The stakes in seed technology continue to rise. Syngenta just announced plans to build a new $71 million state-of-the-art genetics research facility. The center will be located in Syngenta’s research campus in Research Triangle Park, NC, and should be completed by mid-2012.

Syngenta reports that research at the new center will focus on “traits that can better tolerate climate variability, combat plant stresses such as drought, and enhance crop productivity and plant performance.” The facility will house laboratories, climate-controlled greenhouses, and precision growth chambers to help with this research.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to R&D and to remain at the forefront of plant genetics research,” said Sandro Aruffo, Syngenta Head of research and development.