DuPont opens $40m agriculture research facility

DuPont has opened a US$40 million plant genetics research facility in Iowa as part of its commitment to increasing agricultural productivity and food security worldwide.

Experts in plant physiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics will focus on plant breeding and developing new transgenic products, with the aim of developing and testing new products and traits in Pioneer’s research and development pipeline, the company said.

“Beaver Creek will take DuPont’s research and development efforts in seed and plant genetics to the next level and ensure we are consistently providing new solutions and products to farmers and communities around the world,” said Paul E Schickler, President of Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. “Pioneer is dedicated to providing the right product for the right acre, and this new facility in Johnston will advance that mission.”

DuPont intends to invest US$10 billion by the end of 2020 for research and development in the food, agriculture and nutrition sectors as part of its food security program. The new centre will create 400 jobs.