Land O'Lakes, Inc. and Cooperative Business International, Inc. (CBI) today announced the formation of Specialty Grains L.L.C., a partnership which will integrate seed contracting and the marketing and delivery of specialty grains to overseas customers.

"From a Land O'Lakes point of view, this venture brings us a partner with considerable experience and expertise in developing end-use markets for specialty grains,'' Land O'Lakes Vice President for Seed, Dave Seehusen said. "It provides our producer-owners, particularly those in our Eastern Ag Region, with improved access to foreign markets for value-added and identity preserved grains.''

Gary Williams, General Manager of CBI's International Trade Group, said the new partnership will benefit both organizations.

"We are bringing together the cooperative system and Land O'Lakes strength in seed development, distribution and retail sales, with CBI's strength and experience in international marketing, market development and the delivery of specialty grains to customers at home and abroad,'' Williams said. "That combination will help us build a competitive edge.''

The key to Specialty Grains operations will be an integrated, formalized contract production system. The original focus of the venture is expected to be identity preserved soybeans and white corn.

Land O'Lakes is a national farmer-owned food and agricultural cooperative, with sales in all 50 states and more than 50 countries. It provides farmers and local cooperatives with an extensive line of agricultural supplies (feed, seed, plant food and crop protection products) and services. Land O'Lakes also is a leading marketer of a full line of dairy-based consumer, foodservice and food ingredient products across the U.S. and serves international customers with a variety of
food and animal feed ingredients.

Cooperative Business International is a closely held corporation whose shareholders are comprised of members of the U.S. agricultural, financial and insurance communities. The organization focuses on three distinct initiatives. First, in the area of International Investment, CBI links its U.S. owners to foreign firms through direct equity investment, joint ventures and licensing agreements. Second, in CBI's International Trade Group, CBI trades feed grains, oilseeds and specialty products such as popcorn, coffee and spices in the U.S. and global markets. Third, in the area of Strategic Business Services, CBI provides consultative services to U.S. and foreign firms in such areas as financial modeling, training and development, and business plan development (strategic, tactical and marketing.) CBI has its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio with additional offices in Washington, D.C., Russia, Hungary and Indonesia. 

Company news release
N2433