NEW YORK, Dec. 23--Agrinomics, the joint venture between Exelixis and Crop Science, has launched a crop genomics collaboration with Renessen, the joint venture between Monsanto and Cargill, the companies announced on Dec. 19.
The two companies will partner to improve seed oil crops. Agrinomics will apply its functional genomics expertise, including gene screening and phenotypic identification. Renessen will direct development and commercialization.
In the deal, Agrinomics will receive research funding, pre-commercial milestone payments, and royalties on any commercialized products from Renessen. Renessen will also direct the development of transgenic strains.
Agrinomics, launched in 1999, has developed a gene discovery platform based on Arabidopsis gene expression.
Canola and soybeans are the major oil seed crops, accounting for more than 70 percent of the $32 billion global market, according to the companies.
For further information, see the statement.