Seminis Chairman and CEO Alfonso Romo announced today that he has appointed Dr. Bruno Ferrari, a long-time executive, as the company's President and Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Romo said that the appointment will give him more time to pursue long-term strategic growth initiatives, and was supported by the company's Board of Directors.

"Given the strong financial position of the company, and our large cash reserves, I have prioritized the acquisition of complementary technologies and companies, and will be focusing my attention on activities that extend the reach of our worldwide network and support long-term profitability growth," said Mr. Alfonso Romo, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

According to Mr. Romo, Dr. Ferrari will now oversee the operational areas of Seminis, the world's largest developer, producer and marketer of vegetable and fruit seeds. Mr. Bernardo Jimenez, Executive Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will continue to report to Mr. Romo directly.

"Bruno's extensive knowledge of our customers and markets will allow us to grow our seed business, while expanding our presence in the produce delivery chain. He is a proven leader in the organization and I have full confidence that under his guidance we will continue to grow our market share and strengthen our leadership position in the global vegetable seed industry," said Mr. Romo.

Dr. Ferrari has held several key executive positions at Seminis since joining the company in 1997, most recently as the Executive Senior Vice President of Worldwide Commercial activities. He also headed the company's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) division as well as Legal and Human Resources. He has served on the Board of Directors since 2003.

"I am a firm believer that innovation is the key to our success and I intend to continue on the course established by Mr. Romo, pushing innovations in research that improve the way farmers grow their crops as well as breakthroughs that improve the health, convenience and nutritional value of vegetables and fruits for end-consumers," said Dr. Ferrari. "Our product pipeline is rich and I expect that together with the operational efficiencies that we have been implementing, we are well positioned to deliver both top and bottom line growth."

Seminis Inc. is the largest developer, producer and marketer of vegetable seeds in the world. The company uses seeds as the delivery vehicle for innovative agricultural technology. Its products are designed to reduce the need for agricultural chemicals, increase crop yield, reduce spoilage, offer longer shelf life, and create better tasting foods and foods with better nutritional content. Seminis has established a worldwide presence and global distribution network that spans 150 countries and territories.