Syngenta announced this week plans to build a new R&D Innovation & Customer Experience Center in the heart of the U.S. Corn Belt.

The 90-acre site will be located in Malta, Ill., in DeKalb County, about one hour west of Syngenta’s global and North America Seeds offices in Downers Grove, Ill. The site was selected for its location, soil type and accessibility and will provide facilities for large-scale events and engagement with growers on corn and soybean technology and innovation.

“This new site will enable us to accelerate our innovation in seeds R&D [research and development] while strengthening our focus on delivering new capabilities through investments in breeding and digital technologies,” said Trevor Hohls, global head seeds development for Syngenta. “This is a strong statement of our commitment to innovation and providing our scientists with the resources to bring the best products and technologies to solve the key problems that growers face.”

In addition to showcasing Syngenta’s leading technology and innovation, the new site will spotlight how Syngenta is transforming product development through on-farm collaboration with growers.

“I’m really excited about this strategic investment and how it will bring us even closer to the center of the U.S. seeds market as well as providing access to world-leading agriculture and digital talent in the Midwest,” said Justin Wolfe, Syngenta regional director seeds North America. “We’re committed to U.S. farmers, and this site will allow to us to collaborate even more with our customers.”

This investment builds on Syngenta’s continued commitment to seed R&D in the U.S. In addition to Syngenta’s global innovation center in Research Triangle Park, N.C., the company opened a new $30 million Trait Conversion Accelerator in Nampa, Ida., last August.

Construction on the northern Illinois site is expected to begin early next year, with the site scheduled to open by the end of 2022.