Oxnard, California and Masterton,
New Zealand
March 12, 2008
Seminis, the world's leading
developer, producer and marketer of vegetable and fruit seeds,
and Smith Seeds Ltd., a New-Zealand based seed production
company, announced today that the companies are forging a closer
strategic alliance to create greater long term value for pea
customers in the Australia and New Zealand region.
As part of the efforts by Seminis
to increase efficiencies and direct investment toward future
growth opportunities, an agreement has been signed granting
Smith Seeds exclusive rights to produce and sell Seminis pea
varieties in Australia and New Zealand under license from
Seminis.
Under this arrangement, all new
and existing Seminis pea varieties will continue to be packaged
and sold using the Seminis brand name but will include a
statement confirming they have been produced and packaged under
license by Smith Seeds.
Chris bone, Sales and Marketing
Manager Seminis New Zealand, says he is very pleased to be
partnering with Smith Seeds and is excited about the opportunity
this agreement presents.
"We are very confident that this
new business model will continue to maximize the opportunity for
success for our customers and will add significant value to our
business in Australia and New Zealand," he says. "We are really
excited about our opportunities in the region and this
partnership with Smith Seeds, as successful New Zealand-owned
and operated company, enhances our ability to ensure the long
term success of our pea varieties and customers, while at the
same time allowing us to focus further attention on other core
crops."
Grant Smith, Manager Smith Seeds,
says the agreement with the world leading Seminis Group is a
step forward for the seed production industry in New Zealand.
"The value of Smith Seeds
representing Seminis pea varieties in New Zealand and Australia
is an exciting prospect as improved yield and disease resistant
varieties continue to become available. We have always strived
to provide growers and customers alike with the best quality and
this alliance will ensure that these values continue."
Seminis, the vegetable seed division of Monsanto, is the
world’s leading developer, producer and marketer of vegetable
seeds. Its healthy, wholesome fruit and vegetable varieties are
designed to reduce the need for agricultural chemicals, increase
crop yields, reduce spoilage, offer longer shelf life, and
create better-tasting foods and foods with higher nutritional
content. Seminis operates in 150 countries and territories
around the world.
Smith Seeds Ltd. was
established in 1990 by father and son team Ross and Grant Smith
and in 1995 the second son Mike joined the company. Early
research identified the need for a specialist seed production
unit that was totally dedicated to the production of quality
sees. Smith Seeds Ltd specializes in contract seed production.
Their unique Total Seed Management Program encompasses every
aspect of seed production, from field selection and crop
management to harvesting, cleaning, purity/quality analysis and
shipping. Smith Seeds Ltd. now produces large quantities of a
wide range of vegetable seed under contract, primarily for the
Asian market. They are leader in their field in New Zealand.
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