New Contract

Genus PLC 19 February 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 19 February 2001 GENUS PLC Wins £20 Million Contract The consulting division of Genus plc which provides information, consulting advice and solutions to all levels of the agricultural and food industry as well as to national and international policy makers, today announces that it has been awarded a major contract by the UK Government's Department of International Development (DFID). The £20 million contract will work in assisting the Government of Nigeria in a comprehensive programme to build capacity and strengthen local government. Following the election of a democratic government in 1999 this Programme is an important component of an ongoing initiative by the British Government aimed at improving accountability and encouraging good governance. Many of the activities undertaken by Genus Consulting will sharpen existing programmes, looking at ways of tackling poverty reduction and improving livelihoods, especially in rural areas. Additionally the Programme will assist with the development of systems, which measure the progress and impact of government initiatives. The Programme, which will run until 2007, will support the Government of Nigeria in: * creating opportunities for open, accountable, and responsive government at both state and local government areas in four states; * improving the performance of public service at these levels; * setting priorities for resource use and the management of these resources in an efficient and sustainable way; * creating monitoring and evaluation systems for application by local staff; * the dissemination of any lessons to other states, to Federal government and to other donors. Richard Wood, Chief Executive of Genus plc, commenting on the contract win, commented: 'A contract win of this size is hugely exciting for the Genus Group. We look forward to working with both the Government of Nigeria and the Dept. of International Development over the next six years - we are particularly excited about the challenges that lie ahead and the impact we hope to make on the State of Nigeria. - END - For further information, please contact : Genus Richard Wood, Chief Executive Tel: +44 (0)1270 536 500 John Berry, Consulting Division Tel: +44 (0) 1270 536 638 Buchanan Communications Charles Ryland / Nicola How Tel: +44 (0)20 7466 5000 Notes to Editors: Genus is a leader of technology and service in cattle breeding, agricultural consulting and the distribution of products in the veterinary market. In July 2000 Genus moved from the OFEX Exchange of the London Stock Exchange to the Alternative Investment Market and is now established as a visionary international company trading in over 70 countries with three substantial complementary divisions: * Genus Breeding: Genus Breeding is the global market leader in cattle breeding. It's cutting edge technology is being used to improve the quality of beef and dairy herds worldwide. * Genus Consulting: Genus Consulting offers services to the complete food chain. It provides information, consulting advice and solutions to farmers, growers, food manufacturers, agri-business and national and international policy makers. * Genus Distribution: Genus Distribution is a wholesale distributor of veterinary products, generic human pharmaceuticals and dental consumables. It also markets branded products for the small animal sector.