Adding Research Capabilities in Emerging Markets will Meet Local Needs for Increased Food Production

DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 17, 2009 -- DuPont announced the addition of four new seed research centers in developing countries and expanded operations at three existing facilities to develop seed to meet local needs for food productivity. The new research operations extend the research leadership DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred has built and bring the total number of Pioneer research centers to nearly 100 worldwide.

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Caption: High-yielding corn developed through extensive Pioneer Hi-Bred R&D efforts.

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Caption: Lead drought-tolerant events (ear on right) being developed at Pioneer Hi-Bred research facilities are anticipated to bring increased yield compared to hybrids today (ear on left).

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Caption: Though its new multi-crop research center in Ukraine, Pioneer Hi-Bred is meeting the increased demand for high-performing canola hybrids.

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Caption: A new Pioneer Hi-Bred multi-crop research facility in Ukraine will house a sunflower research program to develop high-yielding hybrids that meet the demands of producers and end-users, with a primary focus on the oilseeds market.

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Caption: DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred recently added cotton to enhance its product lineup and strengthen its growing business in India.

The new research centers include a multi-crop center in Ukraine for corn, canola and sunflower research; and corn research facilities in Beijing, China, and Udaipur and Vijayawada, India. Research operations at facilities traditionally focused on sorghum in Manhattan, Kan., and Plainview, Texas, now will be expanded to include additional resources for corn drought testing. In addition, cotton will join pearl millet and rice as crops with research programs in Hyderabad, India.

“Pioneer is the best in the industry at placing the right product on the right acre to maximize a farmer’s productivity,” said William S. Niebur, vice president – DuPont Crop Genetics Research and Development. “The addition of these research centers allows us to strengthen our capabilities in these markets even further, bringing better genetics and traits that meet specific growing challenges to our customers faster.”

This additional plant breeding capacity is part of the $700 million in research and development DuPont is committing annually to increase global food production. The investment also reflects the company’s recently announced commitment for growth in emerging markets.

These facilities are the latest in a series of research centers Pioneer has opened within the last year, including a new corn and soybean research center in North Carolina and a multi-crop facility in Carman, Manitoba, for corn, canola and soybean research.

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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9/17/09

Additional YouTube Resources

New Pioneer Seed Research Centers

DuPont Crop Research in Drought Tolerance