Evogene Expands Biofuel Activity in Brazil with SLC Agricola

14-12-2011: Evogene Ltd. and SLC Agricola announced expansion of their agreement for the development of castor bean seeds as a cost competitive feedstock for biofuels. This expansion follows successful completion of field trials for such varieties in northeast Brazil during 2011.

The collaboration between Evogene and SLC Agricola, initiated in 2010, is focused on developing advanced castor seed displaying high oil yield under rain-fed conditions and suitable for sustainable and commercial production in Brazil. In recently completed field trials, proprietary castor varieties developed by Evogene demonstrated improved yield potential and performance compared to existing cultivars. Under the expanded agreement, the companies will continue to collaborate on evaluating Evogene's castor varieties in SLC's farm locations in northeast Brazil to determine the best performing varieties and agronomic practices suitable for commercial scale production.

About SLC Agricola SLC Agricola SA. is one of the largest land owners and agricultural producers in Brazil, being also the first in its sector (grains and cotton) to list its shares in a stock exchange. It focuses of the production of cotton, soybean and corn, and also on the acquisition and development of farmland in the country for future sale. The Company currently operates 13 production units, in six different states, totaling 250 thousand hectares of planted area at the 2011/12 crop year. The Company’s business model is based on a large-scale, modern production system, with standardized production units, thoroughly up-to-date technology and rigorous cost controls, underpinned by social and environmental responsibility.