Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical has chosen Brazil as the location for its first R&D center in Latin America. The Latin America Research Center will be set up during 2016 and be operated by wholly-owned subsidiary Sumitomo Chemical Brazil. It will conduct efficacy trials, R&D, and analyses of crop protection and other related products.

The facility will be located on a site of approximately 48 hectares, comprising a research building and an experimental field. Investment costs were not disclosed.

Sumitomo said the center is expected to accelerate product development as it will be able to carry out detailed, highly reliable field trials and research, geared specifically to the climactic conditions of the Latin American market, a strategically important region for the company’s crop protection products business.

Latin America’s crop protection market has been growing rapidly in recent years and currently accounts for around 25% of the global market. Sumitomo said the region is likely to see greater growth in agricultural production in the years ahead, hence higher demand for crop protection products.

Going forward, Sumitomo said it will “vigorously work to fortify and expand the business in Latin America.”