To better serve the needs of southern farmers, Monsanto plans to open a new corn breeding station in Flora, Mississippi. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility is held on Mon (Feb 9).  The US$2.4-million facility boosts the company's investment in the south which reflects Monsanto's commitment to deliver new products to farmers.

 

The 26,000-square-foot corn breeding station, located in the Flora Industrial Park, will employ approximately 10 full-time and up to 50 seasonal workers. Corn production in the southern region has increased in the last several years, and the new site's research focus will be using the latest breeding techniques to develop higher-yielding corn hybrids with great resistance to disease and other environmental stresses, specifically adapted to the region.

 

The site will complement Monsanto's global breeding programme and become part of a network of more than 50 corn breeding locations around the world. Genetic diversity of Monsanto's global germplasm pool will benefit the farmers.

 

"Our focus on research and development is what makes Monsanto a leader in agricultural productivity," said Ted Crosbie, global breeding lead for Monsanto. The new facility will further strengthen its R&D capabilities and pose a great opportunity for the company to strengthen relationships and collaborations in the southern states.

 

Monsanto currently has three technology research sites in Mississippi - Scott, Leland and Winterville - focused on delivering cotton and soy varieties and traits to satisfy the needs of the farmers.

 

"We have always found that growing our crops where farmers will be growing theirs is the best way to develop new products that best meet the needs of our customers," Crosbie added. The existing facilities will help serve the farmers' need for innovative, higher-yielding products in cotton and soy. Monsanto plans for corn production in the new site.