GREENLEAF GENETICS ANNOUNCES THE ADDITION OF MIKE SMIDT AS TRAIT SALES MANAGER

(OMAHA, Neb.) – January 28, 2009 – Mike Smidt has joined GreenLeaf Genetics LLC as Trait Sales Manager. He will be responsible for working with key customer accounts in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Texas and California.

Smidt has extensive experience in the seed industry and comes to GreenLeaf Genetics from Fielder’s Choice where he was a Business Development Representative. Prior to that, he was a customer of GreenLeaf Genetics as Director of Sales and Marketing for Stauffer Seeds. Smidt started in the seed business in 1977 as Controller for Garst & Thomas Hybrid Corn Company before moving on to several sales and marketing leadership positions with Garst Seed Company, including National Sales Manager.

“I am tremendously excited about the opportunity to join GreenLeaf Genetics,” said Smidt. "Having previously worked with GreenLeaf Genetics as a customer, I know first-hand the value and importance of delivering leading edge technology to our customers.”

“Mike has a long history in the seed business and brings tremendous value and experience to our customers and our organization,” said Ron Wulfkuhle, GreenLeaf Genetics CEO. “He embodies the commitment to excellence that enables GreenLeaf Genetics to deliver the latest in genetics and traits to our customers."

Smidt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa. The father of two and grandfather of six, he resides in Panora, Iowa.

GreenLeaf Genetics LLC
GreenLeaf Genetics is a joint venture formed by Syngenta and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, and offers licenses for a broad range of corn and soybean genetics. The company also coordinates the licensing of biotech traits from its parent companies, including Syngenta Agrisure® traits for herbicide tolerance and insect resistance and the Optimum® GAT® herbicide tolerant trait developed by Pioneer. GreenLeaf Genetics is currently helping more than 200 seed companies to access genetics and traits from Syngenta and Pioneer. For more information, visit www.greenleafgenetics.com.