World-renowned plant scientist Ed Green Ph.D. has been named vice president of research and development for Seminis, the world's largest vegetable and fruit seed company.

Dr. Green succeeds Allen Stevens Ph.D., who recently announced his retirement following a
42-year career in research and management.

A veteran of the seed industry, Dr. Green has directed new technology development at Seminis
since 1996, and for the Petoseed company, now a Seminis brand, since 1989. Prior to joining
Petoseed, He was director of plant research at Molecular Genetics Inc. and professor of
agronomy and plant genetics at the University of Minnesota.

"Dr. Green possesses a unique blend of plant breeding skills, product development experience
and state-of-the-art experience in biotechnology. His leadership will allow Seminis to maximize its
strong plant breeding base with the addition of new technologies that add value to vegetables and
fruit for the benefit of growers, processors, distributors and consumers,'' said Alfonso Romo
Garza, chairman and CEO.

Dr. Green will assume his new position immediately and continue to be based at the company's
worldwide research headquarters in Woodland, California.

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
N2219