Washington, DC
February 22, 2008
Speaking at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Outlook Forum,
DuPont Vice President and
General Manager and Pioneer
Hi-Bred President Paul Schickler said advanced technologies
will be key for further corn and soybean yield improvement over
the next 10 years.
"It is an incredible time for the agricultural economy as demand
for food, feed, fuel and materials -- all of which can be
produced through agriculture -- have increased," Schickler said.
"We expect the traits and technologies in
our product pipeline to help meet that demand by doubling the
rate of genetic gain -- targeting a 40 percent yield increase in
our corn and soybean products over the next 10 years."
Schickler explained that the corn yield increase will come from
a convergence of elite germplasm, proprietary Accelerated Yield
Technology™ (AYT™), the new Optimum® AcreMax™ insect control
system and key
agronomic traits such as drought tolerance and nitrogen use
efficiency.
Schickler said the soybean yield increase will come from
technologies including AYT™, the Optimum® GAT® herbicide
tolerance trait, and biotech yield traits built on superior
soybean base genetics.
The USDA has hosted its Agricultural Outlook Forum since 1923 to
provide farmers and ranchers, government and agribusiness with
sound information for decision-making. The Forum focuses on a
broad range of topical issues related to energy, production,
technology, consumers, farm policy and rural America.
Schickler's presentation is available in the DuPont Investor
Center at http://www.dupont.com
and at
http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/2008Speeches/PDFPPT/Schickler.pdf.
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 (NYSE: DD) is a science 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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