Champaign, Illinois
December 2, 2008

Verdant Partners LLC today announced that Thomas F. (“Bud”) Hughes (photo right) has been named a Partner of the firm, joining founding Partners Dean Cavey and Rod Stacey. A 25-year veteran of the seed industry, Hughes has been associated with the firm as a Director since 2005. His executive management experience is highlighted by past positions with Cargill, Calgene and 11 years as President and CEO of Stoneville Pedigreed
Seed Company, an internationally recognized leader in the seed and cotton industries.

Hughes holds a Bachelors degree in Agricultural Sciences from Texas Tech University. Active across industry organizations, he currently serves as President of the Southern Seed Association; Chairman of the Board of
Agricenter International; President of ASTA’s First the Seed Foundation, and is a founding member of the AgBio and Industrial Biotechnology Steering Committee of Memphis Bioworks Foundation. Hughes is a past Regional Vice President of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).

“Bud Hughes is a seasoned seedsman, respected for his operating knowledge and professional integrity, who has demonstrated a natural ability to leverage that expertise in business consulting and transaction assignments for Verdant clients” said Dean Cavey, Managing Partner of Verdant. “His strategic vision and knowledge of the industry have produced success across a variety of crops and business disciplines. Rod Stacey and I are excited to welcome him into the Partnership.”

Verdant Partners has also announced that Garrett Stoerger will be joining Verdant's team of professionals in January, 2009 in the role of Associate. Stoerger will be based in Verdant’s headquarters office in Champaign,
Illinois and will concentrate on market and business analysis; project support; and preparation of professional reports, memorandums, and professional presentations.

Stoerger is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, Farm, and Financial Management and is presently completing a Masters of Science in Agricultural and Consumer Economics. While pursuing his advanced agribusiness education, Mr. Stoerger also maintains a full-time position as an Extension Specialist at the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In this role, Mr. Stoerger currently provides developmental, marketing, and educational services to farmers and agribusiness professionals.

"We are thrilled to have Garrett join the Verdant team” said Cavey. “After growing up on a farm in central Illinois, pursuing an education in agribusiness, and gaining valuable experience working as an Extension
Specialist, Garrett adds to the experience and expertise for which Verdant is known. Garrett will be an important addition to Verdant's client service team."

Verdant Partners LLC is a privately held, middle-market, agribusiness consulting and investment banking firm specializing in the seed and crop genetics industry. The firm advises regional, national, and multinational clients in mergers & acquisitions, strategic planning, technology integration & commercialization, market development and business operations across a wide array of crops and geographies. The company client base includes seed companies, biotechnology providers, crop protection chemical companies, farm inputs distributors and related industries such as seed treatments, healthy foods, enhanced feeds, biofuels and alternative crops. To learn  more visit the Company website at  www.verdantpartners.com.

Website: http://www.verdantpartners.com

Published: December 2, 2008