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Arcadia Biosciences And SESVanderHave Seeds Enter Research and Commercial License Agreement for Development of Nitrogen Use Efficient Sugar Beets



    Arcadia Biosciences Inc., an innovative U.S.-based plant
    biotechnology company and Belgium-based SESVanderHave Seeds, the
    world's second-largest sugar beet seed company, today announced that
    they have signed an agreement to develop and commercialize nitrogen
    use efficient sugar beet varieties using Arcadia technology and
    SESVanderHave seed and plant breeding capabilities.

    Under the agreement SESVanderHave receives an exclusive global
    license to develop and commercialize sugar beets using Arcadia's
    proprietary Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) technology. Arcadia receives
    technology license fees and a share of commercial revenue from future
    product sales. The companies will form a collaboration to optimize
    research, product development, and commercial activities.

    Commercial sugar beet production is nitrogen-intensive, and
    nitrogen fertilizer is one of the largest production costs incurred by
    sugar beet farmers. As is the case with most crops, sugar beets
    typically absorb less than one-half of applied nitrogen. Unutilized
    nitrogen may escape into ground or surface waters, or be volatilized
    as nitrous oxide, a highly potent greenhouse gas.

    Because NUE sugar beets will require less nitrogen fertilizer for
    production, farmers are expected to benefit from reduced costs,
    enhanced yields, and improved profitability - making them more
    globally competitive. At the same time, benefits to the environment
    are expected from reduced nitrogen emissions.

    "Today's sugar beet farmers are under significant cost and
    environmental pressure," said John Akers, president and CEO of
    SESVanderHave. "Although NUE sugar beets will not be commercialized
    for a number of years in the future, we need to start looking for
    solutions now if our customers are to remain competitive and able to
    do their part to protect our environment."

    "The capabilities and market position of SESVanderHave make them
    an ideal partner for the development and commercialization of NUE
    technology in sugar beets," said Eric Rey, president and CEO of
    Arcadia. "NUE sugar beets will give farmers more choices for
    increasing their global competitiveness while benefiting the
    environment."

    Field tests conducted by Arcadia during five growing seasons in
    various U.S. regions demonstrate that NUE crops achieve higher yields
    than the control variety, while using as much as two-thirds less
    nitrogen fertilizer. Arcadia has also demonstrated similar results in
    rice through greenhouse tests.

    About SESVanderHave

    SESVanderHave, a new company as a result of a merger between SES
    and VanderHave, having a 100 percent focus on the development,
    production and distribution of higher yielding and more competitive
    sugar beet varieties. More then 175 years of combined experience
    creates a starting point for a strong future. A leading company that,
    as a result of a good interpretation of the market needs, research and
    development, provides a sustainable contribution to sugar beet
    growing. For more information, please visit www.sesvanderhave.com.

    About Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.

    Based in Davis, California, USA, Arcadia Biosciences is an
    agricultural biotechnology company focused on the development of
    agricultural products that improve the environment and enhance human
    health. For more information, please visit www.arcadiabio.com.