusetts’ marijuana regulatory agency recently suggested measures to effectively recriminalize the sale of recreational cannabis. dangerous tax revenues being used to support substance abuse treatment efforts and other public programs.

Massachusetts lawmakers recently joined a bicameral conference committee to hammer out a deal. double the legal limit for possession of marijuana for adults and review the regulatory framework for the state’s adult cannabis market.

In December, state regulators, too established rules for social marijuana consumption halls.

—
It’s Marijuana Time tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25/month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracking and become a Patreon supporter to gain access
—

CCC has recently launched a targeted online platform helping people find work, on-the-job training and networking opportunities in the state’s legal cannabis industry.

State legislators have also been pondering imposing stricter restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived products and a plan allowing individual entities to control a greater number of cannabis establishments.

Also in Massachusetts Legislators working on state budgets butted heads with CCC officialswho said critical technology improvements can’t be made without more money from the legislature.

Massachusetts lawmakers also passed a bill establishing a pilot program for the regulated therapeutic use of psychedelics. And they have two committees Hearings to discuss additional measures related to psilocybin were held separately.

user photo Brian Shamblen.

The Equitable Food Initiative, a workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmers, marketers and consumer groups, is encouraging the agricultural community to recognize and celebrate National Farmer Awareness Week with free and impactful tools offered in its communications tools.

Observed annually during the last week of March culminating in Cesar Chavez’s birthday, Farmers’ Awareness Week honors the essential contributions of the men and women who move our food supply chain. From planting and harvesting to packing and shipping, farm workers bring deep knowledge, technical skills and pride to their work every day.

“Farmworker Awareness Week is an important reminder to pause and recognize the highly skilled and physically demanding work that farmworkers do every day to bring healthy, nutritious food to our tables,” said LeAnne Ruzzamenti, EFI’s director of marketing and communications. “Our toolbox is designed to help businesses and communities celebrate their employees and community members and share employee stories that educate consumers about the experience and dedication behind the food.”

EFI’s toolset makes it easy for businesses, retailers, industry organizations, educators and community leaders to show appreciation and raise awareness. The toolkit, available at equitablefood.org/toolkit, includes:

· Social media graphics, sample posts and videos to share

· Posters, technical sheets and printable infographics for offices, shops and workplaces

· A model proclamation to share with local and state officials

· Color a page for children

· Ideas for organizing weekly events or internal celebrations

· And more…

All materials are customizable and free to download, making participation easy and accessible for organizations of all sizes.

Farm workers are not only essential for production, but also essential for farm innovation and continuous improvement. Many bring years, even decades, of experience providing insights that improve quality, efficiency and food safety. Their pride in their craft and their commitment to doing the job well are the foundations for a strong and resilient farming system.

Alexandra Martinez, head of digital marketing and sales at the Equitable Food Initiative, emphasized the importance of industry-wide participation. “We hope that this special week is just the beginning for our industry to shine a light on the experience, resilience and professionalism that our employees provide throughout the year,” said Martinez. “To encourage this, EFI provides resources and reminders to highlight our essential workers with ongoing initiatives like #FarmworkerFriday and other digital tools.”

EFI encourages manufacturers, retailers, brands, allied organizations and consumers to download the toolkit and incorporate its resources into newsletters, in-store promotions, team meetings, classroom activities and community events. By raising awareness and appreciation during Farmworker Awareness Week, the industry can collectively highlight the hard work that sustains our food system year-round.

A free Farmworker Awareness Week Communication Toolkit is available here www.equitablefood.org/toolkit