Argentinean Agtech Company Expands in Missouri

• January 17, 2017

AgIdea, a contract research and development (R&D) company based in Pergamino, Argentina, is expanding in Missouri after selecting the state as the home of its North American headquarters.

“Missouri is a global leader in agtech, and AgIdea has recognized this by choosing Missouri as their North American headquarters,” Gov. Eric Greitens said. “AgIdea’s decision to expand in Missouri is a vote of confidence in our people and the incredible agtech research taking place across the state. With their research facilities in Marshall, and now their headquarters in St. Louis, they are building on Missouri’s rich agriculture economy. We look forward to seeing them grow and creating even more jobs for Missouri.”

AgIdea is finalizing the opening of their North American headquarters at the Helix Center Biotech Incubator in February, in the heart of the recently announced 39 North agtech research and innovation district. Details will be announced on the company website at www.agidea.com.ar.  The Helix Center, and the entire STLVentureWorks chain of facilities, are one of only two centers in Missouri, and 18 nationwide, designated as Global Soft Landings incubators to support international companies.

“We are very excited with the AgIdeaUSA Project and have high expectations around the value we can add to our customers in a two-hemisphere contract research platform,” Mariano Battista, CEO of AgIdea, commented. “The help and support we have received from Missouri Partnership and Marshall-Saline Development Corporation (MSDC) have been critical to our company. We have found a very dynamic ecosystem with talented human resources and ideal infrastructure to match our current and future needs.”

“AgIdea locating its headquarters in 39 North demonstrates what an attractive location the innovation district is for agtech companies,” St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger, who unveiled the 39 North brand last month, said. “We welcome the company and we believe this is the first of many such announcements to come.  Innovative companies and creative entrepreneurs continue to recognize that St. Louis County is a great place to live and work.”

AgIdea first entered Missouri one year ago, and began conducting field and laboratory experiments in Marshall, Missouri. Following a series of successful trials, the company chose St. Louis County, Missouri, for its North American headquarters due to its proximity to customers and the agtech ecosystem, and its rapid access to the Marshall Research Station.

“We are pleased that AgIdea chose Saline County to establish their research facility and Missouri to locate the headquarters for their North American operations,” Stan Moore, Executive Director of Marshall Saline Development Corp., said. “We look forward to working with AgIdea as they expand and grow their business in Missouri.”

AgIdea provides scientific support to R&D and regulatory projects in the biotechnology, seed and crop protection industries. They assist companies with project design, management, trials, data analysis and product deregulation.

“AgIdea is a company at the intersection of science and business and Missouri is a perfect location for them to continue their field trials and establish their North American headquarters due to our status as the global leader in agtech,” Steve Johnson, CEO of the Missouri Partnership, said. “AgIdea is a great addition to our vibrant agtech infrastructure.”

“Building 39 North is our top priority to attract new talent to St. Louis,” Sheila Sweeney, CEO of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, said. “We have been happily overwhelmed with the response to the announcement of 39 North from businesses, developers and workers who want to be a part of it.”

“AgIdea recognizes the strong cluster of biotech companies in the St. Louis region,” Joe Reagan, CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber, said. “Locating their North American headquarters here will allow them to draw upon the knowledge and talent of this growing ag sciences ecosystem.”

AgIdea will be exhibiting at the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants Annual Conference in St. Louis, January 17-21, in cooperation with Missouri Partnership and the St. Louis Regional Chamber. This joint effort will promote yet another expansion in Missouri’s agtech ecosystem, and promote Missouri’s global agtech leadership and business investment opportunities to agtech companies from around the U.S.