The AgReliant Genetics’ seed nursery and research farm in Puerto Rico is a major employer in the Santa Isabel area. It retains 41 full-time employees and 550 seasonal workers for hand pollination and other fieldwork.

AgReliant Genetics is owned by two of the world’s largest seed companies: KWS in Germany and Limagren in France. These parent companies maintained seed development farms in Puerto Rico for 35 years, according to Ramon Molinary, P.R. operation manager. AgReliant includes the seed brands of AgriGold, Great Lakes Hybrids, LG Seeds, Producers Hybrids, Wensman and Pride Seeds.

A major part of the work in Puerto Rico involves converting licensed traits from other seed companies into the AgReliant lines. In Puerto Rico, three generations may be produced throughout the year, which speeds up the trait conversion process that may take nine generations.

Nearly all of the work here is on corn, but Molinary says they are currently testing sunflower work.

This is the 8th piece in our "Week in Puerto Rico" series. Check back for more videos, photo galleries and stories in the series at www.farmindustrynews.com.

Piece 1: Video: Soybean, seed nursery business thrives in Puerto Rico

Piece 2: Video: New corn genetics line launched with non-GMO stress, insect tolerance

Piece 3: Photo gallery: Major rice company uses Puerto Rico for seed research, nursery

Piece 4: Video: Spectrum Seed Solutions uses DuraYield genetics for non-GMO markets

Piece 5: Gallery: Bayer CropScience expands seed research, nursery in Puerto Rico

Piece 6: Story: Move over Hawaii: Puerto Rico takes over U.S. winter seed work

Piece 7: Gallery: 3rd Millennium Genetics offers seed nursery, DuraYield non-GMO genetics