DuPont and BSES Limited Partner to Improve Sugarcane Planting Technologies and Varieties

Date:11-13-2009


DuPont and BSES Limited announced a research, development and commercialization alliance to improve productivity and use of sugarcane varieties.

The agreement brings together DuPont’s extensive plant biotechnology expertise with BSES’s unrivalled knowledge of sugarcane breeding, production and processing. The alliance will focus on the development and delivery of technologies to improve current planting technology and agronomic practices to enable productivity growth and reduced cost of production. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"We see significant opportunity to leverage our genetics and biotech trait capabilities in sugarcane,” said John Bedbrook, vice president - DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology. “BSES is the global technology leader in sugarcane, and we look forward to working with the company to enhance this very important global crop.”

DuPont, through its Crop Protection business, has strong relationships with sugarcane growers and sugarmill customers. As the leader in weed control for sugarcane, DuPont is committed to helping improve customers’ productivity and profitability.

BSES Chair Paul Wright said the agreement will define the Australian sugarcane industry’s international position well into the future.

"Comprehensive research has found that by accessing biotechnology first, the Australian sugarcane industry can retain its competitive position and build a lead role in the commercialization of biotechnology in the global sugarcane industry,” he said.

"DuPont is an excellent fit for BSES. Biotechnology is the next major science-based advance for the sugarcane industry, and together, we’ll deliver its benefits to the advantage of BSES Limited members and stakeholders,” said Wright.

Sugarcane is one of the most efficient biofuel feedstocks used commercially today. DuPont invests more than $1 billion in research and development annually to address emerging global trends, one of which is reducing dependence on fossil fuels.