Origin Agritech Limited (NASDAQ: SEED) (“Origin” or the “Company”)
, a technology-focused supplier of hybrid and genetically modified crop
seeds in China, today announced its operating company, Beijing Origin
Seed Limited (“Beijing Origin”) and Henan Agricultural University
(“HAU”) jointly established S. K. Wu Corn Research Institute. The
Institute will focus on corn genetics research, hybrid development and
crop seed technologies. It will also provide a platform for research
exchange and technology transfer between HAU and Origin.
The opening ceremony for the S. K. Wu Corn Research Institute took place
in Zhengzhou on Friday, April 20, 2012. VIP guests at the ceremony
included Mr. Mancang Liu, Vice Governor of Henan Province, Ms. Qiong
Zhang, President of HAU, Dr. Gengchen Han, Chairman and CEO of Origin,
and Dr. Mike Trimble, Origin’s board member. Also attending the event
were key delegates from the Provincial Department of Agriculture,
Provincial Department of Education, Science and Technology Department,
Provincial Agricultural Development Office, and Academy of Agricultural
Sciences.
“Dr. Wu is the pioneer of hybrid corn breeding in China. He was not only
my mentor but the inspiration for me to return to China and start Origin
Agritech 15 years ago. S. K. Wu Corn Research Institute represents
Origin’s continued commitment to crop research and development. In
addition, cementing our strategic alliance with HAU would help broaden
our leadership position in both hybrid seed and corn genetic research in
China,” commented Dr. Han, Chairman and CEO of Origin and a former
student of Dr. Wu.
“The establishment of S. K. Wu Corn Research Institute would go a long
way toward promoting the growth of both regional and national corn seed
industry,” commented Mr. Liu. He emphasized that this Institute is an
example of endeavors that fit the spirit of the Chinese Central
Government’s policy to further promote seed technologies. Mr. Liu
indicated that naming the Institute after Dr. S. K. Wu, one of China’s
leading corn genetic and breeding scientists, is the best way to honor
Dr. Wu and his contributions.
“Representing a new milestone of cooperation between HAU and Origin, the
launch of S. K. Wu Research Institute is a wonderful gift to commemorate
the centennial celebration of our school,” commented Ms. Zhang,
President of HAU. She also pointed out that such cooperation could
benefit the industrialization of corn and food safety in China.
“As an alumnus, I have a great deal of respect for Dr.