Garst Seed Company recently announced to its sales representatives that they will now have the opportunity to offer growers NK Brand soybeans for 2005 planting. Growers will now be able to select from a broad lineup of 77 Garst brand and 24 NK brand soybean products from Garst representatives, many being brand new introductions.

"Garst Seed Company is committed to offering farmers a pipeline of elite genetics and traits," says David Witherspoon, Head of Garst Seed Company. "We have taken a bold move by supplementing the Garst lineup of industry-leading soybean varieties with 24 completely new NK Brand Roundup Ready® soybeans. We are intent on offering more choices to farmers."

This opportunity for Garst to expand its soybean offerings with these NK brands is a result of Syngenta’s purchase of a controlling interest in Garst in 2004.

Earlier this year, Garst introduced 18 new soybean varieties that offer top yields, exceptional agronomics and proven performance. "We are very excited to supplement our soybean line up with these NK varieties," says Scott Hart, soybean product manager for Garst. "The additional 24 products include Syngenta’s latest genetics with maturities ranging from 00 to early group VII."

Witherspoon adds that Syngenta and Garst are working together to develop and market the best germplasm and technologies available. "We are increasing our soybean breeding investment significantly so ultimately customers will have more options within the next two years," adds Witherspoon.

Information on Garst and NK brand specific products is available from your local sales representative or district sales manager, or by contacting Garst at 1-888-GO-Garst or visiting the company Web site at www.garstseed.com.

Garst Seed Company, with headquarters in Slater, Iowa, provides seed solutions for growers across North America with high yielding corn, soybean, sorghum, alfalfa and sunflower products.

Garst Seed Company is affiliated with Syngenta, a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2004 were approximately $7.3 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).