Today (Feb. 28), Syngenta held a grand re-opening event for its enhanced seed research and development facilities in Salinas and Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. The nearly $6 million project represents a significant investment in the local economy and builds on the Island’s reputation as a world leader in seed research and development.
“Syngenta is proud to be enhancing its presence in Puerto Rico, and building for the future here,” said Liliana Sánchez Cortés, Syngenta site manager for Salinas and Juana Diaz. “This investment reinforces our commitment to Puerto Rico and is helping to pave the way for better food safety and security around the world, while contributing to the economic development of the Island.”
Syngenta employees were joined at the ribbon cutting event by government officials and civic and agricultural leaders, including: Secretary of Agriculture Carlos Flores Ortega; Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce Manuel Laboy Rivera; and Salinas Mayor, Hon. Karilyn Bonilla.
Trish Malarkey, Syngenta head of research and development, emphasized that the enhanced research and development capability at Salinas and Juana Diaz demonstrates the company’s commitment to the Island, R&D innovation and global leadership in corn and soybean product development.
“At Syngenta, we believe it is incumbent on business to play a larger role in fostering a long-term approach to food security,” Malarkey said. “This means using our substantial investment in R&D to advance technologies that not only protect, but also enhance, the environment, and benefit rural communities. By merging our deep understanding of agriculture with R&D capabilities like those here in Puerto Rico, we can deliver solutions that will help transform agriculture.”
Marian Stypa, Syngenta head of product development for North America, added that the Salinas and Juana Diaz facilities are critical to the company’s success.
“One important benefit of doing business in Puerto Rico is having access to well-trained and highly qualified local employees,” Stypa said. “We take great pride in providing extensive training for all those who work at our sites. We are committed to working with our employees, neighbors and government officials for the success of Syngenta and for Puerto Rico.”
In addition to those currently employed at the Salinas and Juana Diaz facilities, Syngenta’s investment in Puerto Rico is expected to help create future opportunities for graduating agronomy students in Puerto Rico. The company employs 45 full-time employees at its Salinas and Juana Diaz sites and approximately 500 seasonal employees.
Syngenta reports that the research conducted at Salinas and Juana Diaz sites will bring innovations to market more quickly and help farmers around the world grow more from less. In 2016, the company invested $1.3 billion in global research and development, or more than $3.5 million every day of the year.
