The Research Valley Partnership in collaboration with Texas A&M Agrilife Research sees another project to completion today as Advanta Seeds, a global agriculture company specializing in seeds and agricultural solutions, opens a new research and development facility in College Station. The state-of-the-art biotechnology center, located in Texas A&M’s Research Park and will focus on increasing capabilities for Advanta’s key crops – sorghum, corn, vegetables, sunflower and canola.
“Agriculture is a major driver of the county’s economy,” said Brazos County Judge Duane Peters. “Having a globally recognized seed company performing research on crops that farmers everywhere rely on is a shining example of how academic research being conducted has global impact.”
Advanta’s College Station biotechnology center is part of the company’s investment and commitment to farmers and food security and adds to their 60-year experience of researching plant and plant genetics. Having already hired 20 professionals from PhD scientists to laboratory assistants, as part of their partnership agreement, Advanta will also provide internships to Texas A&M Graduate Students.
“Utilizing Texas A&M’s resources and faculty and students to attract research and development efforts from global companies like Advanta Seeds is exactly why our Partnership is so important,” said Casey Oldham, Chairman of the Partnership Board. “We’re seeing success when we leverage Texas A&M in conversations about industry’s need for research and development. Texas A&M and Texas A&M Agrilife Research are major value propositions in our ongoing attraction strategy.”
As the Partnership’s commitment to economic growth continues, the addition of Advanta is significant in the growth of research and development capabilities in the Research Valley.
“Adding Advanta Seeds to our corporate community continues to diversify our market and helps us compete globally,” said Matt Prochaska, President and CEO of the Research Valley Partnership. ”Ground breaking research is happening here and we are thrilled to support their growth and champion their success.”
####
About Advanta Seeds
Advanta Seeds is a sustainable agriculture company providing innovative solutions and seeds technology to farmers around the world. The company has a global footprint in more than 60 countries. Advanta Seeds has a leadership position in tropical and sub-tropical corn, grain and forage sorghum, sunflower, canola, rice and vegetables. Advanta Seeds is a part of the UPL Group.
About The Research Valley Partnership
The Research Valley Partnership is a public-private economic development corporation serving the citizens of Brazos County, Texas. The Partnership pursues economic growth in the county without regard to jurisdiction through its programs, services and initiatives to help launch, grow and locate companies in Brazos County.