DuPont Pioneer expands corn research capacity in Minnesota, US

DuPont Pioneer recently celebrated the opening of its new $2.5 million corn research center with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Minnesota, US.

“This expansion is a direct result of our commitment to helping Minnesota growers place the right products on their farms,” said Steve Reno, vice president, regional business director – U.S. “Testing products in the environment in which they will be grown is essential to helping growers get the most out of their seed investment as they strive to help meet the growing global demand for food.”

The new facility provides space to accommodate the continued growth of the corn program within the company; including supporting the IMPACT™ (Intensively Managed Product Advancement Characterization and Training) plot product advancement program, which selects the best Pioneer® brand products to fit the local growing environment. This expansion includes renovation of existing office space and development of a new site plan designed to increase safety and efficiency.

Pioneer first established a research station in Mankato in 1958 and built a center in the current location in 1966. It was last remodeled and expanded in 1998. Since then, the center has experienced substantial growth in the number and size of its research programs, which develop corn hybrids, commercialize new technologies and test next-generation products for growers in southern Minnesota.