Since 2014, the Colorado Department of Agriculture has been working on a reorganization, including the creation of a new Laboratory Services Division. Earlier this year, a group of dignitaries broke ground on a new site to house services that will open in 2019. More recently, CDA announced it was nearing the end of its reorganization that will culminate with this new facility.

In late December, the ribbon was cut for the future home of CDA’s Division of Laboratory Services. During the event, visiting dignitaries shared their thoughts on the project. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper noted that “the agricultural community here is united, and we put out a great effort. That defines Colorado in almost every level — and especially in agriculture.”

Added Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne: “What I’ve learned is how important rural communities are to Colorado. I’ve been able to go out and talk to folks, and understand the diversity of you do. And, of course, we are not just a leader in production; we are a leader in research when it comes to agricultural advances.”

State needed new labs
Don Brown, commissioner of agriculture, noted that it is time for new labs for the state. “Our laboratory building in Denver was built in 1973. We’ve gone from parts per million to parts per billion. We’ve gone from standard balance beams to electronic scales. These labs are a culmination of a lot of dreaming and a lot of building, and we will now be able to serve the people of the state more efficiently and effectively.”

Construction of the new 27,000-square-foot facility is slated for completion in the spring, and it is the final stage of a multiyear CDA project. In 2014, CDA began consolidation of six of its seven divisions into one building in Broomfield. This created a one-stop shop for Colorado residents, and made managing staff and programs more effective.

In October, CDA announced the Biochemistry Lab, Metrology Lab and Animal Health Laboratory (formerly called the Rocky Mountain Animal Health Lab) would combine into one division called the Division of Laboratory Services, and it will be housed in the new facility. The move, and recertification of any necessary lab requirements, will complete the consolidation process.

Source: Colorado Department of Agriculture