AgReliant Genetics, Purdue Ag create fund for student research
August 20, 2013
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - AgReliant Genetics and Purdue University and have created a $1 million endowment fund to support College of Agriculture graduate students conducting research in areas such as plant science, plant breeding and genetics, and soil sciences.
Establishment of the AgReliant Genetics Endowment, in which the company and university are to contribute $500,000 each through Purdue's Graduate Education Match program, was announced Tuesday (Aug. 20).
The endowment signifies the importance of research and education in a vital and complex industry, said Craig Newman, president and chief executive of AgReliant Genetics and a Purdue alumnus.
"With the ever-increasing population, it's critical that today's agricultural industry invests in the research being conducted by tomorrow's agricultural leaders," he said. "Purdue's College of Agriculture is world-renowned, and we are honored to work with such a reputable institution to further the research and development of new innovations."
Preference for funding will be given to graduate students conducting research in plant sciences, plant breeding and genetics, and soil sciences and to students in the agronomy department. Students in horticulture, entomology, botany and plant pathology, and other academic departments involved in relevant areas of research also will be considered for funding.
Jay Akridge, Glenn W. Sample Dean of the College of Agriculture, said the endowment reflects the commitment of AgReliant Genetics and Purdue Agriculture to enhancing graduate education and research in the plant and soil sciences.
"This investment will help ensure that we continue to produce the human talent that industry needs," he said.
AgReliant Genetics, based in Westfield, Ind., was created in 2000 as a joint venture between the international seed groups KWS and Limagrain. Ranked among the largest field seed companies in North America, it markets corn, soybean and alfalfa seed through six brands: AgriGold Hybrids, Great Lakes Hybrids, LG Seeds, Producers Hybrids, Wensman Seed and Pride Seeds.
Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robins89@purdue.edu
Sources: Jay Akridge, 765-494-8391, akridge@purdue.edu
Samantha Sisk, corporate communications manager, AgReliant Genetics, 317-896-5552, samantha.sisk@agreliantgenetics.com
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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