Bayer commemorated the first harvest of its research plots at its new $4.4 million, 150-acre cotton breeding facility in Dawson, Ga., Oct. 20.

Bayer’s Cotton Breeding Station will be used to develop cotton varieties specifically tailored for the Southeast’s diverse farm landscape; it began operating January 2016.

“We’re so proud to be here opening this incredible new facility, as this inauguration represents a significant investment for Georgia and a clear commitment to Bayer’s investment in advancing technology across cotton,” said Monty Christian, Bayer vice president for U.S. Cotton Operations. “We will continue here with Bayer’s proven record of delivering cotton varieties with high yield potential and high quality fiber packages, specifically through our flagship brands, Stoneville and FiberMax.”

The Southeast Cotton Breeding Station is part of Bayer’s commitment to invest nearly $1 billion in the United States between 2013 and 2016 in new facilities and capital expansion to complement the approximately $1 billion invested globally in research and development annually.

“For us, it is important to continue expanding our seeds business through R&D, and this facility will bring together significant scientific and technology resources to support the advancement of the agricultural industry, specifically for cotton seed trait and plant research,” said Mike Gilbert, vice president and head of Global Breeding & Trait Development for Bayer.

Bayer offers integrated crop solutions in a range of products from seeds and traits, to chemical and biological protection products and services. For the Stoneville brand, the breeding station will continue to build on a lineup focused on providing varieties adapted to the Southeast with excellent early-season vigor and proven performance under the unrelenting regional pest pressures.

Southeast industry leaders and university researchers commended Bayer’s commitment to cotton while touring the facility, where harvest started for the first crop of breeding and research plots.

The Cotton Breeding Station will employ 10 to 15 people who will work with a larger global team to promote advanced research on genetics, chemistry and traits to provide holistic agricultural solutions to customers around the world. Area residents will be hired each year to assist with planting and harvesting activities.