Ag Tech Corridor Takes Shape
Date Posted: March 6, 2017
Posted In: Projects,
From AgriNews: Building on St. Louis’ growing status as a global hub for agricultural and biological technology companies, a group of planners is working on building a business neighborhood to attract even more start-ups.
Called 39° North, public and private interests are working together to create a branded area compassing the Danforth Plant Science Center, Bio Research and Development Growth, Monsanto and the Helix Center Biotech Incubator in the western suburbs of the St. Louis area.
“Planning is everything. There are tremendous assets already in Missouri for agriculture. It’s one of the backbone industries of the state and the breadth of this industry is incredible. The amount of wealth and the amount of investment in Missouri in agriculture and ag tech is tremendous,” explained Janet Wilding.
She is a land use planner working with the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. Wilding shared insights on the 600-acre plan on Feb. 14 with the St. Louis Agribusiness Club.
The 39th parallel north is the district’s location by latitude, which also happens to be the same location of the world’s prime agricultural belt. This includes Napa Valley in California and the Nile Valley in Egypt.
Creating Community
The combination of greenways, open space, office and laboratory space, educational space, support services, restaurants, retail, entertainment and improved transportation are intended to help attract highly skilled scientific workers to ag industry jobs.