Kunia, Oahu, Hawaii
September 18, 2008
- Corn and soybean facility poised
to increase significantly
- Science and technology jobs
Syngenta announced today that it has purchased approximately
848 acres of agricultural-zoned land in Kunia, Oahu from the
James Campbell Company, LLC, to expand the company’s corn and
soybean research and parent seed operations. An estimated
two-thirds of the acres purchased are suitable for farming,
leaving a significant amount available for open space and
preservation of native Hawaiian plant species.
Syngenta purchased the additional acreage in Kunia, as part of
its ongoing program to breed better seeds. The Syngenta Hawaii
facilities play a critical role in harnessing the power of
plants to meet global challenges for food, feed and fuel.
Syngenta helps growers increase overall crop productivity with
innovative seeds and products designed to deliver more yield
potential from existing agricultural land.
Expanded operation drives recruitment
Syngenta has a long history in Hawaii, beginning more than 40
years ago with operations in Waimea, Kauai which offered a
winter growing season for plant breeders. The land purchase
demonstrates the company’s commitment to Hawaii due to the
unique attributes the State offers.
Along with the land acquisition, Syngenta will be expanding its
employee base in Hawaii to support its growth. Kunia Station
Manager Michael Austin said, “As a major employer in the Kunia
area, Syngenta is proud to continue the expansion of our
operations which will significantly increase our local job
opportunities.” Syngenta employs a large workforce in Hawaii
with major operations on Kauai and Oahu. A significant number of
fulltime positions will be added to the Syngenta payroll across
the State by the end of the year, which will be supplemented
with third-party contractors throughout the year. Syngenta will
need employees from varying educational and vocational
backgrounds including science, agriculture, field and
administrative.
As a University of Hawaii graduate, Austin looks forward to
providing residents more opportunity and supporting skills
development in the agricultural science and technology field.
“Science and technology is one of the fastest growing sectors in
the State. The seed industry in Hawaii is healthy and will
continue to create talent development opportunities for local
residents.” Hawaii’s seed industry provides more than $144
million annually to the economy of Hawaii.
Syngenta Hawaii will also be looking at new ways of forming
close relationships with local community and educational
institutions to bolster its recruiting and training efforts to
develop the skills and abilities of local talent.
Commitment to innovation and sustainability
The current land purchase brings the total acreage for Syngenta
Hawaii’s research and parent seed operations to more than 4,800
acres.
“We applaud the commitment of Syngenta to adopt best practices
in soil conservation and sustainability,” said Chad Kacir,
district conservationist of the Natural Resources Conservation
Service. “Also, the community appreciates the land that will
remain open space with native vegetation.”
Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to
sustainable agriculture through innovative research and
technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and
ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in
2007 were approximately $9.2 billion. Syngenta employs over
21,000 people in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on
the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). |
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