Modesto, California
March 13,  2001

Harris Moran Seed Company announces a new addition to its top management and sales and marketing team.

Matthew Johnston, a veteran of Seminis, joins Harris Moran as Vice President of Marketing and Sales. He will oversee international and domestic sales programs for the Modesto-based seed company.

Bruno Carette, president and chief operating officer of Harris Moran, says Johnston's marketing savvy in the vegetable seed industry coupled with his intimate knowledge of agriculture bodes well for Harris Moran.

"He brings a grass roots knowledge of agriculture from his childhood that has grown into a sophisticated understanding of vegetable markets as well as the nuances that accompany them," says Carette.

Johnston's latest position at Seminis was Director of Worldwide Business Service Centers. Before that, he served as Director of Sales in North America, managing the Asgrow brand.

Johnston was raised working in a family-owned group of businesses that provided contracting and services to the Florida Citrus Industry and the production of fresh and processed fruit. He eventually ended up managing the operation. He has an MBA from UCLA and a BS in Business Management from the University of Wyoming.

"Now more than ever, Harris Moran is striving to become our industry's most trusted source for seed,' says Carette. "And Matthew Johnston will bring his great skills to the fulfillment of that pledge."

Johnston replaces Franck Berger, who's in Japan heading Groupe Limagrain's latest venture, Kyowa Seed.

Harris Moran Seed Company is a global leader in quality vegetable seed to professional growers. It is owned by Groupe Limagrain, a 50-year-old French cooperative that has grown into one of the largest seed companies in the world.

Company news release
N3381