DuPont Pioneer, the advanced seed and genetics business of DuPont, and Origin Agritech Limited, a technology-focused crop seed provider, announced a commercial licensing agreement to develop new seed technologies for Chinese farmers. This combined effort will contribute to the modernization of China’s agriculture system and improved food security, which the government has set as priorities.

With support from the Ministry of Agriculture, and in partnership with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Origin has successfully developed corn seeds with insect control and herbicide tolerance traits.

“Once approved by the Chinese government, these products will help our country’s farmers fight the insects and weeds that prevent their crops from reaching their yield potential,” said Gengchen Han, chairman and CEO of Origin Agritech. “We have cooperated with DuPont Pioneer for several years, and we are pleased to be working with them on this project.”

“DuPont Pioneer is proud to be collaborating with Origin Agritech to help increase crop yields and food security in China,” said Paul Schickler, president of DuPont Pioneer. “When we entered the Chinese market nearly 20 years ago, it was to collaborate with government, academics and local companies such as Origin Agritech to provide products and services that offer the best choices for farmers.”

DuPont Pioneer is the largest multinational seed corn company in China.