Sakata Seed America Finalizes Sale of Carrot Program to Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc; John Nelson and Clinton Naugle Discuss
MORGAN HILL, CA - In an ambitious effort to bolster both its own operations and the supply chain at large, Sakata Seed America recently announced it has finalized the sale of its carrot breeding program to its long-standing partner, Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc. (IFSI), who will utilize the formidable program to further advance the carrot industry.
“IFSI is a long-time partner and friend of Sakata,” stated John Nelson, Executive Vice President of Sakata Seed America. “We align well on our respective company’s ethos and values, including a strong commitment to quality, service, and our customers. We are confident that IFSI will take this program to new heights, and we’re proud to support IFSI and the program’s success through joint marketing and logistics efforts.”
IFSI is an independent company that offers leading research, product development, licensing, and production for the seed industry's sweet corn and field crops, as noted in a press release. The company has partnered with Sakata Seed Corporation for many years on a number of breeding and production programs.
The goal of the partnership is to ensure market excellence for the supply chain, including growers, distributors, and end consumers. To do so, Sakata will assist IFSI in research, sales, logistics, and production efforts for current and future carrot genetics, the release noted. IFSI will immediately begin integrating the Sakata carrot program into its day-to-day operations, including the fulfilment of existing and future orders for both domestic and international business.
“The IFSI team is committed to delivering world-class genetics, and the acquisition of the Sakata Seed America carrot program is another forward step in fulfilling this mission,” said Clinton Naugle, Chief Executive Officer of IFSI. “We are excited to collaboratively grow and expand on existing carrot genetics and provide a comprehensive portfolio to the market, including Nantes, Cut and Peel, and Fresh/Cello categories.”
As the duo takes another crucial step in its innovative alliance, ANUK will keep an eye out for further optimization of the carrot sector and beyond.
