"We have always taken pride in our high yielding, non-dormant, salt tolerant varieties. New S&W varieties that fill the demand for Roundup Ready technology can only expand our market within the United States. We look forward to completing the lab and fieldwork necessary to have an S&W seed variety ready for the biotech market in 2014.

"In addition to the ability to sell the newly developed alfalfa seed varieties, S&W hopes to access future alfalfa seed technology developed by FGI and Monsanto under future licensing agreements."

Adoption of biotechnology has been slower to occur in Europe and other areas compared to the U.S. Most of S&W's existing export customers require verification that alfalfa seed does not have biotech traits.

Non-biotech varieties of alfalfa seed will continue to be a primary focus for S&W in international markets where biotech varieties have not been approved.

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S&W’s recent acquisition of Imperial Valley Seeds will ensure there are sufficient production areas to allow the traditionally bred varieties to be grown under strict guidelines requiring isolation and quality control in processing.

Stephen Welker, alfalfa lead for Monsanto, commented, "S&W has a reputation for developing alfalfa seed varieties with a strong performance, including some of the most salt-tolerant varieties available."  FG
—From S&W Seed Company news release