St. Louis, Missouri, USA
December 7, 2016

St. Louis County will have a new AgTech innovation district to build on the area’s leadership position in this field and to attract startups and AgTech companies from around the world. 

AgTech is the overarching industry of agriculture technology and its intersection with plant science.  This includes the research of plants and animals; development of technical machines and chemicals to improve farming, and improving production of foodstuffs.  
“In short, AgTech is about how we use our knowledge of plant science and the latest technology to find better ways to feed the world,” St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger said.  “There has never been a time when this work was more important.”
The new district will be known as 39 North. The 39th parallel north is the physical location of the district. It is also the coordinates of the prime agricultural belt across the world. 

With Danforth Plant Science Center, BRDG (Bio Research and Development Growth) Park, Monsanto and the Helix Center Biotech Incubator as anchors, the district will encompass 600 acres stretching from: 

• Bauer Boulevard to the north,
• The edge of Monsanto’s campus to the south,
• Warson Road to the east, and
• Old Olive Street Road to the west.

The goal of 39 North is to bring new AgTech jobs to St. Louis County. “St. Louis County is already recognized as a global hub of plant science research,” St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger said. “We have the highest concentration in the world of plant science PhDs and 39 North is a natural extension of an established industry. We will continue to attract emerging AgTech businesses with diverse talent and true vision.”

The 39 North campus is wholly within the City of Creve Coeur and borders the City of Olivette to the east. A $500,000 federal planning grant awarded in May 2015 funded the development of the 39 North project.  The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership spearheaded the planning work that has been under way for 19 months.

“39 North will attract people and businesses from around the world,” said Sheila Sweeney, CEO of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. “The discoveries made at 39 North will improve the human condition and we are excited about the possibilities for the district, including tying it in to other agricultural efforts going on across the state.”

39 North will be geared toward the lifestyle preferences of highly-skilled scientific workers. There will be mixed retail, residential and office space connected by walking and biking trails and green space. $400,000 in funding has been secured for the first project, designing a greenway connection from Monsanto to the Helix Center. A master plan to be completed this month.

Officials at the Danforth Plant Science Center are active supporters of the development of the district.   “The strategic master plan to develop 39 North is an extension of Dr. (William) Danforth’s vision to make St. Louis a world center for plant science and innovation,” said Sam Fiorello, chief operating officer, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and president, Bio Research & Development Growth (BRDG) Park. “By connecting regional assets, improving mobility, creating development opportunities and additional greenspace we will enhance our ability to grow, attract and retain companies and top talent.” 

Website: http://www.danforthcenter.org

Published: December 7, 2016