RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Syngenta is planning to construct a new state-of-the-art biotechnology research facility adjacent to its existing research campus in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
The $71 million investment, which is scheduled to begin this summer, will focus on discovering and developing new agronomic traits.
“The advanced technologies that will be implemented at this new site will accelerate our R&D efforts to develop agronomic traits that will enable crops to better withstand complex environmental challenges,” said Sandro Aruffo, Syngenta head of research and development.
Building on the recent successful launches of Agrisure Viptera, Agrisure Artesian and Enogen, research at the site will focus on traits that can better tolerate climate variability, combat plant stresses such as drought, and enhance crop productivity and plant performance.
In addition to the current focus on corn and soybean, research will be expanded to incorporate other crops such as sugar cane, cereals, rice and vegetables.
The facility will feature research laboratories and sophisticated growth environments including climate-controlled greenhouses and precision growth chambers.
It is expected to be fully operational in the second half of 2012.
