A NEW £8 million science facility that will help scientists develop agricultural innovations has been opened at a research centre in Bracknell.

The facility was opened at the Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre in Warfield by local employer Syngenta.

Syngenta is a global company that aims to transform how crops are grown to enable crop growers to make better use of all the available resources. The research centre in Bracknell is the firms largest site.

Timothy Wheadon chief executive of Bracknell Forest Council and Councillor Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council joined university partners and Syngenta employees for a day of celebrations, demonstrations and a tour of the facility.

The new facility will use the latest robotic technology to help scientists develop agricultural innovations to improve how crops are grown.

Jim Reay, from Syngenta, said: “Bracknell is a great place for us to invest in the world-leading science and technology, which we believe will help farmers address major challenges such as population growth and climate change.

“We celebrated our 90th birthday last year and facilities like these will ensure we can provide amazing opportunities for our scientists today and into the future.”

Syngenta was the winner of the 2018 Bracknell Pride Bracknell Business of the Year Award and employs over 850 people at the site in Bracknell.

They also work with a number or charities and local schools to help pupils understand plant science and food production technology.

Jon Parr, the president of Syngenta Crop Protection cut down the ribbon during the grand opening of the new facility.

For more information, visit: https://www.syngenta.com/.