A collaborative research agreement in plant breeding was on Wednesday signed among the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), M.S. Technologies, and Stine Seed Company in Iowa in the United States. The signing ceremony took place at Roraima Duke Lodge, Kingston, and the agencies agreed to cooperate and implement the following:

* Collect data and may develop corn and soybean seed that may be applicable to commercial production in Guyana;

* MS and Stine will assist other U.S. or Multi-National companies to locate research operations in Guyana;

* MS and Stine will assist in the training of local researchers in various aspects of plant breeding and germplasm development;

* MS and Stine will enhance the laboratory capabilities of NARI for biotechnological research.

The agreement will run for three years and will be automatically renewed annually.

Mr. Harry Stine, Chief Executive Officer of Stine Seed Company, told the gathering at the signing that his company is always looking at different places to develop the agriculture sector. He said the project may be able to influence other companies from other countries to do the same thing.

Stine said he is grateful to Guyana for the assistance given, and the chance will help him to develop some other crops that can assist in Guyana’s agriculture sector.

“I am really grateful for the assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture and NARI. It has been very helpful” said Stine.

Speaking after the signing, Agriculture Minister Mr. Robert Persaud said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the agencies will aid in the transformation of agriculture here.

Persaud stated that the agreement will allow the enhancement of Guyana’s unique agro industry. He said the partnership will grow when other partners come on board.

MS and Stine are operating a corn and soybean research centre on the Dubulay Farm by the Berbice River in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice). They have expertise in plant breeding, including trait and germplasm development and distribution.

Among those present were Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Mr. Gerry Gouveia, and the Director of NARI Dr Oudho Homenauth.

Stine Seed Company is an industry-leading seed company focused on developing and marketing the world’s best performing corn and soybean seed. Stine Seed Company has the industry’s largest soybean breeding and development programme. The company develops and tests nearly one million unique varieties annually.