Use of Advanced Screening and Breeding Techniques Can Deliver Better-Tasting, Longer-Lasting Produce

DAVIS, Calif. and BARCELONA, Spain (October 30, 2008) – Arcadia Biosciences, Inc, an agricultural technology company focused on developing technologies and products that benefit the environment and human health, and Semillas Fito, a leading European seed company and one of the oldest seed companies in the Mediterranean, today announced a research and commercial development agreement for extended shelf-life tomatoes. Under the agreement, Semillas Fito has an exclusive license to utilize Arcadia technology and proprietary germplasm for the development and commercialization of extended shelf-life tomatoes. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Because tomatoes are a perishable fruit often produced in areas distant from consumer markets, increasing tomato shelf-life, overall quality, and taste is a constant challenge to the industry. The development of extended shelf-life tomatoes using TILLING® technology can enable breeders to select better-tasting tomato varieties for commercial sale. Because TILLING® technology is a tool to identify natural variation within plants, tomatoes developed under this agreement will be non-GMO.

"The development of tomatoes with improved shelf-life will benefit both consumers and producers," said Eric Rey, president and CEO of Arcadia. "For consumers, it will mean better flavor and less waste from spoilage after purchase, and for producers it will lead to the ability to provide a better quality product with less waste. Semillas Fito is an ideal partner for us because of their proven breeding capabilities, proprietary germplasm, and access to key world markets."

"Although long shelf life (LSL) tomatoes are already available in the market, this is the very first time the approach to LSL does not spoil the flavor, which will allow us to create unique products. Working with Arcadia on this project is the easiest way to speed up the process and create synergies between classical breeding and new biotechnology tools," said Eduard Fito, Vegetables Seeds Unit director of Semillas Fito.

The companies expect that the first new varieties could be commercially available by 2011.

About Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.
Based in Davis, Calif., with additional facilities in Seattle, Wash. and Phoenix, Ariz., 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, visit www.arcadiabio.com

About Semillas Fito
Semillas Fito is one of the oldest and largest seed companies in the Mediterranean region whose main focus is the research and development of new plant varieties. The economic and human resources devoted by the company to research and development are the highest of any Spanish agribusiness company. For more information visit www.semillasfito.com