Seminis, Inc. today announced the appointment of Mr. Eugenio Najera as President and Chief Operating Officer replacing Mr. Alejandro Rodriguez-Graue. Mr. Alfonso Romo, Chairman and CEO of Savia, will continue his active role as Seminis' Chairman and CEO. In a related announcement Savia, the majority owner of Seminis, named Mr. Najera Executive Vice President of its Agrotechnology Division.

After finalizing a four year period, where he integrated more than 10 companies in the seed industry world wide and consolidated Seminis' global leadership, Mr. Alejandro Rodriguez-Graue has decided to depart from the company in order to collaborate in other Savia related activities. Mr. Rodriguez will continue supporting Seminis' operation during a transition period of six months.

Mr. Alfonso Romo commented: "I would like to personally recognize Alejandro and the Seminis
management team for positioning the company as a world leader in the seed industry.''

Mr. Najera has extensive management and board experience. Within Savia, the holding company for Seminis, he previously served as CEO and President of Cigarerra La Moderna during its ownership by Savia, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Savia, Seguros Comercial America, Seminis and Bionova, and has also been an Executive Director of Seguros Comercial America.

The appointment of Mr. Najera follows the June 28 announcement of Seminis' Global Restructuring and Optimization Plan, a strategic restructuring aimed at capitalizing on synergies and enhancing operating efficiencies. Seminis expects the program to generate benefits for $191 million over the next five years.

"Seminis is a key component of the long-term strategy of Savia, and Eugenio's proven management and leadership skills will significantly strengthen our management team,'' Mr. Romo stated. "His appointment is an important and logical next step in the Restructuring and Optimization Plan, which has gotten off to a strong start. I also am keenly aware that its continued -- and complete -- success is dependent on faultless execution. For this purpose, I will continue my active involvement in the company, specifically in the strategic decision making and Eugenio will be involved in the day to day operations and will benefit, in the short run, from Alejandro's unrivaled knowledge of the global agricultural and seed businesses.''

Seminis (Nasdaq: SMNS - news) is the largest developer, producer and marketer of vegetable seeds in the world. Seminis produces more than 60 species and 8,000 distinct varieties of vegetable and fruit seeds. 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 (NYSE: VAI - news), a Mexico-based conglomerate with leadership positions in financial services, packaging and fresh foods.

Company news release
N2935