HANFORD, California – May 9, 2017
S&W Seed Company (Nasdaq: SANW) today announced it has entered into an agreement with Generic Genetics, which is led by renowned biotech trait developer David Stalker, to develop novel alfalfa seed varieties containing select biotechnology traits. As a number of unique technologies come off patent in the coming years, S&W will look to leverage Generic Genetics’ knowledge of the patent landscape and scientific expertise to create varieties specific to S&W, utilizing current transgenic traits coupled with other trait technologies proprietary to Generic Genetics.
Dr. Stalker was one of the early pioneers in agricultural biotechnology, having worked for Calgene, Monsanto, Scotts Miracle-Gro, and Advanta, and has a unique background in understanding patent protection strategies. During his career, he has been instrumental in the introduction of transgenic traits in soybean, canola and cotton. Through Generic Genetics, Dr. Stalker is focused in bringing certain patented technologies that are on the cusp of going off-patent to the market.
Mark Grewal, chief executive officer of S&W Seed Company commented, “As the agricultural biotech industry reaches its silver anniversary, many patents are on the verge of expiration. S&W and Generic Genetics will be working together in an effort to leverage these opportunities for the alfalfa seed industry, utilizing a combination of unique technologies. Dave Stalker is one of the early pioneers within the ag-biotech industry and brings a tremendous depth of knowledge in terms of intellectual property and trait development. We believe that today’s announcement is yet another example of S&W’s commitment to develop varieties and traits to meet market demand.”
About S&W Seed Company
Founded in 1980, S&W Seed Company is a global agricultural Company, headquartered in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The Company’s vision is to be the world’s preferred proprietary seed Company which supplies a range of forage and specialty crop products that supports the growing global demand for animal proteins and healthier consumer diets. The Company is a global leader in alfalfa seed, with significant research and development, production and distribution capabilities. S&W’s capabilities span the world’s alfalfa seed production regions, with operations in the Western United States, including the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys of California, Australia, and Canada, and S&W sells its seed products in more than 30 countries around the globe. The Company also provides hybrid sorghum and sunflower, and is utilizing its research and breeding expertise to develop and produce stevia, the all-natural, zero calorie sweetener for the food and beverage industry. For more information, please visit www.swseedco.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may,” “future,” “plan” or “planned,” “will” or “should,” “expected,” “anticipates,” “draft,” “eventually” or “projected.” Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our ability to develop new products and seed traits, the anticipated benefits of utilizing outside advisors, the demand for our products, and our general commercialization strategies and the ability to execute those strategies. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and other risks identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, and in other filings subsequently made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise.