Press Releases

Today, Jean-Charles Ganas, COO of Harris Moran Seed Company, Modesto, California, announced the consolidation of the Harris Moran and Ferry-Morse brands for North America. Beginning July 1, 1998, all products in North America will be phased into the Harris Moran brand. "This change will allow us to be more efficient in this key market and focus our resources on one brand. The results will be the best in products and services for our customers," stated Mr. Ganas. "Since our merger last year, we have focused on the consolidation of our internal operations. Now, we are taking this approach to the market with a single brand, Harris Moran."

Harris Moran brand product distribution will continue with a unique blend of direct and dealer sales. In the Western U.S. and Mexico, Harris Moran products will be distributed primarily through dealers. In the Eastern U.S. and Canada, the long-standing practice of direct to grower and dealer distribution will continue. "This combination will continue the level of support and service our customers expect and will maintain the ongoing relationships we have with growers and dealers across the continent" states Antonio Neves, Vice President of North American Sales.

"Over the last year, the new Harris Moran has truly become one company with one mission," says Mr. Ganas. "Simply put, our goal is to become the most trusted supplier of innovative seed products for the professional grower. As I look at the future progress we must make to best serve our customers, I believe that one brand with a multifaceted distribution system will allow us to achieve this goal."

Harris Moran Seed Company will continue to distribute three brands in markets outside of North America - the Niagara, Ferry-Morse and Harris Moran brand. Each has a well-established position and a high degree of customer recognition in their respective markets.

Harris Moran Seed Company is a breeder, producer and distributor of value-added vegetable seed products worldwide. The parent company, Groupe Limagrain, is a farmer-owned cooperative based in France and the largest breeder-producer of horticultural seed in the world. Ferry-Morse and Harris Moran were merged into Harris Moran Seed Company in July of 1997.

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