4 HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2019/20 Long-term research joint ventures secured in New Zealand In New Zealand, PGW Seeds has extended its collaboration with AgResearch, which is a public research institute. The collaboration comprises Endophyte Innovation, a joint venture to develop new grass endophytes, and Grasslands Innovation Ltd, a joint venture to develop new varieties of grass, clover and herbs. The agreement cements the excellent and long-lasting collaboration between PGW Seeds and AgResearch, which has resulted in a variety of exciting products over the years. The two joint ventures are important for accessing disruptive technologies that can extend our varieties programme for forage seed for agriculture in Oceania and ensuring the opportunity to grow the market for forage grass endophytes beyond Oceania. From the left, Daniel Pujol (Astera Seed), Ann Laura Luunbjerg (Jensen Seeds), Francoise Falip (Astera Seed) and Morten Jørgensen (Jensen Seeds) Jensen Seeds acquires French company On 1 July 2020, the acquisition of Astera Seed in France was announced, which aligns well with Jensen Seeds’ development strategy of strengthening partnerships with customers and offering seed production with a wider palette of species. This requires production access to the best seed production areas. So far, Jensen Seeds has produced vegetable seeds in Denmark and Germany and is currently developing its production in New Zealand together with PGW Seeds. Two DLF breeders on the top 20 list of most innovative breeders In spring 2020, the international industry journal European Seed published a list of the 20 most creative people within plant breeding, whose work has helped benefit farmers and consumers. Two of DLF’s plant breeders, Vladimir ˇCernoch and Christophe Galbrun, who have been working innovatively with turf and forage grass for many years, were added to this prestigious list. Managing Covid-19 during a busy season The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on many of the markets and countries where DLF operates. The outbreak coincided with our peak season, but despite many limitations and restrictions, we succeeded in keeping our activities up and running. The demand for seeds was, in many cases, higher than normal, particularly in North America and several European countries where consumer demand for lawn grass seeds was intense. Despite experiencing short suspensions due to Covid-19, we managed to maintain a high flow and serve our customers. This reflected not least responsible management and motivated employees throughout the Group who worked hard and with commitment while looking after themselves and each other.
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