JOHNSTON, Iowa – Iowa has been selected as the global headquarters for Vylor, an advanced seed and genetics company, which officials said will separate from Corteva Agriscience later this year.

The new headquarters will be located at Corteva Agriscience’s current campus in Johnston, which officials added connects the company to one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. 

Officials said the announcement builds on Iowa’s continued investment in its “biosciences ecosystem, which has seen growth in research activity, venture capital investment, and specialized talent.”

Chuck Magro, current CEO of Corteva Agriscience in Indianapolis, will become CEO of Vylor once Vylor officially separates from Corteva. “Our roots stretch back 100 years to a farm in Johnston, which we call home,” he said. “Vylor is proud to build on our long history of innovation in Iowa, and continue to work alongside farmers to help feed and fuel our growing world.”

Derek Burleson, Corteva Agriscience global media relations senior consultant, told Farm World, “Corteva Agriscience announced Oct. 1 of last year Vylor would separate our seed and crop protection businesses into two public companies. The planned separation is on track for the fourth quarter of this year.”

He added, “On May 12, we announced the future crop protection business will be headquartered in Indianapolis and Vylor, the future advanced seed and genetics company will be located in Johnston, Iowa,” home of its flagship Pioneer brand.

Johnston Mayor Paula Dierenfeld said Corteva Agriscience’s decision to locate its advanced seed and genetics company headquarters in Johnston recognizes not only the long and impactful history Pioneer and its other seed brands have had in Johnston, “but also that we are in a great position to support Vylor’s future goals focused on advanced seed and genetics.”

Founded in Johnston 100 years ago, Pioneer has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation, she added, discovering and developing groundbreaking solutions to help farmers increase production around the world. “Today, that legacy continues, and we’re excited and proud to be the place where the next generation of innovation and growth will take root with Vylor. Here’s to the next 100 years.”