“It’s no secret we’ve faced some licensing obstacles from Monsanto. But we’re not about to let that stop Golden Harvest from assisting growers with even more choices for critical technologies,” said Rob Robinson, joint operating head of Golden Harvest at headquarters in Waterloo, Neb. “We’re going to keep offering Golden Harvest products farmers know and trust. And we’re going to market in multiple packages in order to deliver all the technology options farmers need to grow profitably.”

As in the past, the company will offer a complete line-up of corn products through a combination of the Golden Harvest brand; and Laser^TM brand, which offers YieldGard^® insect protection and Roundup Ready^® 2 corn technologies.

According to Jim Sommer, joint operating head at Golden Harvest headquarters in Pekin, Ill., growers can count on Laser brand products to feature the same Golden Harvest^® production and quality control standards, as well as the same commitment to genetics. “Basically, growers will be able to rely on similarly performing hybrids, and the same agronomics and sales representatives as they always have, just in a different colored bag,” Sommer said.

John Sorenson, president of Syngenta Seeds said the expanded distribution reflects a long-term commitment at Syngenta to offer seed customers a clear choice in products and technologies. “Syngenta purchased a controlling interest in Golden Harvest in 2004 to strengthen our corn and soybean offerings to growers. Our intent is to combine the best of our genetics, traits, seed treatments and crop protection products to offer growers more options and better choices.”

In response to the acquisition, Monsanto cancelled the license agreements, which included glyphosate-tolerant technology for Golden Harvest soybeans. Despite this, Golden Harvest offers a complete corn product line-up. The company will also be able to offer a similar line-up of soybean products to customers in 2006 with the Fastart^TM brand, Golden Harvest conventional soybeans, and selected varieties of NK^® Brand RR soybeans.

“We’re excited about the possibilities to offer a full corn and soybean line-up along with new product options,” Robinson said. “The Golden Harvest sales force will remain independent and continue to have its own unique, proprietary products supplemented by more genetic sources. By expanding options in the marketplace, we can create healthy competition and help to deliver more technologies to farmers.”

Beyond 2006, Robinson and Sommer say there will be many opportunities for new products that are already either in development or late-stage testing. As a business affiliated with Syngenta, Golden Harvest^® will have access to a greater pool of leading genetics, technology and seed treatment development. For example, Syngenta recently acquired the GA21 trait for glyphosate-tolerant corn, which will be marketed as Agrisure^TM GT.

“The spirit and culture of Golden Harvest, of independence and a focus on the needs of farmers, will remain unchanged,” Robinson said. “Golden Harvest has built a reputation around honestly communicating how our genetics interact with traits, seed treatments and different agronomic practices, with a focus on helping the customer to achieve better profitability. It feels good to be a part of something that can make a real difference to farmers.”

Sommer agreed. “Healthy competition gives growers more choices for genetics, technology traits and added value, he said. “That’s a good thing because it makes us focus on what’s really important—and that’s how we can bring more profit potential to our customer’s production of row crops.”

Golden Harvest Seeds, Inc., a Syngenta-affiliated company, is one of the nation’s fastest-growing agricultural seed brands focusing on hybrid corn, soybeans, hybrid sorghum and alfalfa. Genetics First^SM, Agronomy Up Front^® and Service Always^SM have helped to increase the profitability of its customers in the United States since 1973. Further information and media resources are available at www.GHupfront.com (after March 10, 2005).

© 2005 Golden Harvest Seeds, Inc.

Golden Harvest and Agronomy Up Front are trademarks, and Genetics First and Service Always are service marks of Golden Harvest Seeds, Inc. NK and Agrisure are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Laser and Fastart are trademarks used under license by Syngenta Seeds, Inc., and its affiliates.