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Missouri Is The Global Heart Of Agtech

  • September 11, 2018

Missouri is the global leader in agtech and gateway to the future of advanced farming. Missouri’s agtech industry is leading the way with innovative technology and research that is transforming agriculture.

The St. Louis Business Journal recently took a look at how we became the heart of global agtech. The article highlighted the companies, talent and innovation district’s that call Missouri home.

“Every agtech startup – particularly one focused on the biology, not just the technology – needs three things: talent, infrastructure, and capital,” said Matt Crisp, the CEO of Benson Hill. “At the time we founded Benson Hill and were getting it off the ground, St. Louis was the only geography that supplied all of these ingredients.”

Across Missouri leading agtech organizations, including the Danforth Plant Science Center, Bayer, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Yield Lab, DuPont, BASF, Bunge, KWS, FarmLink, Symbiotics, AgriLabs and more are developing innovative technology that is transforming agriculture.

Meanwhile, Missouri’s new agtech innovation community 39 North is taking root in St. Louis. The district covers nearly 600 acres in Missouri and includes many of the region’s top agtech companies including the Danforth Plant Science Center, Bio-Research & Development Growth (BRDG) Park and the Helix Center Biotech Incubator. 39 North is geared toward providing the lifestyle often sought by today’s highly skilled scientific workers, with a mix of retail, residential and office space connected by walking and biking trails.

“39 North is an extension of Dr. Danforth’s vision to make St. Louis a world center for plant science and innovation,” said Sam Fiorello, COO, Danforth Center and president of BRDG Park. “By connecting regional assets, improving mobility, creating additional greenspace and development opportunities we will enhance our ability to grow, attract and retain ag-centric companies and top scientific talent.”

The use of drones, satellites and data is transforming farming as we know it. Missouri companies, like Climate Corporation, are leading the way in investment and innovation in advanced farming. Big data, smart farming, input optimization, precision ag, prescription ag, biologicals, breeding, green chemistry, green pharmaceuticals – it’s all growing right here.

And its not just technology that makes Missouri the global agtech leader, its also our world-class talent. Universities across the state offer advanced plant science degrees and Missouri is home to the highest concentration of plant science PhDs in the world.

For more information on why Missouri could be a prime location to launch or grow your business, contact Steve Johnson, CEO of Missouri Partnership, at 314.725.2688 or via our contact form, with any questions you might have, and learn how Missouri Partnership can help with your business expansion needs.

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