NEWS
JH Biotech Starts Operations in Nandayure, Guanacaste
- Five people already work in the biotechnology company, which will hire five more in January 2020.
- The company specializes in genetically improving seeds of horticultural products.
Nandayure, Guanacaste. December 19, 2019. JH Biotech, a subsidiary of Jianghuai Horticulture seed Co. of Anhui, China, opened its new facilities in Guanacaste, where it will carry out research and development, quality control, marketing, and sales, as well as export and import products logistics.
The company established in Nandayure, Guanacaste, with a $700,000 investment. Five people already work in the company as part of the preoperational phase and five additional will be hired at the beginning of 2020. The company plans to hire more employees as the operation consolidates.
From Costa Rica, JH Biotech generates hybrid seeds of different varieties of watermelon, melon, squash, and chili peppers. In labs, it carries out molecular analysis processes to verify quality results.
“The new JH Biotech plant is not only relevant to the country but for the agricultural industry and Guanacaste. The agricultural sector represents practically 25% of the country's exports of goods and this company contributes greatly to continue growing from other areas. JH Biotech will promote research, development, and innovation activities from Costa Rica in agricultural products. Undoubtedly, this decision also carries enormous potential to continue adding value and knowledge to our exportable offer in a sector that needs it, encouraging sophistication to international markets and increasing the linkages with the local industry. It fills us with pride and joy since it also goes along with projects promoted within the Discover program. Count on our support,” said Vice-minister of Foreign Trade, Duayner Salas.
Renato Alvarado, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, said that this public-private cooperation will have a national and regional impact. The Agricultural Technology Research and Transfer Institute, INTA, is part of the initiative to study horticultural crops for adaptation to the Chorotega, Pacific Central and agroecological similar areas in Latin America.
He added: “It is a project of great impact because we expect it to be very positive for the farmers of the Nicoya Peninsula and surrounding communities. It is also important because it will become a technological showcase for the rest of Latin America where technology can be applied to agriculture.”
Ocksan Ajú, General Manager of JH Biotech, said: “We want to be part of a significant impact on the agricultural community and be part of the transformation process that the sector requires at the national and global level. We have established cooperation agreements with universities and diverse institutions that will generate a lot of value in the country’s agriculture, energy, and technology. We seek to innovate in
