Growing Companies Make Woodland World Leader In Seed Research

WOODLAND (CBS13) - A local community is now turning into the Silicon Valley of seeds. Yolo County has become a leader in seed research.

In the past few weeks, two seed companies have announced expansion. One company is doubling in size, and Syngenta just came out with their plans to grow.

The business of seeds is one that's growing as varieties of vegetables are in high demand. The mixing and matching of melons happen right here.

"Various vines of watermelon in here," said site manager Ed Schatz, showing CBS13 around the plant.

This Woodland business is the hub for endless experiments.

"This area typically been large in seed research," said Schatz.

In Yolo County for 40 years, Syngenta is now ready to expand by adding more greenhouses to make room for more plant projects and jobs, not just laborers but scientists.

"What we've learned when you get a cluster of businesses, other businesses of the same want to come here," said Woodland Vice Mayor Tom Stallard.

The vice mayor says the city of woodland is certainly gaining from their fruits of labor.

"This is a huge strength to us in Woodland," said Stallard.

Forty seed businesses in Yolo County make it the central spot for seed research in the entire world.

"The quality of our soil is top notch. The weather is great and here we are at the doorstep of UC Davis," said Stallard.

Davis students are planting their seeds to prep for that job in a thriving industry, while the soil and sunshine makes for that perfect playing field.

It's still going to be awhile before they will be done with the expansion. Ground breaking is on Nov. 14, and won't be complete for another year and a half.