Nufarm sells Melbourne-based biotechnology subsidiary

Nufarm has agreed to sell its Melbourne-based Florigene biotechnology subsidiary to Japanese firm Suntory.

Florigene is engaged in the development and commercialisation of genetically engineered plants. Nufarm managing director Doug Rathbone said Nufarm was now focused on crop protection.

Florigene and Suntory were involved in a joint venture which successfully commercialised the world's first genetically modified flowers.