Press Releases

On July 4th, Vilmorin, Clause & Co., the parent of Harris Moran Seed Company, and Hazera Quality Seed announced a strategic alliance supported by a cooperative exchange of shares. The partnership provides each company a secure and skilled partner for the application of biological technologies to vegetable seed research and development. The companies will share efforts and resources in order to capture emerging product and commercial applications. Teams from both companies have also identified traditional opportunities.

Both companies are primary breeders and producers of value-add vegetable seed -varieties with a significant share in their respective markets, Jean-Charles Ganas, COO of Harris Moran, states "We are moving to strengthen our commitment to our customers by investing in quality technology with superb partners. Working with Hazera, our ability to provide variety-based solutions is greatly improved. Our goal will be to apply these technologies to the kind of innovative products needed in the today's competitive market".

Both companies will retain full independence to maximize their business while fostering the mutual goals set by the partnership. "In addition to unique technologies and products, each company brings a similar business culture to the partnership. This comes from our history as farmer-owned cooperatives that work hard to address the challenges and opportunities of today's business', according to Mr. Ganas. He continues: "In the years to come, we expect this to pay real dividends to our customers. We are really thrilled to have a partner of such exceptional quality."

Vilmorin, Clause & Co. will acquire an 11. 5% share of Hazera Quality Seeds, while Hazera receives a 12.5% share of two subsidiaries of Vilmorin, Clause & Co.: Vilmorin, SA (France) and Harris Moran Seed Company (USA).

Hazera Quality Seeds, Brurim, Israel is a breeder, producer and distributor of market-leading vegetable and agronomic seed for professionals. With leading products for the fresh tomato trade, Hazera is widely recognized for its successful application of proprietary, enhanced shelf-life technology. Hazera also breeds and produces pepper, melon, cucumber and onion seed.

Vilmorin, Clause & Company is the horticultural seed unit of Groupe Limagain, the world leader in vegetable and flower breeding. Harris Moran Seed Company and Vilmorin, SA are long-established (combined service of 397 years) with significant positions in the markets of North American and Europe respectively. Each company has unique, proprietary breeding, development and distribution capabilities and provides a wide range of market leading products to professional growers around the world.

For further details, please see the July 4 press release from Vilmorin, Clause & Company

Contact:
John Schoenecker
Director of Marketing
Harris Moran Seed Company
Tel: +1 (209) 549-5203

N1150