Allen Stevens Ph.D., vice president of research and development for Seminis, has announced his retirement, effective today.

During his prolific 42-year research and management career, Dr. Stevens, a world-renowned
tomato geneticist, pioneered the development of varieties on which many of today's commercial
hybrid tomatoes are based. In addition to his key management position at Seminis, Dr. Stevens
previously served as vice president of agricultural research at the Campbell Soup Company and
professor and geneticist at the University of California at Davis.

"Dr. Stevens' contribution to Seminis has been enormous,'' said Alfonso Romo Garza, chairman
and CEO. "His commitment to breeding and the development of new technologies has brought
Seminis to the preeminent position in the vegetable seed industry.''

In honor of Dr. Stevens' contribution to the industry, Seminis will award yearly the "Dr. Allen
Stevens Breeding Excellence Award,'' beginning in 2000, to a plant scientist for outstanding
achievement in plant breeding or technology development applicable to plant breeding.

"Through this award we hope to perpetuate the passion and dedication Dr. Stevens has shown in
the development of outstanding plant varieties,'' said Romo.

Dr. Stevens successor will be announced separately, according to Seminis.

Seminis is the largest developer, producer and marketer of vegetable seeds in the world. The company uses seeds as the delivery vehicle for innovative agricultural technology. Its products are designed to reduce the need for agricultural chemicals, increase crop yield, reduce spoilage, offer longer shelf life, create better tasting foods and foods with better nutritional content. Seminis has established a worldwide presence and global distribution network that spans 120 countries with 70 research stations in 19 countries and production sites in 32 countries. Seminis is a majority owned subsidiary of Savia, a Mexico-based conglomerate with leadership positions in financial services, packaging and fresh foods.

Company news release
N2218