Monsanto Canada announced today that it has exercised its right to purchase outstanding shares of First Line Seeds, giving it 100 per cent ownership of the Guelph-based soybean seed company.

In 1998, Monsanto Canada purchased a majority equity position in First Line Seeds and also retained the right to purchase remaining equity at a later date. This change in ownership will not affect the day-to-day operations of First Line Seeds.

In making the announcement, Monsanto Canada noted that completing the purchase of First Line Seeds, Canada s leading supplier of soybean seed, is a logical step for Monsanto Canada.

Over the past six years, the First Line Seeds business has been increasingly integrated into Monsanto business operations, explained Gord Froehlich, vice-president of Monsanto Canada. First Line branded seed products will continue to be a cornerstone of Monsanto s soybean seed business, joining the DEKALB family of seed products currently available.

Peter Hannam, president of First Line Seeds since 1982 is confident about the future of the business. The First Line Seeds brand is built on a foundation of soybean industry leadership, field performance, research and innovation, says Hannam who will continue in his role during the transition period. Monsanto Canada remains committed to this vision and the First Line brand will continue to provide Ontario growers with innovative technology that increases productivity and profitability.


First Line Seeds processors and farmer shareholders will continue to play a strong role in meeting the needs of First Line Seeds customers. Business will continue as usual at the NutriLine food grade soybean processing facility at Ingersoll, Ontario. The regional seed supply and First Line Express bulk seed delivery capabilities will also continue uninterrupted.

Over the past 20 years, First Line Seeds commitment to innovation and research has consistently delivered high-yielding varieties that growers can trust, said Rob Hannam, seed and trait commercial lead for Eastern Canada. The power of Monsanto technology continues to strengthen a First Line product pipeline that has consistently produced innovative soybean varieties. First Line s 2004 seed line-up includes 15 outstanding new Roundup Ready and food soybean varieties.

First Line Seeds innovations such as the First Line Express bulk delivery system, have delivered unsurpassed savings and convenience to growers. First Line also launched Project SOY (Soybean Opportunities for Youth) to help develop new soybean products. Hannam said Monsanto remains committed to these initiatives and will continue to play a leading role in developing new technology and new opportunities for Ontario growers.

Monsanto is a leading provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.

NutriLine , and First Line Express are trademarks of First Line Seeds Ltd.
Roundup Ready is a trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. Monsanto Canada Inc., licensee.
DEKALB is a trademark of DEKALB Genetics Corporation. Monsanto Canada Inc. Licensee.