Origin, a germplasm and crop seed provider, established its North American office in Des Moines’ Financial Center Aug. 29, the company announced today. The company has expanded its work in biotech traits. CEO Bill Niebur, CFO Shashank Aurora and other employees will work in Des Moines. Key biotech and seed breeding operations will remain in China. Origin Agritech Ltd. earlier announced it is selling its seed production and distribution business for approximately $60 million to Beijing Shihui Agricultural Development Co, Ltd., which contributed to the late announcement of the new headquarters. “Des Moines is an ideal location for Origin’s North American operations, providing superior access to talent, technologies and proximity to our key target markets,” Niebur said in a statement. “Iowa is positioned in the center of agricultural innovation, which will allow Origin to attract and retain great talent, while working collaboratively with, and in close proximity to, our strategic partners.” Origin was founded in 1997 in Beijing.