Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA
August 13, 2009
New site will be dedicated to
developing higher yielding hybrids and varieties designed to
perform consistently in the Northwest corn and soybean belts
Syngenta Seeds, Inc. is
expanding its corn and soybean research facilities that have
been located in the Brookings, S.D., area since 1997. The
company’s research efforts in Brookings support the development
of higher yielding corn hybrids and soybean varieties that will
be available to farmers in South Dakota and Western Minnesota
through the Garst®, Golden Harvest® and NK® brands.
“Our research and development activities at this new facility
are focused on evaluating and identifying exciting new products
and technologies while practicing the highest levels of
stewardship,” said Ray Riley, head of corn & soybean research
and development, Syngenta. “This investment in the Brookings
Station will help us to continue working to bring forward the
best products and technologies for farmers in this area.”
When completed in 2010, the multi-million dollar expansion
project will provide 22,000 square feet of space for seed
processing, laboratories, equipment areas and office space.
Product research at this facility will include broad and dual
modes of action for insect control, new herbicide traits to
enhance weed control, water use efficiency to produce higher
yields under limited water conditions and soybean aphid
tolerance delivered through an integrated program. Enhanced
bio-fuel products will be evaluated, including amylase
technology that can increase ethanol production efficiency.
Syngenta is also making significant upgrades to its crop-dust
collection system in its Brookings soybean production facility.
Currently, eight full-time employees and several seasonal
workers bag and deliver nearly a half million soybean units
annually.
“The upgrades to our soybean production facility show our
commitment to continually improving the efficiency and safety of
our facility,” said Al Bortnem, site manager. “This new system
helps ensure that the quality and performance of our seed is
uncompromised.”
The expanded research facility in Brookings will be home to nine
fulltime employees and many seasonal employees.
“Growers in this region have historically adopted new
technologies very rapidly,” said South Dakota Secretary of
Agriculture Bill Even. “This expansion demonstrates the
tremendous potential for economic development when companies
like Syngenta introduce cutting edge technology into production
agriculture."
Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more
than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our
purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class
science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to
increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve
health and quality of life. For more information about us please
go to www.syngenta.com.
NK® and the Syngenta logo are registered trademark of a Syngenta
Group Company.
NK Seeds is a business unit of Syngenta Seeds, Inc.
Garst® is a registered trademark of Garst Seed Company.
Golden Harvest® is a registered trademark of Golden Harvest
Seeds, Inc. |
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