Corteva Agriscience, the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, opened a newly updated lab building in Kekaha and held a blessing ceremony today.  Nearly $3 million in building renovations will accommodate the growing research needs of the company.

“We’re excited to unveil a new lab building that will expand the research capabilities of Corteva in Hawaii,” said Judith Rivera, Hawaii Research Lead for Corteva Agriscience. “It’s the first step in an ongoing project that will increase our capacity to conduct research operations indoors, which will, in turn, provide environmental benefits, while reducing the need for additional lands.”

The building will comprise office spaces and a lab to support the activity in the shade houses, the first phase of which are expected to be completed by the end of the year. The lab will also create 20 to 30 jobs.

Corteva Agriscience broke ground on the shade house project in February after receiving approval from the state Department of Agriculture. The structures will increase capacity and incorporate new, more efficient technologies. The additional $12 million worth of expansions and improvements for the shade house project will benefit the local economy and enhance the Corteva Agriscience research network in Waimea and Kekaha. Four new shade structures are expected to be completed by the end of the year, with additional structures expected to be built over the next few years.