DuPont Breaks Ground on New Ultra-Early Maturity Corn Research Facility

DuPont Pioneer has begun construction of a new multi-million dollar research facility in Lethbridge, Alberta, focused on developing ultra-early maturity corn products for growers in Alberta and Western Canada.

“This facility supports our commitment to providing growers in Western Canada with more choice through the development of ultra-early corn products that may increase the profitability of their operations,” said Steve King, corn research director for DuPont Pioneer.

Construction is underway on the 22,500 sq. foot research facility outside of Lethbridge. Research plots were planted at the site this spring. The building is expected to open in November 2014 and will create additional jobs in the region. In the future, this facility could be expanded to serve other crops or other DuPont businesses as well.

“We are proud to build another Pioneer facility in Lethbridge,” said King “Not only is the climate well-suited for product development, but we know first-hand the strength of the community. Our canola production plant has been located here for seven years.”

Since Fall 2013, Lethbridge County and Economic Development Lethbridge have been working collaboratively to support DuPont Pioneer in their decision-making process.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome the new DuPont Pioneer research facility to the region. This facility complements and enhances the production of agriculture in the area while providing significant benefits to the bio-industrial sector,” said Reeve Lorne Hickey, Lethbridge County. “These benefits will be long-term to the County, the City of Lethbridge, and southern Alberta.”

“We believe this project is a long-term, value added initiative that will contribute to the agriculture industry and research capacity in the Lethbridge area,” adds Economic Development Lethbridge CEO Cheryl Dick. “This is an important rural development opportunity that has economic benefits that will shape the future of agriculture across southern Alberta.”

The construction of this new facility will be led by Northern Development and Investment Group Inc. of Edmonton, Alberta.

Across Canada, Pioneer has significant investments in several other research facilities for corn, canola and soybeans. These locations provide leading genetics for growers across Canada and globally.

DuPont Pioneer is the world’s leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success®.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs and thought leaders, we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.