In 2001, the original Donald Danforth Plant Science Center building was constructed. The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center was founded In 1998.

The independent, nonprofit research center was the result of Dr. William H. Danforth, Founding Chairman, and his vision that scientific knowledge, when applied to solving critical challenges, has the potential to lift families, communities and nations from poverty and empower people everywhere to enjoy better health and a higher quality of life.

The Center was named after Dr. Danforth’s late father, Donald Danforth, the onetime leader of the Ralston Purina Company. Ralston Purina grew rapidly under his leadership and was a pillar of American agriculture as a major producer of breakfast cereals and feed for farm animals and pets.