St. Joseph, Missouri
July 31, 2000

Research Seeds, Inc. announced today that it has acquired the remaining 50 percent of Seedbiotics from AgriBioTech, Inc. Seedbiotics was previously a joint venture between Research Seeds and ABT.

"The acquisition is an integral piece for Research Seeds and Forage Genetics International, the forage division of RSI," said Ron Olinger, vice-president of forages and seed treatments for Research Seeds. "The convenience and value of having our own seed coating facilities will strengthen and enhance the quality of service that we are able to provide to our seed customers."

Seedbiotics is headquartered in Caldwell, Idaho with an additional seed coating facility in St. Joseph, Mo.

"The new ownership will allow us to move faster in creating products that benefit the seed industry, and increase our level of service to meet any future demand," said Stu Barclay, general manager of Seedbiotics.

The transaction has been approved by the court as part of the ABT’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. ABT is a seed company specializing in the forage and turfgrass sector.

Research Seeds, Inc. is recognized as a worldwide leader in the development, production, distribution and marketing of proprietary forage and turf seed, and microbial products. Seedbiotics is a leading seed coating company that provides the seed industry with over 10 million pounds of coated seed each year.

Company news release
N2881