CURITIBA, BRAZIL — Limagrain, an international agricultural co-operative group specializing in field seeds, vegetable seeds and cereal products, has signed a strategic alliance in corn, through its subsidiary Vilmorin & Cie, with the Brazilian seeds company Sementes Guerra in Curitiba in Brazil.

Based in Pato Branco (State of Parana) in the center-south of Brazil, Sementes Guerra specializes in seed research and production of corn, wheat and soybeans for distribution to farmers in Brazil and neighboring countries. The company had approximately €10 million ($13.5 million) in sales during 2010.

“We are delighted with this alliance which is being built up in a co-operative spirit,” said Joel Arnaud, farmer and vice-chairman of Limagrain. “With Guerra, a successful and dynamic family company, we share the same sense of challenge demonstrated by our local anchorage and international scope. Our ambition is to contribute to the major food challenges facing the world. This will require higher agronomic performances in Brazil, Europe and the rest of the world. By broadening our genetic resources this alliance will also enable us to reinforce our corn business in the group.”

Daniel Cheron, chief executive officer of Limagrain, added, “Our investment in research, combined with Guerra’s knowledge of the Brazilian market and its commercial network, will extend the range of varieties proposed to farmers.”