For Corteva Agriscience, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is Home and It's Where the Heart of Innovation Lies

In 1926, when agricultural visionary Henry A. Wallace founded the company that ultimately became Pioneer Hi-Bred and then DuPont Pioneer, he launched more than just an innovative and sustainable new business. He also created an enterprise that would strengthen the lives of millions of families and communities across Iowa, the nation and around the world.

History

Today, Mr. Wallace’s vision and legacy live on in the form of thousands of high-paying jobs for the people of Johnston within Greater Des Moines (DSM), and an economic and social imprint that is among the most vibrant in all of Iowa.

Indeed, Mr. Wallace, who would later serve as both Vice President and Secretary of Commerce under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, made a deep and unbending commitment to this great state and its extraordinary people. He made a commitment to jobs, prosperity, economic development, education and community wellbeing that has flourished for the past 92 years.

Commitment to DSM

I am proud to say that Corteva Agriscience™, the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, which was formed by the merger of Dow and DuPont, today remains just as committed and steadfast in our belief in this community and its people, businesses and institutions. We also remain committed to our flagship global seed brand Pioneer and a strong presence across Iowa including our sales agency network.

We are making good progress toward creating the strong independent agriculture company we intend to be. While there have been some site consolidations and job impacts as we address duplicative sites and facilities and relocate certain capabilities, we will also expand facilities aligned with the division’s business strategy. We remain committed to our global business centers in Iowa and Indiana, as well as our headquarters in Delaware.

Please allow me to be very clear: We are not going anywhere. Corteva Agriscience™ and our 2,000 employees in DSM will continue to call Iowa home and in fact our numbers here will undoubtedly only increase in the years to come.

The future of agriculture

Without question, agriculture is one of the most critical enablers to our future growth — we will bring forth unprecedented capabilities in advanced crop genetics and agricultural innovations that will improve the lives of farmers, communities and consumers around the world.

Today, in Johnston alone, about 1,000 researchers are dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity through seeds with better herbicide tolerance, disease and insect protection, heightened agronomic performance and increased end-use value for consumers.

These same researchers are combining traditional and new technologies to change the way seeds are being produced and are delivering improved crop genetics to help meet the needs of a growing global population whose demand for food, feed, fuel and materials continues to increase.

They are joined by hundreds of other Iowa Corteva Agriscience™ employees and sales professionals who are charged with helping to feed a growing world.

Meeting this demand is going to require significant seed and gene-technology innovations that protect our food sources, enhance their growth potential and improve their nutritional value.

The need

With two billion more people being added to the planet over the next 30 years, we’re going to see unprecedented demand for safe, productive and highly nutritious meat and vegetables as wealth grows, consumer expectations change, and land and natural resources become scarcer.

Fortunately, we have a number of breakthrough solutions in our midst with the advent of new genetic research being conducted right here in Iowa. Already we’re seeing promising advancements in improving control of invasive weeds and pests, and improvements in plant taste, texture and water efficiency.

Talented DSM workforce

None of this could have been accomplished without the skill and commitment of the women and men who work here in DSM. And we’re just getting started. There is so much more to come.

Mr. Wallace once said that change is inevitable but that all change must be directed to a constructive end.

We could not agree more and that’s why the great people of Johnston, DSM and from all over Iowa should continue to expect our ongoing support and investment.

We’re proud to be your friends, neighbors and supporters — today, tomorrow and for years to come.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) has one of the best business climates in the country. The region is nationally recognized for having a talented and educated workforce, a cost of doing business 15 percent below the national average, a low cost of living and an exceptional quality of life.