Dow AgroSciences expands plant-breeding expertise with acquisition

Dow AgroSciences LLC announced today it is acquiring Wisconsin-based Dairyland Seed Co and an affiliate with research focus on hybrid corn, soy and alfafa.

The addition of Dairyland Seed Co., Inc and Illinois-based affiliate Bio-Plant Research will build upon Dow AgroSciences' current seeds business and will expand its broad range of product offerings.

The closing is expected later this month. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Jerome Peribere, president and CEO, Dow AgroSciences said Dairyland Seed's investment in research and development compliments the company's increased investment in developing proprietary plant breeding programmes.

The agreement includes all crop genetics, brands, plant breeding programs in hybrid corn, soy and alfalfa as well as Dairyland's research, processing and production locations.

Dow AgroSciences will continue to independently market Dairyland Seeds under the Dairyland brand. Dairyland Seed will continue to be headquartered in West Bend, Wis.

The acquisition is another step in the Dow AgroSciences strategy to build a world class Plant Genetics and Biotechnology platform business. Dairyland is the fifth acquisition, including Agromen, MTI, Duo Maize, and Triumph Seed, in the last 12 months.