Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
February 19, 2014

NorthStar Genetics has appointed FP Genetics to manage seed production and logistics for the rapidly growing Saskatchewan Soybean Seed Market. Ray Wytinck, General Manager of NorthStar Genetics said, “The Saskatchewan market is growing exponentially and seed bookings this year indicate that soybean production in the province will grow to over 300,000 acres. Because we represent a larger share of that market, we need to be able to grow enough seed to feed that market. FP Genetics brings the expertise to contract and manage the production and distribution of the product to our retail channel. FP Genetics shareholders and growers are experienced seed production specialists who can deliver the quality seed our customer will demand. ”

Rod Merryweather, CEO of FP Genetics says “This agreement with NorthStar Genetics creates a partnership that will deliver the best soybean genetics to Saskatchewan farmers. It is also an excellent opportunity for our FP Genetics owners and growers. Our growers will develop expertise in soybean agronomics in their local market and produce the best seed available through this partnership with NorthStar Genetics. With the option to also retail these excellent varieties, we can help our customers develop another viable cropping alternative. Seed growers will also benefit because soybeans are an ideal rotational crop for their seed farm and will help us to also produce even better cereal crops in rotation.”

The early maturing NorthStar varieties NSC Moosomin RR2Y, NSC Vito RR2Y and NSC Reston RR2Y will be the focal point for production in 2014 and the objective will be to produce enough locally grown seed to meet farm demand in the future. Because soybeans fix their own nitrogen requirements, input costs are substantially lower than other crops while still delivering the financial rewards available in the soybean market.

While it may take a few years, Merryweather believes that over a million acres of soybeans will be grown in Saskatchewan in the future. This will make soybeans a very viable alternative to other crops and provide some very positive returns for all involved.

About FP Genetics

FP Genetics was founded in 2008 and is dedicated to providing superior new crop varieties to its group of shareholders for multiplication and sale. FP Genetics works with breeding institutions from around the world to develop varieties from infancy to optimum market potential. FP Genetics currently has over 60 varieties available. The company is a major producer of new cereal, oilseed, special crop and forage varieties in Western Canada.

About NorthStar Genetics

NorthStar Genetics was founded in Minnesota, USA in 1996. In 2004, a Canadian subsidiary company was established to focus on the Western Canadian market. Subsequently, NorthStar Genetics has established itself as the leading soybean seed company in western Canada. The company is focused on developing early maturing soybean varieties with traits that add value to their customers.

Website: http://www.fpgenetics.ca/

Published: February 19, 2014