Asgrow Vegetable Seeds announced this week that it has launched the first stage of its website, www.AsgrowVeg.com, which it plans to build into a fully integrated e-business resource for vegetable growers, and an access point for produce buyers looking for specific varieties and marketing support.

The site currently includes news and information on Asgrow and its products, downloadable category management reports for produce handlers, and consumer-oriented information on vegetable plant breeding and biotechnology. This is just the start, according to Asgrow managers.

"There's not going to be any virtual tomatoes," said North America sales manager Matthew Johnston. "Instead we believe the web is an ideal place to offer new value-added services to our customers while at the same time better linking growers to our partners in the produce business."

For growers, services will likely include online invoicing and order status checks, automated transactions with dealers, and downloadable technical sheets, among others. "Information about a shipment of seed - what are the specs, where it is in our system - can be just as important to growers as the seed itself," explained Johnston. 

In addition, Johnston wants to use the web to extend Asgrow's efforts on the retail produce level. Right now, Asgrow organizes several promotions each year to help boost consumer demand for new types of vegetables. With the web, Johnston sees the scope of these programs growing exponentially. "We be able to reach more consumers, and provide more customized support to the industry," he said. Johnston anticipated that many of these features and services will be added during the coming year.

Asgrow Vegetable Seeds, a Seminis Inc. business, develops and markets over 1000 vegetable variety choices in 108 countries. Worldwide headquarters are based in Saticoy, California.

Company news release
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