PICKSEED Canada Inc. and AGRICORE Inc. are pleased to announce the establishment of collaboration developed to serve the forage seed needs of AGRICORE Inc.

AGRICORE, with its very broad distribution network across Alberta and Manitoba and a developing market in Saskatchewan is an outstanding organization to reach the agricultural community.

PICKSEED possesses a strong expertise in the area of forage crop development, production and marketing.

The recently completed 1999 planting season proved to both organizations the merit of this innovative process. PICKSEED staff in Edmonton and Winnipeg was able to fill and maintain the distribution pipeline for AGRICORE with a customized, contemporary product lineup of modern forage crop and lawn grass seeds.

PICKSEED has recently expanded its Research and Development efforts into Western Canada, establishing variety trials and selection nurseries to continually improve the selection of forage crops, specifically adapted to Western Canadian growing conditions. As well, in 1997 PICKSEED successfully negotiated the rights to AC Grazeland Br® alfalfa. This variety was developed by Agriculture Canada at the Saskatoon Research Centre. It is the first proven variety offering livestock producers an alfalfa with significantly reduced risk of bloat. Certified seed will be available in 2000.

AGRICORE, with over 250 elevators and retail farm outlets across Alberta and Manitoba continues to expand its presence as a farm-input supplier. More and more farmers are seeking a "one stop" shopping experience for their inputs.

PICKSEED Canada Inc. has forage and turf seed production throughout Canada, the U.S. and exports globally wherever cool season grasses are adaptable.

AGRICORE Inc. is Canada's premier handler of western grain and specialty crops. Both organizations foresee an expanded growth of this unique venture.

Company news release
N1991