Monsanto and its Delta and Pine Land business are creating a new research center to provide producers, dealers and others with a facility to help give people a better understanding of its business. The Portfolio Showcase and Learning Center in Scott, Miss., will showcase the various technologies Monsanto is developing, Delta & Pine Land's portfolio and various agronomic practices.

“We want to use our Scott location as an agronomic knowledge center. A place producers and retailers, as well as others involved in the industry, can come and learn about our technologies and the agronomics of growing corn, cotton and soybeans in the South,” says Kevin Eblen, Delta & Pine Land business lead.

Monsanto has committed more than $1.25 million for the rebuilding and renovation process of the facility. The majority of the investment will focus on upgrades for the current Scott Community Center and neighboring fields so a variety of tests can be conducted and showcased.

“With the Monsanto acquisition of D&PL, we can showcase cotton genetics and technologies, as well as the corn and soybean business,” says Chism Craig, Scott Learning Center manager.

Renovations and upgrades to the learning center should be completed by July 2008.