Syngenta opens in Chile its first crop research centre in South AmericaPublished: June 11, 2009
With a multi-million dollar investment Syngenta is working together with CORFO to promote high technology agriculture, taking advantage of northern Chile's exceptional climatic conditions.
The new research centre for high technology agriculture was opened near the city of Arica, in the middle of the Azapa Valley. The centre will perform temperature, light, and rainfall analysis for the quality control systems of various crops in the region. Thanks to a highly technological off-season process, this analysis will benefit scientific studies regarding crop cycles.
With an investment of US$ 20 million on the part of Syngenta, this centre is one of the most developed for agricultural reseach in our country. It incorporates high technology, innovative procedures and the highest environmental, quality and safety standards. Due to its innovative nature, this project has been supported by the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO) through its InvestChile Program, with co-funding of around US$ 1.7 million.
The Undersecretary of the Economy, Jean-Jacques Duhart stated that this initiative "consolidates Arica y Parinacota as a leading player in the global services industry - one of those [industries] with the greatest potential in Chile, in terms of both investment and the creation of high quality jobs". He added that this type of project "is being prioritised through the government's focus on innovation and that such projects will increase economic dynamism."
The construction of the project began in 2008 and it is scheduled to be fully functioning within five to six years. Currently, 60 people work at the centre, but it will eventually have between 100 and 150 staff, making it a new source of high quality and sustained employment for the region.
"This research centre demonstrates Syngenta's commitment to research and technological innovation for the development of sustainable agriculture, and it takes place in the young Region of Arica y Parinacota," added the general manager of Syngenta, Rafael del Río.
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Pioneer DupontSources:www.mercado.com.arwww.diariopyme.com