Jinan, China
April 16, 2003

China's top corn seed firm and a multinational have established the first joint venture in the country licensed to market corn seeds, a spokesperson for the company said on April 15.

Shandong Denghai Pioneer Seeds Co. had begun to market their improved variety corn seed before this year's sowing season in the country, said the spokesperson.

The joint venture was set up late last year by Shandong Denghai Seeds Co. and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. of the United States.

It is the first joint venture specializing in corn seed marketing and research since China's Law on Seeds became effective in 2000.

The company was named after Li Denghai, president of Shandong Denghai Seeds Co. who developed the world's highest per-unit yield summer corn variety, with a yield of 16,440 kg per hectare.

The corn seed developed by Li accounts for one third of China's corn acreage.

The joint venture will rely on its US partner for its expertise in plant genetic engineering research, marketing and services to expand its share of the market.

Aisa Pulse via Checkbiotech.org