The facility was officially opened by Minister of Agriculture, Adam Marshall and Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke on Tuesday morning.

Institute Director of Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station, Gordon Refshauge said the glasshouse will enable staff to continue a legacy of pioneering research.

"We're opening this wonderful facility today which links really nicely back into 120 years ago when the experimental farm was created for William Farrer. It was a centre for wheat breeding and became an open barley breeding line," he said.

"[It ties in with] what we're trying to do now, which is to develop perennial wheat lines which have greater sustainability benefits for wheat production, for farming systems as well as livestock production.

"It will enable to accelerate the rates of breeding that we can perform for the selection of lines which should greatly accelerate our generic gain and create great opportunities in a short amount of time."

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Ms Cooke said the glasshouse will enable researchers to look into a variety of crops without worrying about the impacts of climate or temperature.

"The new facilities will enable this work to expand and potentially provide new crops and alternative markets for local producers," she said.

"The research carried out at this new facility will have state-wide benefits as it will allow investigations into everything from tropical pasture grasses, which have the potential to significantly improve summer stock feed supply, through to pasture legumes through experiments using the controlled climate capacity of the facility."

Mr Marshall said investment in DPI research stations will help sustain the agricultural sector.

"We know our farmers are the world's best, and by investing in research programs here in Cowra, we give them a platform to become even better," he said.

"Our primary industries sector faces significant challenges, including climate change, drought, fires, water scarcity, as well as pests and diseases.

"This purpose-built facility will allow DPI to undertake research projects to assist farmers meet these challenges and ensure they are profitable and sustainable well into the future."

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