Research program meets international standards for excellence in corn trial execution

The first major agricultural seed producer in the world to pursue ISO 9000 registrations, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, has added research facilities in Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Chile to its list of more than 112 ISO-certified locations.

For Pioneer, the consistency and uniformity achieved through ISO registration delivers value to customers and builds confidence among stakeholders in the industry.

"As a leading agricultural seed supplier, ISO certification is just one more step Pioneer is taking to help ensure consistency and quality for customers everywhere we do business," said David Ertl, Pioneer Corn Research director.

These recent registrations validate that the Pioneer process to oversee maize research trials follows or exceeds international standards for world-class management, based on ISO 9001:2000 registration requirements. Independent, third party auditors carried out the ISO 9001:2000 on-site audits, at each research center, over a two-day period.

"Producing high-performing products for our customers requires a great deal of field testing. ISO helps ensure our processes follow the highest standards and allows us to produce the best products possible," Ertl said.

Pioneer operations that have received ISO 9000 registration include parent and commercial seed production, seed quality testing, canola operations, phytosanitary diagnostics, customer and sales services, and forage and grain additive production. More than 2,600 Pioneer employees work at these locations.

ISO 9000 is an internationally accepted series of standards for quality management systems developed by the International Organization for Standardization. ISO 9000 registration affirms that a company meets the rigorous standards for quality management including employee training, record keeping, process control, product identification, testing and response to problems, as outlined by the program.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, 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, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont 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, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.