DuPont unveils seed production facility in Ukraine

US chemicals group DuPont has announced the opening of a seed production facility in Poltava oblast, Ukraine, with an investment of $40m, a move which will help Ukrainian farmers increase their productivity.

The production facility, which is operational for the 2013 and 2014 seasons, will cater to the increased demand for Pioneer brand maize, sunflower and oilseed rape hybrids in the country.

DuPont executive vice president James C Borel said that the investment demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to help meet the world’s growing demand for nutritious food.

"This facility, built in one of the most productive maize and sunflower growing regions of the world, will provide Ukrainian farmers with superior products to meet their needs," Borel added.

The DuPont Pioneer production facility, along with the logistics facility that was constructed in Stasi two years ago, employs approximately 70 people to support the warehousing, timely distribution and production of about 500,000 units of Pioneer brand maize and sunflower hybrids.

DuPont Pioneer Europe regional director Jeff Rowe said that DuPont Pioneer works with farmers in Ukraine and Russia to ensure a stable supply of locally produced, high-quality sunflower and maize to meet growing demand.

"We want to be recognised as a key player in developing the Ukrainian agricultural sector, but we cannot do that alone and therefore we look forward to collaborating with local stakeholders."

"Our future success and investments also will depend on the appropriate regulatory, political and agricultural production environment as we strive to be a reliable partner for our customers and for the Ukrainian government to support its ambitious goal of almost doubling grain production in Ukraine," Rowe added.

DuPont Pioneer is a leading supplier of maize hybrids in Ukraine and continues to grow its sunflower and oilseed rape hybrid business.

In addition to the Stasi personnel, DuPont Pioneer currently employs about 150 people in Ukraine including 70 field sales agronomists who promote Pioneer brand products across the country.

DuPont Pioneer is a developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries worldwide.

It provides agronomic support and services to help farmers increase productivity and profitability, and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems.