Bayer CropScience has announced that it has completed the expansion of its centre for vegetable research and development, located in Leudal in the south of the Netherlands.
Through an investment of €12m, the research building has expanded to almost three-times its initial size, boasting state-of-the-art laboratories for seed technology, cell biology and molecular breeding research as well as high-throughput biotech services.
'We aim to provide growers and consumers across the world with answers for resource-efficient production as well as with healthy and flavourful vegetables,' said Bayer CEO Marijn Dekkers at the opening ceremony.
'Bayer vegetable seeds, sold worldwide under the Nunhmes brand, are an important cornerstone in our strategy, and we are determined to remain at the forefront on innovation in this market,' added Sandra Peterson, chief executive of Bayer CropScience.
In addition to the facility in Leudal, Bayer CropScience has a second vegetable research centre in Davis, California, with both centres working with 26 vegetable breeding stations spread across theworld.
The vegetable seed business of Bayer CropScience operates under the brand name of Nunhems, and its portfolio consists of some 2,500 varieties in28 vegetable crops, including leading varieties of carrot, cucumber, leek, lettuce, melon, onion, pepper, tomato and watermelon.
