Des Moines, Iowa
February 4, 2008
Leading scientists from around the
world convened here today for a three-day project review meeting
focused on enhancing drought tolerance in plants. Hosted by
DuPont business
Pioneer-Hi-Bred, the intent
of the meeting is to share research information among public and
private organizations in order to help increase farm
productivity, alleviate poverty and improve the human condition
in drought-prone areas of the world.
The meeting of the Generation Challenge Programme (GCP),
scheduled for Feb. 4 – 7, brings together the world’s best
scientists to focus on developing tools and technologies to help
farmers in developing countries produce better crops.
“The top scientists from around the world are convening at
Pioneer to share cutting-edge information to make progress
toward one goal – to enhance people’s lives in developing
countries,” said William S. Niebur, vice president – DuPont Crop
Genetics, Research and Development. “As climatic conditions
continue to change, it is critical that private and public
sectors work together to develop crops that will allow farmers
to maximize productivity on every acre.”
Pioneer sponsorship of the meeting is part of its larger
commitment to provide resources to public efforts which help
alleviate world hunger and malnutrition. The business is working
closely with publicly funded research organizations to help
improve the availability of advanced plant genetics for
impoverished farmers. Pioneer also is working with Africa
Harvest to improve the nutritional quality of sorghum, which is
consumed by millions of Africans.
Pioneer has been developing drought-tolerant corn hybrids for
more than 50 years through conventional and molecular breeding,
and transgenic biotechnology. It intends to introduce its first
transgenic drought-tolerant corn hybrids in the first half of
the next decade and is currently marketing a number of corn
hybrids with enhanced drought tolerance.
The GCP is a broad and true network of partners from advanced
research institutes and national agricultural research programs
collectively working to improve crop productivity in
drought-prone environments. GCP partners draw on plant diversity
and new technologies to improve crops with desired traits
focusing on drought tolerance. Through this wide range of
partners, GCP links basic science with applied research and
helps to weave an effective and interactive community of crop
researchers at both the global and regional level. GCP is a
program of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural
Research (CGIAR).
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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