Monsanto's Wheat-breeding Operation Starts Research in Idaho, US

Monsanto is putting down roots in the Magic Valley, Idaho, US.The arid climate and nearly disease-free growing environment makes the valley an ideal location for growing foundation seed stock.

Already, numerous varieties of onions, carrots, alfalfa and garden beans are grown here for the seed.

Monsanto has moved into its Seminis Vegetable Seed Co. building in Filer to conduct research and develop new wheat cultivars.The company paid $1billion in cash and assumed $400 million of Seminis’ debt in 2005 to acquire the large vegetable seed company.

But operations at the Seminis facility in Filer remained the same until last summer, when Monsanto announced it would expand the structure for wheat seed research. The building’s expansion will continue through the summer.