Purchase will include all alfalfa production, research facilities and non-GMO alfalfa germplasm
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
With a price tag of somewhere in the neighbourhood of $42 million, S&W Seed Company is set to purchase all of DuPont Pioneer’s alfalfa seed production, facilities, and research.
As part of the sale, expected to become official on December 31, 2014, S&W will inherit over 15 DuPont alfalfa seed varieties including some used for forage quality and leafhopper resistance. They’ll also receive a seed cleaning and production facility in Nampa, Idaho, and facilities in Arlington, Wisconsin, as well as 31 employees.
“This acquisition provides us with diversified worldwide production and distribution capabilities, industry-leading research and development capabilities, along with a strong grower base and dedicated customers. Incorporating dormant varieties into our production base and sales channels is a natural fit and progression for our business, and this acquisition gives us the personnel and expertise to accelerate our growth in all dormancies going forward,” said Mark Grewal, CEO of S&W Seed Company.
What makes alfalfa seeds valuable is their ability to resist drought and grow in a variety of climates. Its high levels of nectar help the honey industry because it’s a good pollinator, it can be used alone as a crop for cattle and horses, to increase soil fertility and when combined with some grasses can reduce bloating in some animals.