Canola farming in China. The DuPont-BWK joint venture aims to improve the performance of key crops for both Chinese and international farmers Photo: Luke Partridge

DuPont and Chinese company Beijing Weiming Kaituo Agriculture Biotechnology Co (BWK) have agreed to collaborate on high-value genetic traits for agricultural crops.  The joint venture marks the companies’ hopes to improve the performance of key crops, including maize and rice, for both Chinese and international farmers. Researchers plan to harness biotechnology traits such as stress tolerance and nutrient utilisation through transgenic discovery, which may then have utility in other crops, such as canola, in the future.

A desire to develop technologies fuelled the union, with Douglas Muzyka, president of DuPont Greater China, noting: “China has emphasised that its growth efforts need to place a greater emphasis on sustainability and the environment. Clearly, DuPont’s core values and global strategies for growth align with China’s vision to develop its agricultural sector and overall economy.”

Mr Muzyka describes the venture as research-focused, and cites the aim of “enhancing farmers' quality of life and securing the world’s food supply on a decreasing amount of cultivatable land.”

The union marks a further move for DuPont towards the globalisation of its R&D pipeline, and the business growth of its worldwide seed business, Pioneer Hi-Bred International.

Bill Niebur, DuPont vice-president of crop genetics research and development, emphasises the importance of the collaborative research for farmers. “Novel trait combinations that provide plants with genetic solutions to successfully confront the challenges of water and nutrient deficiencies and cope with unfavourable wind and temperature extremes resonate with every farmer I’ve ever worked with,” Mr Niebur explains, adding the research could also work to improve farmer productivity and profitability globally.

The union will be managed by James H Zhou, former chief executive of BWK, with Dr Guihua Lu, DuPont Crop Genetics, acting as deputy general and technology manager. Peking University and Peking University Weiming Biotech Group Co, which manage an ownership stake in BWK, will also be significant participants.

Dr Zhihong Xu, president of Peking University, expresses confidence in the union. “Through this joint venture, we will be able to expand our world-class research efforts to benefit farmers in China and around the world,” he says.
By Rebecca Debens

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