CANTERRA SEEDS and Group Limagrain bring advanced wheat genetics to Western Canadian farmers

WINNIPEG, July 11, 2012 /CNW/ - CANTERRA SEEDS (2002) Ltd. of Canada and the French based Group Limagrain announced today an exclusive license agreement for the commercialization of advanced wheat seed varieties for the cereal grain growers of Western Canada.

The new strategic alliance will leverage the joint strengths of the two companies by developing and testing new and advanced wheat genetics, and by producing and commercializing seed of those products across the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC. Field performance testing, selection and development of new products will begin with the 2012 crop, followed by commercial production and sales introductions following performance verification and registration.

"This is an exciting development for CANTERRA SEEDS and for the cereal grain growers of Western Canada" said David Hansen, President and CEO of the company.  "Most people know the wheat industry in Canada is changing rapidly, and this is just one more step forward" he continued.  "Our new breeding partner has one of the finest cereal breeding programs in the world, and CANTERRA SEEDS and its shareholders have proven capabilities in quality seed production and distribution.  This new relationship adds to our already deep list of breeding partners, and provides another option for our farmer customers to progress" concluded Hansen.

Michel Debrand of Limagrain added, "We are proud to partner with CANTERRA SEEDS in bringing new cereal seed products to farmers in Western Canada. We see the potential for very strong synergies between our US Company, Limagrain Cereal Seeds (LCS) and CANTERRA SEEDS. LCS is developing hard red spring wheat varieties for the northern region of the USA, and this will be the first material we test with CANTERRA SEEDS. We believe this new alliance is an excellent fit for our company, and look forward to working together."

Owned by over 200 Western Canadian shareholders, CANTERRA SEEDS is committed to sourcing genetically superior seed products that meet end-user needs, while delivering agronomic and economic benefits for producers. With a versatile portfolio of cereals, pulses and oilseeds, CANTERRA SEEDS seeks opportunities that allow for mutual success in the agriculture industry.

Group Limagrain, a subsidiary of farmer co-operative Limagrain, is the fourth largest seed company in the world, and a global leader in wheat and other cereal grain seeds. The company has 21 wheat-breeding stations, three scientific laboratories and multiple alliances internationally. Fort Collins, Colorado serves as the North America headquarters of Limagrain Cereal Seeds, a subsidiary of Group Limagrain. Limagrain Cereal Seeds has regional research stations in Washington, Indiana, Minnesota and Kansas.

Sheena Pitura
Marketing Manager
CANTERRA SEEDS
[email protected]
204-988-9765