-- Partnership Combines New Technology With Breeding and Production Expertise to Facilitate Commercialization of Health-Promoting Plant Oil --
Davis, Calif. (March 22, 2006) – Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Cal/West Seeds, the largest member- owned seed production cooperative in the United States, to develop High GLA Safflower. Under the agreement, Arcadia will provide the core GLA Safflower technology and will market GLA Safflower oil, and Cal/West will provide the breeding and production expertise needed for successful commercial production.
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid with health benefits that are similar and complementary to the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. GLA is a natural anti-inflammatory with benefits for cardiac, joint, skin, and neuro health. The two main sources of dietary GLA are evening primrose oil and borage oil, containing 10 percent and 20 percent GLA respectively. Because evening primrose and borage plants are difficult to cultivate commercially, these oils are expensive to produce and supplies can be erratic and unreliable. As a result, widespread and economical consumption of GLA and GLA–enriched products is hampered by high cost and limited availability. While some commercial safflower varieties contain very low quantities of GLA, Arcadia's GLA Safflower oil contains considerably higher levels and can significantly reduce the daily capsule consumption and the associated cost when compared to evening primrose and borage.
"Our partnership with Cal/West brings consumers one step closer to better nutrition through a more concentrated, less expensive and more convenient source of GLA," said Eric Rey, president and CEO of Arcadia. "Cal/West's unique safflower breeding and seed expertise and production resources will be a major asset as we work to expand the GLA market and total safflower acres."
"As long-term stakeholders in the safflower industry, we recognize the commercial potential for GLA Safflower," said Paul Frey, CEO of Cal/West. "U.S. Safflower acres have declined steadily since 1991 for a variety of reasons. GLA Safflower can add significant value to and create new markets for U.S. safflower growers."
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 Cal/West Seeds
Cal/West Seeds has a proven record as a reliable source for seed. Established in 1969, Cal/West Seeds has over 500 seed-growing members in California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Nevada and delivers a variety of high quality seed worldwide. Complete information on Cal/West Seeds is available directly from the company's headquarters by calling 530-666-3331 or by visiting www.calwestseeds.com.
