Monsanto Opens New Corn Breeding Facility
January 14, 2011 Monsanto Co. has opened its newest corn breeding facility in Flora, MS, reinforcing the company’s commitment to deliver the best technology to Southern farmers. The Flora Corn Breeding Station will utilize the latest breeding techniques and focus on developing higher-yielding corn hybrids while protecting against disease and other environmental stresses.
“There’s been growth in corn acres in the Delta region, and with that there is a need for improved corn products tailored to this area of the country,” said Ted Crosbie, Ph.D, Monsanto global breeding lead. “This new station allows Monsanto to develop and grow crops on the same soil as our customers and offer farmers even more seed choices than before.”
The breeding station will employ nine full-time and approximately 50 seasonal workers. The 26,000 square-feet facility is located in Flora Industrial Park and centrally located to conduct research at yield trial locations in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Arkansas.
“Monsanto researchers strive to bring farmers the best possible product for their fields and help improve on-farm productivity,” said Crosbie. “With Monsanto’s elite and global pool of germplasm we expect to create even better corn products for farmers with improved yield and protection.”
The Flora corn breeding station complements Monsanto’s global breeding program and joins a network of more than 50 corn breeding stations located around the world. The company’s investment in the facility reflects a boost in Monsanto’s commitment to the South and other crops, including cotton.
Monsanto currently has three other technology research sites in Mississippi – Scott, Leland and Winterville – focused on delivering cotton and soy varieties and traits to meet the needs of southern farmers.
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