Lugano, Switzerland
August 25, 2008
DuPont today announced that it is boosting its seed business
in Europe with the opening of two new research centers -- one in
Italy, the other in Hungary. The new centers build upon a more
than 50-year effort by DuPont business,
Pioneer Hi-Bred, to deliver
higher yielding products to European farmers.
The research centers represent more than a $5 million
investment. Pioneer is adding 10 research positions at the new
centers to add to the 25 research employees who will be
transferring from existing locations. Field and lab research
capacity is also being added at the two locations.
"DuPont is aggressively investing in research and development to
increase farmer productivity and extend our leadership position
in corn, sunflower and oilseed rape in Europe," said William S.
Niebur, vice president -- DuPont Crop Genetics Research and
Development. "The opening and expansion of these two new
research centers continues our commitment to meet the challenges
farmers face in Europe and around the world by providing genetic
solutions farm-by-farm, field-by-field and hectare-by-hectare."
The new research centers are part of a larger increase in
research and development across Europe to speed delivery of new,
improved products to the market and meet growing demand for food
and fuel. Pioneer has increased its research investment in
Europe by more than 10 percent in 2008. In addition to the new
facilities, Pioneer is expanding research plots by 25 percent,
doubling its molecular breeding efforts, and adding 36 new
employees along with cutting-edge lab and field equipment.
The Hungarian research center, located in Hodmezovasarhely
(southeast Hungary) will expand the current comprehensive
breeding, testing and disease characterization programs for
sunflowers. The corn breeding program will add an additional
maturity to the current efforts combined with enhanced disease
and agronomic trait characterization capabilities to meet the
specific agronomic needs in this important grain producing
region.
The Italian research center located in Pessina Cremonese (Po
valley, north central Italy) will also expand maturity coverage
and strengthen disease and agronomic trait characterization
through field and molecular
approaches.
"Today's announcement builds upon the greater than 50-year
commitment that we made to European farmers to increase
agricultural productivity," Niebur said. "Based upon our new
technology advances, strong products, and
business growth in the region, we have clearly made the right
decision."
Pioneer is the leading supplier of seed corn genetics in Europe
and is rapidly increasing its sunflower business.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading
source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers
and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des
Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics
in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded
in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation. |
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