Nuseed and Barenbrug enter into collaborative agreement to provide R&D, plant breeding, and commercialisation of hybrid sorghum and sunflower

Nuseed Pty Ltd (“Nuseed Australia”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nufarm Limited, and Barenbrug Australia Pty Ltd recently announced they have entered into a formal agreement for Barenbrug Australia to license Nuseed Australia’s sorghum and sunflower germplasm portfolio and carry out R&D, plant breeding, and commercialisation services.

This announcement demonstrates Nuseed Australia’s prioritisation and focus on its market-leading position in the Australian canola and Monola markets and its ongoing Australian research and development commitments as the global commercialisation partner for CSIRO and GRDC for Nuseed Omega-3 canola. The collaboration aligns strongly with Barenbrug’s strategic objective of being a key player in summer crop in Australia, which includes a long-term focus and continued R&D investment.
 
Starting July 1st, 2020, all Australian-based Nuseed grain sorghum, forage sorghum and sunflower plant breeding, R&D, sales and distribution will be licensed to Barenbrug. Australian growers will have access to the same Nuseed products, sold under the Barenbrug brand.
 
Travis Rankin, Nuseed Australia’s General Manager said that "Barenbrug is in a strong position to bring Australian farmers an exciting suite of next-generation hybrids from the genetics currently in the Nuseed pipeline."

Barenbrug's Australian Managing Director Toby Brown (pictured) commented that "this agreement reinforces Barenbrug's commitment to investing in R&D in Australian agriculture. We have an extensive program focused on innovation in Australia, and we look forward to developing new products and tools for sorghum and sunflower growers. It represents an exciting next step following the recent opening of our new, state-of-the-art warehouse and seed-coating facility in Toowoomba as part of our ongoing investment in Northern Australia. Barenbrug looks forward to working with Nuseed to continue driving the breeding program forward, with the objective of providing new and existing hybrids to sorghum and sunflower growers.”
 
Globally Nuseed will continue to provide industry-leading sorghum and sunflower hybrids to other regions through global germplasm, R&D programs, sales and service in North America, South America, and Europe. Similarly, Barenbrug will continue to remain focused on being a global market leader in research and development, marketing, extension and distribution of proprietary pasture and forage seeds, cropping, turf and seed enhancement technology.