Syngenta to invest in new research facility

Syngenta plans to construct a new biotechnology research facility adjacent to its existing research campus in Research Triangle Park, N.C. The $71 million investment, which is scheduled to begin in June 2011, will focus on discovering and developing new agronomic traits.
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 including vegetables, cereals, rice and sugar cane.
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.