HAYWARD, Calif. and ST. LOUIS, April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) and Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. today announced
a collaborative agreement to enhance the development of Mendel's BioEnergy
Seeds & Feedstocks business. Under the terms of the agreement, Mendel will
benefit from Monsanto's industry-leading expertise in the testing,
breeding, and development of crops.
Mendel and Monsanto have worked together on the development of
biotechnology traits for more than a decade in many crops, including corn,
soy, cotton and canola. In this new collaboration, the two companies will
apply Monsanto's expertise in crop testing, breeding and seed production to
perennial grass seed varieties Mendel is developing for use in biofuels and
other commercial applications.
"Mendel sees a bright future for second generation biofuels. We
recognize the need to continue growing our capabilities and expertise to
enable us to best serve farmers and refiners with proprietary seed
products," said Neal Gutterson, president and chief executive officer of
Mendel. "Monsanto is the global leader in the development and
commercialization of high-value, sustainable seed products. We are excited
to work with Monsanto's outstanding technical team to enhance our ability
to create high-performing dedicated energy crops."
"Monsanto has been committed to providing farmers with higher grain
yields to help them meet demand for food, feed and fuel," said Steve
Padgette, vice president of biotechnology at Monsanto. "This collaboration
has the potential to advance discoveries in the next frontier: cellulosic
biofuels. It also presents both companies with an opportunity to broaden
our understanding of the strengths and potential applications of biomass
grasses to biofuels production."
Cellulosic biofuels are made from leaves, stems, stalks or other
typically non-edible parts of plants. Use of these renewable energy sources
has the potential to greatly expand biofuel supply and also deliver
environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Mendel Biotechnology, Inc., has been a pioneer in the application of
functional genomics to the study of plant genes. Mendel is also a pioneer
for the production of dedicated energy crops critical for second generation
biofuels. Mendel has identified and patented the use of genes that control
many aspects of plant growth and development, and is using such inventions
to develop or co-develop new plant varieties with improved productivity and
quality. Mendel has relationships with leading agricultural, energy,
forestry and horticulture companies for the commercialization of improved
seed and plant products, and is developing new seed and feedstock products
for the emerging bioenergy market. For more information, visit:
http://www.mendelbio.com.
Monsanto Company is a leading provider of technology-based solutions
and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.
For more information on Monsanto, see http://www.monsanto.com.
SOURCE Monsanto Company
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Related links:
http://www.monsanto.com
http://www.mendelbio.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/114341.html/
CONTACT:
Neal Gutterson, President & CEO of Mendel
Biotechnology, Inc., +1-510-264-0280; or Sara Duncan, Public
Affairs of Monsanto Company, +1-314-694-2729
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