DuPont Pioneer Expands Multi-Crop Research Center in Indiana, US

DuPont Pioneer announced recently the expansion of its Windfall, Ind., research center to better serve local growers and support global breeding and testing programs in corn, soybeans and wheat.

“DuPont Pioneer is growing its network of multi-crop research centers to leverage collaboration between crop researchers, maximize resources and advance our research locally and more quickly than ever before,” said Carlos Hentschke, DuPont Pioneer director for the Heartland business unit. “The expansion at the DuPont Pioneer Windfall research center will directly benefit growers in Indiana, across the eastern United States and areas out west.”

The Windfall multi-crop research center expansion includes 15,000 sq. ft. of indoor work space and 9,600 sq. ft. of equipment and machinery storage. The center added three new breeding programs. Pioneer hosted local growers, industry representatives, employees and government officials during a facility open house today to view the expansion and hear from DuPont leaders, including DuPont Chair & Chief Executive Officer Ellen Kullman.

“The Windfall multi-crop research center will enable the deployment of advanced breeding technologies, such as doubled haploids and molecular breeding for development of high-quality, locally adapted hybrids,” said Paul Stephens, DuPont Pioneer senior director for Soybean Research. “The research that will take place here is an important part of the DuPont strategic focus on agriculture and nutrition against the backdrop of an increasing world population and demand for more food.”

The investment in Windfall indicates significant support from DuPont and Pioneer to lead in scientific innovation and advanced crop development. Recent global R&D facility investments include plans to build a $35 million soybean research facility at its Stine Haskell Research Center in Newark, Del., and a new research center in Lethbridge, Alberta, aimed at developing ultra-early maturity corn hybrids for western Canada. In November 2014, Pioneer unveiled its multi-crop research center in Hyderabad, India. Windfall serves as multi-crop hub for the eastern United States.