ExSeed Genetics L.L.C. and Plant Bioscience Limited, Norwich, England, have established an agreement to develop and commercialize new starch products developed at the John Innes Centre and assigned to Plant Bioscience Limited.

The agreement formalizes the already existing collaborative efforts between scientists at the John Innes Centre and at ExSeed, and will accelerate the development of new starch technologies. ExSeed Genetics will have the option to acquire worldwide rights to genetic-based new starch technologies in corn and rice. It does not, however, restrict JIC scientists from collaborating with other parties on specified topics.

"We are excited about the emerging opportunities in starch bioscience," says Peter Keeling, director of research for Exseed Genetics. "This ongoing partnership with other experts in the field is a valuable complement to our research work."

The John Innes Centre is a leading international plant and microbial science research facility and is known worldwide for its excellence in the field of starch biochemistry and biotechnology. Plant Bioscience Limited is the intellectual property management and technology development company of the John Innes Centre and the Sainsbury Laboratory (also at Norwich, England).

"The John Innes Centre is internationally known for starch research," says Mark Scholl, president and chief executive officer of ExSeed Genetics. "Our partnership will help to rapidly commercialize exciting new technologies worldwide."

ExSeed Genetics works with a variety of seed and production partners within the ExSeed Contracting Network to provide animal feeders, millers and food processors ExSeed EnhancedTMtraits in grains that add value and improve the end-use product.

ExSeed Genetics provides value-enhanced grains to food, feed and industrial markets throughout the world under the brand ExSeed Enhanced. ExSeed Genetics recently announced the release of the first low-phytate corn varieties, NutriDense LP and Yellow Dent LP, available to swine and poultry producers throughout the United States for the 1999 growing season.

ExSeed Genetics L.L.C., headquartered in Owensboro, Ky., was formed in 1994, and has research operations in Owensboro; Ames, Iowa; and Olivia, Minnesota.

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