Introduction

In a significant move that marks its expansion in the alfalfa market, international forage and turf seed firm DLF has acquired Corteva Agriscience's assets in the alfalfa business, including its coveted commercial alfalfa varieties. The deal, which became effective on September 1, signifies DLF's commitment to strengthening its global position in the world of alfalfa breeding and sales.  

DLF's Strategic Acquisition

DLF, headquartered in Denmark, announced its acquisition of Corteva's global alfalfa germplasm and breeding program, a pivotal move for the company. This strategic purchase encompasses Corteva's existing commercial alfalfa varieties, which include renowned trademarks such as Hi-Gest, Hi-Ton, Hi-Salt, and msSuntra. Additionally, DLF has secured the Alforex Seeds brand name, a key player in the alfalfa industry.  

A Promising Future for Commercial Alfalfa Varieties

With this acquisition, DLF aims to integrate Corteva's commercial alfalfa varieties into its global research and development program. The company is also committed to retaining select Corteva personnel who are currently instrumental in supporting the alfalfa program, including researchers and developers in the U.S. Midwest and Pacific Northwest. Looking ahead, DLF has ambitious plans for expanding its offerings in the alfalfa market. By the conclusion of the 2024 season, the company intends to present commercial alfalfa varieties that are on par with Corteva's Pioneer brand and Dairyland Seed brand alfalfa products. These plans underscore DLF's dedication to maintaining and further enhancing the excellence of the acquired portfolio.  

DLF's Vision and Market Impact

DLF's CEO, Soren Halbye, expressed the company's long-term vision, stating, "We have consistently aimed to establish a strong presence in alfalfa across all our global markets, including North America." Acquiring Corteva's renowned alfalfa research program provides DLF with a unique opportunity to achieve this goal and significantly bolster its position in the alfalfa breeding and sales industry. Corteva's alfalfa portfolio, now in DLF's hands, offers a diverse and proven alfalfa germplasm base and native trait pipeline. These assets come with outstanding yield potential, disease and pest resistance, winter hardiness, and superior forage quality, catering to both dormant and non-dormant markets.  

The Bigger Picture

Forage seed has traditionally represented a smaller segment of Corteva's global seed business, which primarily focuses on corn and soybeans, primarily in the North American market. Their well-established brands, such as Pioneer and Brevant, have dominated these sectors. In the first half of 2023, Corteva's "other" seed category, encompassing forage and other seed products beyond corn and oilseeds, accounted for net sales of $288 million, within a total seed segment revenue of $6.959 billion. While these figures slightly declined compared to the same period in 2022, the acquisition reinforces DLF's commitment to diversifying and expanding its presence in the forage seed market.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, DLF's acquisition of Corteva Agriscience's commercial alfalfa varieties business represents a significant development in the forage seed industry. This strategic move demonstrates DLF's dedication to expanding its global presence in alfalfa breeding and sales. With the integration of Corteva's renowned germplasm and breeding program, along with its commercial alfalfa varieties, DLF is poised to bring innovation and excellence to the alfalfa market.