HZPC Americas Corporation-a leading company specializing in new potato variety development and potato seed production-is setting up a research and development facility on the BioCommons Research Park, says Prince Edward Island Agriculture Minister George Webster.
"Our government is delighted that HZPC Americas Corporation have decided to make this further investment in creating their own infrastructure on the BioCommons, further cementing their presence on Prince Edward Island," said Minister Webster. "The potato industry is vital to our economy and HZPC can help us become more innovative in this important sector."
HZPC Americas Corporation is part of the HZPC Group, an internationally operating company active in the potato market, established more than 100 years ago and known on a global basis for excellence in the seed and table potato markets.
Variety and knowledge development are important pillars. HZPC has developed a research and development program to develop better seed potato varieties which allows HZPC to serve customers with potato varieties that will meet current and future market challenges.
The government of Prince Edward Island is supporting HZPC with $126,000 to support research and development work. The facility is expected to create from two to four full-time positions and to grow from there with company activity in research and development.
"HZPC has a long track record of bringing innovation and quality to the potato industry," said Fred Koops, general manager of HZPC's operations in North America. "With Prince Edward Island's reputation for excellence in potato production and the province's strong bioscience industry, it was natural to look at the Island as a place to expand our operations."
HZPC Americas Corporation is constructing a new research and development laboratory, including office premises, to further their work within the potato market.