Danson Seed has completed the acquisition of pepper and tomato breeding programs from Agecotec, Ltd., Kfar Pinnes, Israel. Danson had been Agecotec's exclusive distributor. This acquisition provides Danson with a greater degree of flexibility in focusing the breeding
objectives. Currently the strength of the tomato program are determinate and semi-determinate fresh market tomatoes for the Mexican market. In addition, there are programs for indeterminate fresh market varieties for the Mediterranean market, cherry tomatoes for the European
market, as well as fresh market lines for the Japanese and Eastern Asia markets.

The primary focus of both the hot and sweet pepper lines is for mechanical harvest lines suitable for both the fresh and processing markets. This positions Danson Seed to be the market leader in
pepper varieties designed specifically for mechanical harvest. Danson Seed has recently conducted its First Annual Pepper Processor's Field Day for Mechanical Harvesting in Ventura, California. The event drew growers from all around the USA and Mexico and about 12 processors were also in attendance.

All were impressed with yield and quality of the new pepper lines in particular Napoli an elongated sweet bell pepper and Fuerte a hot stuffing pepper. Agecotec's pepper breeding program has successfully developed very determinate varieties that produce concentrated sets of fruit with
a high degree of uniformity for size, shape, and maturity. This makes it possible to utilize either destructive harvesters or non destructive harvesters. In addition, the new hybrids have significantly
improved yields and disease resistance for processing lines.

Danson is investing heavily in the new breeding programs to accelerate introduction of the next generations of products specifically for the Mediterranean market. Danson has already begun to trial new experimental hybrids in most of the major Mediterranean markets. The size and scope of the market makes it the highest value tomato and pepper market in the world, with production taking place 12 months out of the year.

For further information about Danson's acquisition or current programs please contact:
Michael Nadel
dansonseed@mediaone.net
Tel: +1 (310) 838 7675
Fax: +1 (310) 202 7466.

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