Shenzhen Institute of Breeding and Innovation for the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS-SIBI) was founded in Shenzhen yesterday, with the aim of promoting the development of agricultural genetics.

The institute was jointly founded by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen Municipal Government, BGI China and International Rice Research Institute, and was announced at a BGI China news conference yesterday.

To be established in Dapeng in Longgang District, the institute would have about 100 hectares for experimental rice fields.

The institute would focus mainly on agricultural genomics, protein science, metabolism groups, the application of functional genetic development and industrialization of molecular breeding and variety breeding technology.

There would be centers for agricultural genomics, rice, wheat and corn breeding, and international exchange and training. The infrastructure would be finished in three years.

Meanwhile, Wang Shi, chairman of Vanke Co Ltd., was elected vice director-general of a Shenzhen gene union of production, teaching, research and finance yesterday. President of BGI institute, Wang Jian, was elected director-general of the union.

http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2011-11/16/content_1826333.htm