Columbia Seeds, Barenbrug USA announce partnership

A turfgrass marketing and production partnership will expand each company's portfolio.

TANGENT, Ore. – Barenbrug USA and Columbia Seeds are strategically aligning in a Turfgrass Marketing and Production Partnership to provide more value in the market.

Barenbrug USA will now have direct access to Columbia Seeds’ premier Value Direct Link production and distribution model, which facilitates the flow of seed directly from the producer to the marketplace. Columbia Seed brings a close association with growers and a multichannel distribution system.

Columbia Seeds will benefit from access to certain Barenbrug premier turfgrass technologies such as Yellow Jacket Enhanced Seed Coating, RPR and RTF to offer for its customer blends and mixes. Barenbrug’s patented technologies are known for creating new turfgrass categories.

This new partnership will allow both Barenbrug USA and Columbia Seeds to provide a larger portfolio of options to both new and existing distribution channels in North America. Both companies will have the opportunity to exchange improved turf-type varieties and have first-look access to new genetics. As part of this sharing, Barenbrug will increase its investments in turfgrass research, product development and brand development focused on unique, sustainable traits that provide solutions to challenges in turfgrass. Moreover, distributors will be able to create additional value by consolidating orders between both seed companies.

Barenbrug USA and Columbia Seeds are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates for the future. “Scott Harer and I are honored to have Columbia Seeds involved in this collaboration,” commented Tom Pape, VP Columbia Seeds. “It is exciting to be able to offer our customers access to highly regarded technologies and brands.” James Schneider, president Barenbrug USA, stated, “Today’s competitive environment demands that seed companies think differently so both value and innovation can be accessible to customers. We are delighted to partner with a quality company and quality people who complement what we do best—providing innovation and solutions.”