DuPont has entered into agreements to acquire AgVenture, Kentland, Ind.; Hoegemeyer Hybrids, Hooper, Neb., and NuTech Seed, Ames, Iowa; as part of its Pioneer Hi-Bred business' PROaccesSM strategy.

Closings are scheduled to occur in the latter part of 2010. Terms were not disclosed.

The innovation breadth and depth of Pioneer research and development will strengthen the already robust businesses and customer relationships of AgVenture, Hoegemeyer Hybrids and NuTech Seed. The companies have growth opportunities reachable by expanding product choices for growers in geographies where they operate.

"The PROaccesSM strategy continues to be part of our ongoing commitment to expand the availability of Pioneer‘s unique, elite seed genetics using Pioneer-owned brands distributed through alternative routes to market. Ultimately, this will result in growers having more choices for high-performing products to increase their yields and income," said DuPont Pioneer Hi-Bred president Paul E. Schickler.

The three seed companies will continue to sell products under the Pioneer-owned trademarks following closing: AgVenture - VPMaxx^® brand corn hybrids and soy varieties, Hoegemeyer Hybrids - HPT^® brand corn hybrids and soy varieties and NuTech Seed - G2^® brand corn hybrids and soy varieties.

Schickler said, "Over the past two seasons, grower demand for corn hybrids and soybean varieties distributed under the Pioneer-owned trademarks VPMaxx^®, HPT^® and G2^® demonstrates that growers want a diverse line of genetics and expanded product choices. We will continue to use our extensive germplasm base to bring unique and regionally adapted products for this channel."

First introduced in December 2008, the PROaccesSM strategy enables Pioneer to make its seed genetics available to more growers through a network of distributors. Pioneer will continue to maintain and grow its PROaccesSM distribution agreements with other independent seed companies.