The seed industry is constantly evolving, with this week bringing two new expansions, one for Corteva Agriscience and another in British Columbia, Canada.
Corteva Brings Sunflower Seed Production to Romania
Corteva Agriscience continues to expand its sunflower seed business with an additional €14m investment for the Afumati production facility in Romania. This expansion will permit the company to reach the growing international and domestic demand from growers for high-quality sunflower seeds, shared a press release from Corteva.
The Afumati production facility, built 12km east of Bucharest, is not only one of Corteva’s most modern production facilities, but is also the biggest seed processing station in Romania. The facility has been operating since 2006 and produces corn and sunflower Pioneer seeds for European customers.
A bulk storage and conditioning facility will now be possible thanks to the new capital investment project. This addition will allow Corteva to cut the supply chain down, boost its reliability and agility and increase European processing capacity in order to support growth. The newest investment brings the total funds put into the Afumati seed production facility to €74m.
“Our new investment will help farmers to obtain better results and satisfy an increased demand for the high-quality sunflower seeds as we strive to help farmers improve performance,” stated Corteva Agriscience Romania & Moldova Country Leader Jean Ionescu.
“One of the most important pillars of our company is the customer focus. We will continue to strengthen our connection with Romanian farmers, as well as food producers and consumers across Europe, developing the agility and responsiveness needed to thrive,” added Jean-Phillipe Riffat, Corteva Agriscience Commercial Unit Leader for Central and Eastern Europe.
The Afumati facility employs nearly 300 permanent and seasonal workers, with the new investment creating 20 contractor positions. Afumati’s expansion aligns with Corteva’s 2030 Sustainability Commitments.
The Province Supports B.C. Seed Growers
The Province expanded its support for British Columbia (B.C.) seed growers in order to “enhance and expand their operations, bolster food security and create a thriving food economy,” said a press release from BC Gov News.
“There’s so much potential contained in the thin coat of a seed. From an apple tree to winter squash, seeds can grow into nutritious food for B.C. families,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “By investing in B.C. seed growers, we’re helping produce seeds adapted to B.C.’s unique climate regions, making us more resilient. As our seed businesses grow and expand, so will our economy and food security.”
The Province invested $90,000 to:
- Assist seed growers in seed-educated workshops across B.C.
- Develop a seed mentorship program and educational events.
- Manage seed trials to determine the best breeds for B.C.’s climate.
- Resume seed-cleaning and processing services with mobile seed-cleaning units.
- Collaborate with existing seed libraries to recognize seed-storage capacity.
- Generate a database for seed-exchange systems.
“As a small-scale seed grower, I know the mentorship, education workshops and access to seed-cleaning equipment that I’ve benefited from will help other growers increase production of locally grown and adapted seed varieties,” shared Arzeena Hamir, owner of Amara Farm. “More local seeds will improve the resiliency of food and farming as we weather climate change and other challenges.”
“Through ongoing education and help establishing efficient and shared production systems, we can create a secure food system that values seeds as a shared resource that’s stewarded by growers for future generations,” said David Catzel, BC Seed Security program manager with FarmFolk CityFolk. “Continued support from the Province will allow us to build this system together, feeding British Columbians and ensuring we can do so into the future.”
The assistance follows the release of a report by FarmFolk CityFolk, funded by Province last year. The report focused on the condition of organic seed production in B.C., inspected the value of integrating seed-processing equipment into new and current food hubs and determined what actions are necessary to boost B.C.’s seed production.
Read More About Corteva Agriscience and B.C. Growers:
Corteva Agriscience Invests in Africa Middle East Seed Treatment Capability
Corteva to Withdraw from Russia
Corteva Agriscience Opens Its First Seed Applied Technology Center in Europe
