DuPont to Establish Molecular Breeding Technology Hub in China

State-of-the Art Research Facility will Develop New Maize Hybrids in China for Chinese Farmers

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Feb 14, 2012, 09:00 ET

DES MOINES, Iowa and BEIJING, Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- DuPont has signed a multi-year lease agreement with Beijing International Flower Port to build a state-of-the-art Technology Hub for its Pioneer seed business in Beijing, China. The new facility is slated to open later this year and will employ nearly 50 researchers. The Technology Hub will use Pioneer's global capabilities in molecular breeding to develop new high-yielding maize hybrids which will improve the sustainability of farming in China, while enhancing food security.

The Technology Hub will leverage Pioneer's proprietary matrix of molecular breeding technologies called the Accelerated Yield Technology (AYT™) system. The AYT™ system uses doubled haploids, laser assisted seed selection, precision phenotyping methods and other leading technologies to identify superior gene combinations earlier in the breeding process compared to traditional methods alone.

The Technology Hub is the latest addition to DuPont's growing R&D network in China. For example, Pioneer has seven other research locations and a research joint venture established in 2007 with Sino Bioway Group Co., Ltd., a Peking University bio-agriculture company, known as Beijing Kaituo DNA (KTDNA) Biotech Research Center Co., Ltd.

"This is a further extension of how DuPont is investing in global science to identify solutions locally," said William S. Niebur, DuPont vice president and Pioneer China general manager. "Our vision is to work side-by-side with our Chinese collaborators to bring the AYT™ system together with other cutting-edge molecular breeding technologies to enhance and accelerate maize breeding in China. Through our network of research and business collaborations, we will bring superior products to market for Chinese farmers supporting the policy direction provided in China's newly released No. 1 Document."

China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has vowed to renew its efforts to improve agriculture through science and technology. DuPont had its first business connection with China in 1863 and continues to grow its business in mainland China. This important new research facility will build a strong foundation for future innovation and aid in developing internal competencies in China in the face of greater environmental challenges due to increasing demand for food.

"The presence of the project in Flower Port will further the service level of Flower Port," said Zhao Fei, vice manager of Beijing Flower Port Investment Development Center. "It will provide strong support for construction of a high-end agricultural brand and seed industry in Shunyi district, which will boost the construction of the Beijing National Modern Agricultural Science and Technology City."

Established in July of 2007, Beijing International Flower Port is a state-owned enterprise and the second functional group of the 7th China Flower Expo. It is the window to display the development of the Beijing Flower Industry. In 2010, Flower Port was recognized as a demonstration model of the National Modern Agricultural Science and Technology City, National Agricultural Science and Technology Park, and 3A Level National Tourist Attraction. In the same year, the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission approved and supported Flower Port to initiate the construction of the Bio-breeding incubator platform with aims to provide integrated services for seed enterprises to carry out the application testing of biotech varieties.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, 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.

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