Forage Genetics International (FGI) and Monsanto announced this week that FGI has acquired all of the commercial rights from the parties’ existing alfalfa research collaboration. The groups also announced that Monsanto has licensed to FGI certain intellectual property relating to its alfalfa traits and technology. The deal will support the ongoing discovery and commercial delivery of innovative alfalfa seed products through FGI’s and Monsanto’s own seed brands, as well as licensed partners.
The agreement will also support the continued expansion of the commercial reach of alfalfa technology offerings, such as Roundup Ready Alfalfa and HarvXtra Alfalfa with Roundup Ready Technology.
Alfalfa will continue to be a part of Monsanto’s portfolio approach, and they will continue to offer the products through its DEKALB, Channel and regional seed brand dealer networks. Monsanto also plans to invest in the applicability of novel trait technologies for different cropping systems, including alfalfa.
“Monsanto is committed to being the collaborator of choice within agriculture and we see tremendous opportunity in expanding our network of partnerships,” said Mike Frank, vice president and chief commercial officer of Monsanto Company. “Through this agreement with FGI, we’re able to expand our commercial and technology reach, while bringing greater focus on unlocking resources to drive growth in our integrated solutions portfolio.”
Alfalfa is an incredibly strategic part of FGI’s forage portfolio, and the company plans to continue offering the same brands and products currently available on the market. This deal provides FGI the ability to deliver current and future alfalfa technology offerings in the key markets where they operate.
“Forage Genetics has always been interested in fully serving our customers and the grower with a complete alfalfa offering. This deal allows us to bring a complete offering to the table while opening all other doors to future advancements,” said Shawn Barnett, president, Forage Genetics International.