NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – DuPont has opened a $40 million plant genetics research facility in Johnston, Iowa as part of its efforts to increase agricultural productivity and improve food security, the company announced on Monday.
The 200,000-square-foot facility brings together experts in plant physiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to focus work on plant breeding and developing new transgenic products, DuPont said, adding it is expected to create 400 new jobs.
Paul Schickler, president of DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred, said in a statement that the facility "will take DuPont's research and development efforts in seed and plant genetics to the next level and ensure we are consistently providing new solutions and products to farmers and communities around the world."
The facility is part of plans by DuPont to invest $10 billion globally in R&D directed at food, agriculture, and nutrition by the end of 2020 as part of the firm's targeted food security goals.