ST. LOUIS —Monsanto Company reinforced its commitment to further improve the genetic potential of seeds by announcing a $20 million investment in integrated technology centers as part of its global breeding program.
The announcement was made Oct. 29.
“We are at a unique inflection point in the evolution of plant breeding where data science and predictive analytics will help to unlock previously untapped potential of plant genetics,” said Sam Eathington, Monsanto vice president of global plant breeding.
These technology centers will use continuing advancements in data science, genomic breeding methods and predictive analytics to further enhance seeds.
About the centers
The company said it would invest $20 million over the next two years to accelerate plant breeding research across integrated technology centers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota and Nebraska.
These integrated technology centers will enable the company to combine some local operations, use new advancements and discoveries, as well as share best practices across crop research.
“Advanced plant breeding techniques and the application of data science are key elements working together to contribute to a food-secure future. And we’re scaling our breeding engine to develop products that help farmers around the world meet this challenge,” said Eathington.
