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Mycogen Seeds Shutting Down in Spring

Molokai could experience a new wave of unemployment in a few months as soon as the winter is over. Mycogen Seeds announced last week it will be closing all Molokai operations by next spring, as DowDupont, Mycogen’s parent company, is moving toward consolidating operations in Hawai‘i.

DowDuPont employs about 280 employees statewide, and operates on 7,300 acres on Molokai, Kauai and Oahu combined. DowDuPont spokeswoman Laurie Yoshida said the company does not disclose personnel numbers by site. But Maui County Office of Economic Development Director Teena Rasmussen and Council Member Stacy Crivello are quoted in The Maui News as estimating the number of jobs affected by the shutdown at approximately 100.

“All full-time employees may apply for jobs anywhere within the company. We are evaluating our talent needs at the sites remaining open and will be working with employees to fill those needs. We also offer other services to employees,” Yoshida said.

She said all the company’s research and development operations are being consolidated to Waimea, Kauai and all production is being consolidated to Waialua, Oahu. Molokai will close operations after the winter season, in the second quarter of 2018, she said.

On Sept. 1, Dow AgroSciences and DuPont merged, and are now a part of DowDuPont Agriculture Division, according to Yoshida.

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