“This investment in local product development and testing reinforces our commitment to help farmers get the right product on the right acre to maximize productivity,” said John Soper, Pioneer’s vice president for crop genetics research and development. “It’s one of the many investments we are making to deliver innovative solutions to farmers locally and help to respond to the challenges of feeding a growing population.”

Construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin this month with occupancy anticipated in late spring 2012.

Pioneer has had a research location in Dallas Center since 2004. The location currently houses a global molecular marker lab, laser-assisted seed selection, the company’s IMPACT plot program, and corn and soybean product development.

“As we have expanded the size and scope of our product development efforts, we have outgrown the size of our existing facility,” said Soper. “This expansion will enable us to develop improved products from a state-of-the-art, technology enabled facility.”