Barenbrug's first export to the United States was not grass seed but was instead a publication. In 1908, upon the request of Barenbrug's US representative, Joseph Barenbrug wrote the book "Money in Grasses." This publication explained the various types of grasses and their specific uses, and established Barenbrug's reputation as the foremost experts in the grass seed field.

In the late 1960s, a relationship was developed with Barenbrug's US equivalent, the family-owned and -operated grass seed company, Loft's Seed. Barenbrug's turf type bluegrass Baron was licensed to Loft's, who provided its first introduction to US buyers. Through their initial efforts and Barenbrug's subsequent assistance, Baron became the US market's best-known bluegrass.

Eventually, seed quality demands from Japan gave rise to US production of Barenbrug varieties. In 1979, Barenbrug bought Mount Emily Seeds, a grass seed processing plant in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, from a group of grass seed growers. It allowed Barenbrug to produce the desired qualities of bluegrass while establishing a direct presence in the US market.

In the late 1980s, production expanded into the Columbia Basin. In 1991, a seed processing plant was built in Boardman, Oregon to accommodate the increased production. The two locations operated under the name "Barenbrug USA Production Division." However, to fully participate in the US market, a location in the Willamette Valley--the heart of ryegrass and tall fescue production--was a must.

In 1990, Barenbrug acquired Normarc Seed Company, which had a reasonable market share but no research facilities to develop new varieties. This became Barenbrug USA and soon joined with the Production Division to become the Barenbrug North America Division. The variety portfolio was expanded and research facilities were established in Albany, Oregon and in 2000 a station in Haymarket, Virginia was added. Barenbrug North America was now set to become a key player in the US market.

Barenbrug China was established in 1998.

Barenbrug North America

Also in 2000, a new strategic direction was chosen to capitalize on changing market dynamics. The dynamics had changed dramatically with the coming (1996) and going (2001) of ABT (Agri Bio-Tech). Barenbrug USA divested from its distribution companies and implemented the 'wholesale only' concept. With Territory Managers positioned throughout the states, they now work with our distributors to develop their markets for our varieties. Internally, the sales are split in four sectors: Consumer Products, Professional Turf, Forage and Export, with each sector focusing on its own customized market development. In 2002, the breakthrough tall fescue "RTF" was introduced and proves to be an enormous success in the market.