Joe Keaschall, research director, Pioneer, examines corn in the greenhouse.

“Our industry depends on a continuous source of outstanding talent who can address growing global agricultural needs through creative and innovative science,” said Bill Niebur, vice president, DuPont Crop Genetics Research and Development.  “Based on current trends, we will not have enough talent to meet the needs of this rapidly growing industry.  We need to identify and support students who have the interest, abilities and passion necessary to become the next generation of plant breeders.”

Data from the National Plant Breeding Study, which was funded by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, show a declining trend in public-sector plant breeding in the United States during the past two decades.

“Plant breeding is a critical core expertise for any nation that intends to have a vibrant agriculture in the rapidly changing future,” said Ann Marie Thro, national program leader for plant breeding and genetics at CSREES.  “Yet, the public sector is where the plant breeders of the 21^st century will be educated.  Public-private partnerships, such as the DuPont fellowships program, are one of the recommendations of the National Study to help recruit top young scientists into plant breeding.”

Beginning in January 2008, DuPont -- through its Pioneer Hi-Bred  seed business -- will provide fellowships for graduate students chosen by their universities.  The company also will support a competitive fellowship program for students with a confirmed interest in plant breeding research, providing 10 fellowships through 2009.