Document:

exv10w16

Exhibit 10.16

Pages where confidential treatment has been requested are stamped ‘Confidential Treatment
Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission,’ and the
confidential section has been marked as follows: [***].

Master Research Agreement

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 

	TABLE OF CONTENTS
	 	 	 	 
	 
	1. RESEARCH PROJECTS
	 	 	2	 
	2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
	 	 	6	 
	3. USE AND COMMERCIALIZATION RIGHTS
	 	 	9	 
	4. ENFORCEMENT OF JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
	 	 	11	 
	5. TERMINATION
	 	 	12	 
	6. PUBLICATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS
	 	 	14	 
	7. RECORDS AND AUDITS
	 	 	14	 
	8. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
	 	 	15	 
	9. CONFIDENTIALITY
	 	 	15	 
	10. NOTICES
	 	 	16	 
	11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND APPLICABLE LAW
	 	 	16	 
	12. PUBLICITY
	 	 	18	 
	13. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
	 	 	19	 
	14. EXCLUSIVITY
	 	 	20	 
	15. EXCLUSION OF WARRANTIES
	 	 	21	 
	16. GENERAL
	 	 	22	 
	16.1 Entire Agreement/Modifications
	 	 	22	 
	16.2 Severability
	 	 	22	 
	16.3 Waiver
	 	 	22	 
	16.4 Enforcement
	 	 	22	 
	16.5 Assignablility
	 	 	23	 
	16.6 Force Majeure
	 	 	23	 
	16.7 Choice of Law
	 	 	23	 
	EXHIBIT A —  DEFINITION OF COLLABORATION CROPS
	 	 	24	 
	EXHIBIT B — PREFERRED FORM OF RECEIPT FORM
	 	 	25	 
	EXHIBIT C
— PREFERRED FORM OF VARIETY EVALUATION AGREEMENT
	 	 	26	 
	EXHIBIT D — EXISTING OR PENDING EXTRAMURAL FUNDING
	 	 	28	 
	EXHIBIT E — EXCLUDED CROPS
	 	 	29	 
	EXHIBIT F — SEED PRODUCTION AND COMMERCIALIZATION ACTIVITIES
	 	 	30	 
	EXHIBIT G — MODEL LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR NON-TRANSGENIC VARIETIES
	 	 	31	 

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 1 of 57

 

 

MASTER RESEARCH AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT is made this 19 day of May, 2006 (“Effective Date”), by and between THE SAMUEL
ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC. (“NOBLE”), an Oklahoma nonprofit corporation, and CERES, INC., a
Delaware corporation (“CERES”).

     WHEREAS, CERES and NOBLE entered into an EVALUATION, PRODUCTION AND LICENSE AGREEMENT, dated
19 May 2006, to evaluate and develop certain germplasm and grant the exclusive option, and if
exercised, exclusive, world-wide license, to CERES to produce, use, sell and commercially exploit
such germplasm;

     WHEREAS, the parties wish to establish a research program for undertaking specific,
collaborative projects after the Effective Date, to further the scientific research and commercial
objectives of CERES as well as the scientific research objectives of NOBLE;

     WHEREAS, the research programs contemplated by this Agreement and its schedules are consistent
with and in furtherance of NOBLE research programs;

     WHEREAS, the research programs contemplated by this Agreement will further the scientific
research objectives of NOBLE in a manner consistent with its tax-exempt status;

     WHEREAS, CERES and NOBLE recognize that rights to intellectual property conceived or reduced
to practice in the performance of the parties’ various collaborations can be a strong incentive for
CERES to risk money and other resources needed to incorporate intellectual property into a product
or procedure for wide public enjoyment;

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and agreements
contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the parties have agreed and do
hereby agree as follows:

1. RESEARCH PROJECTS.

     1.1 CERES and NOBLE anticipate that from time to time they may undertake and conduct
certain joint and collaborative research projects (individually a “RESEARCH PROJECT” and
collectively “RESEARCH PROJECTS”). The parties acknowledge and agree that the RESEARCH PROJECTS
will involve the contributions, whether financial or otherwise, of both parties. The specific terms
and respective obligations of the parties for each RESEARCH PROJECT will be negotiated by the
parties and reflected in a schedule (“SCHEDULE”) signed by authorized representatives of both
parties. Any such fully executed SCHEDULE shall become a part of this Agreement and subject to the
terms of this Agreement. Each party shall diligently perform its activities in any given RESEARCH
PROJECT.

     1.2 All rights in property, tangible or intangible, used in the RESEARCH PROJECTS shall remain
with the party providing such property, unless otherwise agreed between the parties in this
Agreement, a SCHEDULE or a separate agreement.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 2 of 57

 

 

     1.3 RESEARCH PROJECTS will relate to crop species defined in EXHIBIT A to this
Agreement (“COLLABORATION CROPS”).

     1.4 Each SCHEDULE will at least contain the following:

	 	1.4.1	 	 Provisions that may be modified by the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:

	 	•	 	research activities to be performed by each party in detail
	 
	 	•	 	timelines of such activities
	 
	 	•	 	goals, expected results and deliverables
	 
	 	•	 	milestones and “go” and “no-go” decision points
	 
	 	•	 	all reports to be delivered to the MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE (Article 13) and the required delivery dates for the same
	 
	 	•	 	additional information on RESEARCH PROJECT
activities: breeding records and biological or other material generated
in such activities to be provided to the other party, including delivery
method and time
	 
	 	•	 	location of activities
	 
	 	•	 	identity of RESEARCH PROJECT principal
investigators for CERES and NOBLE
	 
	 	•	 	identity and location of any SUBCONTRACTORS
(Paragraph 1.13) to be used for the RESEARCH PROJECT activities

	 	1.4.2	 	Provisions that may only be modified in accordance with Paragraph 16.1:

	 	•	 	number of FTE’s made available by each party for
the RESEARCH PROJECT, including names of any CERES and NOBLE PhD-level
employees
	 
	 	•	 	other inputs and resources made available by each
party for the RESEARCH PROJECT
	 
	 	•	 	financial contributions of each party to the
RESEARCH PROJECT
	 
	 	•	 	provisions on intellectual property, including
lists of BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and any provisions which are
different from those set forth in this Agreement
	 
	 	•	 	provisions on use and commercialization rights
which are different from those set forth in this Agreement
	 
	 	•	 	provisions on expiration and early termination

     1.5 Unless a SCHEDULE provides for more frequent formal reporting, each party shall provide to
the other party a detailed, written annual report on its activities in each RESEARCH PROJECT. In
addition, upon the request of either party at any time, the parties will discuss the RESEARCH
PROJECTS, their status, the progress and results achieved, and they will make available each
RESEARCH PROJECT principal investigator (and other employees as needed, in the discretion

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 3 of 57

 

 

of the respective RESEARCH PROJECT principal investigators) at mutually agreeable times, as
needed, for such discussions; provided however, such contacts and discussions shall be reasonable
in frequency and duration so as not to be disruptive to the respective research activities of each
party or the research activities of the RESEARCH PROJECTS. Each party will also voluntarily provide
data, information and material generated in the RESEARCH PROJECT to the other party as required to
further the parties’ mutual goals defined in each RESEARCH PROJECT or in any other agreement
between the parties. Each party will have the right, upon reasonable notice to the other party, to
visit any location where RESEARCH PROJECT activities are conducted for the purposes of evaluating
RESEARCH PROJECT progress and outcomes, and particularly to make observations of any plants in
growth chambers, greenhouses or fields that are a part of a RESEARCH PROJECT. Each party will
comply with any reasonable safety and security measures which may be imposed by the other party
when visiting such other party’s location.

     1.6 Any transfer of information or material pursuant to this Agreement or any SCHEDULE will be
governed by the provisions of this Agreement on CONFIDENTIALITY (Article 9) and PUBLICATIONS
(Article 6). Any transfer of material shall be accompanied by a receipt form in the preferred
format attached as EXHIBIT B to this Agreement. Such receipt forms shall be signed by
representatives of both the sending and receiving parties.

     1.7 Unless otherwise specified in a SCHEDULE, each party shall bear its own costs and pay its
own SUBCONTRACTORS, with respect to its RESEARCH PROJECT activities, out of its own funds.

     1.8 Where a SCHEDULE provides that CERES will make a financial contribution to certain
RESEARCH PROJECT activities performed by NOBLE, unless agreed otherwise in the appropriate
SCHEDULE, NOBLE will submit invoices after the end of each calendar quarter for the work performed
during that quarter. Each such invoice shall reflect only those costs that have been incurred in
performance of the RESEARCH PROJECT and shall provide a breakdown of costs similar to the detail
set forth in the budget of the related SCHEDULE. CERES will pay all such invoices within thirty
(30) days after the invoice date. Payments shall be remitted to:

Accounts Receivable

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

2510 Sam Noble Parkway

Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401

     1.9 Each party will conduct RESEARCH PROJECT activities exclusively in laboratories,
greenhouses or fields under full control of that party or of its SUBCONTRACTORS authorized by this
Agreement. Each party will take all reasonable precautions to prevent damage to, or unintentional
destruction of or release of any germplasm created in the RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.

     1.10 Each party shall be responsible for its compliance with all applicable laws, rules and
regulations, including, without limitation, those relating to genetically modified organisms (to
the extent RESEARCH PROJECTS involve such organisms), and obtaining any and all permits or
authorizations or proceed to any notifications which may be required by such laws, rules and
regulations.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 4 of 57

 

 

     1.11 Each party will require any and all of its employees or students who will perform
activities in RESEARCH PROJECTS to be bound by a written agreement(s) that commits their
inventions, discoveries and other intellectual property to the party-employer and requires
confidential treatment of party and third-party confidential information. Each party shall further
notify each such employee, in writing, of their obligations and responsibilities under the terms of
this Agreement, including but not limited to the provisions of this Agreement on CONFIDENTIALITY
(Article 9), PUBLICATIONS (Article 6) and INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (Article 2).

     1.12 The RESEARCH PROJECT principal investigators named in each SCHEDULE shall be charged with
leading the RESEARCH PROJECT described therein.

     1.12.1 RESEARCH PROJECT principal investigators may not vary the schedule of delivery,
amount, method of payment or any provision of a SCHEDULE. No such change shall be effective
unless and until it is reduced to writing (a) in the form of an amendment to such SCHEDULE
in accordance with the obligations of Paragraph 16.1 or (b) with respect to items listed in
Paragraph 1.4.1, in the signed minutes of a MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE meeting.

     1.12.2 Substitution by NOBLE of a RESEARCH PROJECT (a) principal investigator or (b) a
CERES-funded, PhD-level, NOBLE employee named or filling a defined position listed in a
SCHEDULE shall be subject to CERES’ prior written approval, which will not unreasonably be
withheld or delayed. NOBLE will notify CERES, in writing, of any substitution by NOBLE of a
non-CERES-funded, PhD-level employee named or who filled a defined position listed in a
SCHEDULE. CERES will notify NOBLE, in writing, of any substitution by CERES of a RESEARCH
PROJECT principal investigator or a PhD-level CERES employee named or who filled a defined
position listed in a SCHEDULE.

     1.13 Each party may subcontract certain parts of its RESEARCH PROJECT activities to third
parties, or use third party consultants in connection with RESEARCH PROJECT activities, but only if
the subcontract or consultancy agreement is in writing and complies with the terms and conditions
set forth hereinafter. Such third parties with whom such a subcontract or consultancy agreement is
executed will be referred to as “SUBCONTRACTORS”.

     1.13.1 The following terms and conditions shall apply to NOBLE’s SUBCONTRACTORS: (a)
the SUBCONTRACTOR shall perform defined activities on behalf and for the benefit of NOBLE in
exchange for a fee or other tangible consideration; (b) the SUBCONTRACTOR shall deliver all
the results of the SUBCONTRACTOR’S activities under the subcontract to NOBLE only, and
assign ownership of or exclusively license any inventions made during the performance of the
subcontracting activities to NOBLE, without any further remuneration and (c) the
SUBCONTRACTOR shall not have the right to use any results, whether information or material,
for any purpose whatsoever other than the performance of the subcontract; provided however,
not-for-profit research institution SUBCONTRACTORS may be granted the right to use certain
information generated pursuant to the subcontract for their internal academic research and
educational purposes (i.e., not in collaboration with or for the benefit of any third
party). NOBLE will provide a true copy of any subcontract to CERES within thirty (30) days
of its execution.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 5 of 57

 

 

     1.13.2 It is anticipated that any agreements with commercial SUBCONTRACTORS will be
entered into by CERES, and NOBLE will assist CERES in identifying SUBCONTRACTORS for any
field activities. The following conditions shall apply to CERES SUBCONTRACTORS: CERES will
inform NOBLE, in writing, of any SUBCONTRACTORS used by CERES for the performance of
RESEARCH PROJECT activities and will verify that nothing in the subcontract would prevent
CERES from implementing or carrying out the obligations of the RESEARCH PROJECT.

     1.13.3 All SUBCONTRACTORS shall be bound by confidentiality obligations consistent with
the terms and obligations of this Agreement. All SUBCONTRACTORS shall be responsible for
their respective compliance with all laws, rules and regulations that govern their
activities.

     1.13.4 For variety evaluation and performance testing using not-for-profit research
institution SUBCONTRACTORS, the parties agree that each transfer of seed (or other plant
material) shall be governed by a written agreement consistent with the preferred form set
forth in EXHIBIT C to this Agreement.

     1.13.5 Any intended agreement with a SUBCONTRACTOR shall be identified in a SCHEDULE if
known at the time the SCHEDULE is executed by the parties. NOBLE will obtain CERES’ prior
written consent before entering into any agreement with a SUBCONTRACTOR which is not listed
in a SCHEDULE.

     1.14 The parties mutually agree that any applications for extramural funding for a RESEARCH
PROJECT, from governmental authorities or other public sources, will be subject to the prior,
written agreement, neither unreasonably withheld or delayed, by both parties; provided however, the
parties acknowledge that CERES and/or NOBLE has or has applied for certain government, extramural
funding prior to the Effective Date (EXHIBIT D to this Agreement), and such funding (or
possible funding, if awarded) shall not be construed as a breach of the obligations of this
paragraph.

     1.15 The parties agree not to accept targeted research funding from for-profit entities to
perform any RESEARCH PROJECT, whether in whole or in part, initiated under this Agreement without
the prior, written consent of the other party.

2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

     2.1 “JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY” shall mean (a) all patentable inventions conceived,
discovered, developed and/or reduced to practice (i) jointly by one or more employees, agents, or
students of CERES and by one or more employees, agents, or students of NOBLE in the performance of
any RESEARCH PROJECT(S) or (ii) by one or more employees, agents or students of NOBLE in the
performance of any RESEARCH PROJECT(S) to the extent CERES provides a financial contribution for
NOBLE’s activities in such RESEARCH PROJECT; (b) U.S. and/or foreign patents, patent applications,
plant variety rights, plant variety right applications, reissues, continuations,
continuations-in-part and divisionals claiming such patentable inventions; (c) all copyrighted
works created jointly by one or more employees, agents, or students of CERES and by one or more
employees, agents, or students of NOBLE in the performance of any RESEARCH

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 6 of 57

 

 

PROJECT(S); and (d) all germplasm and plant varieties created in the performance of plant
breeding activities in the performance of any RESEARCH PROJECT(S).

     2.2 “CERES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY” shall mean (a) all patentable inventions conceived,
discovered, developed, and/or reduced to practice by one or more employees, agents, or students of
CERES in the performance of any RESEARCH PROJECT(S), except as set forth in Article 2.1; (b) U.S.
and/or foreign patents, patent applications, plant variety rights, plant variety right
applications, reissues, continuations, continuations-in-part, and divisionals claiming such
patentable inventions; and (c) all copyrighted works created by one or more employees, agents, or
students of CERES in the performance of any RESEARCH PROJECT(S) .

     2.3 “NOBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY” shall mean (a) all patentable inventions conceived,
discovered, developed, and/or reduced to practice by one or more employees, agents, or students of
NOBLE in the performance of RESEARCH PROJECT(S), except as set forth in Article 2.1; (b) U.S.
and/or foreign patents, patent applications, plant variety rights, plant variety right
applications, reissues, continuations, continuations-in-part, and divisionals claiming such
patentable inventions; and (c) all copyrighted works created by one or more employees, agents, or
students of NOBLE in the performance of RESEARCH PROJECT(S).

     2.4 “OTHER RESEARCH RESULTS” shall mean all data, information, procedures and techniques
generated in the performance of RESEARCH PROJECT(S), but expressly excludes JOINT INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY, CERES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, and NOBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

     2.5 “BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY” shall mean (i) inventions, discoveries, materials, data
and information, whether patentable or not; including related know-how; (ii) U.S. and/or foreign
patents, patent applications, plant variety rights, plant variety right applications, reissues,
continuations, continuations-in-part and divisionals; and (iii) copyrighted works, which are
individually or collectively created, developed, made, acquired or licensed in by CERES or NOBLE
independent of this Agreement.

     2.5.1 Any party asserting that certain intellectual property is BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY shall have the burden of substantiating such claim, if necessary, with tangible
evidence, including but not limited to paper or electronic records.

     2.5.2 The parties acknowledge and agree that all relevant BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY for a RESEARCH PROJECT should be set forth within the corresponding SCHEDULE. With
respect to each element of BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY listed in a SCHEDULE, the
listing party shall include the following: ownership or licensed rights (exclusive or
non-exclusive) held by the listing party (if no ownership) with respect to the COLLABORATION
CROPS. Notwithstanding, subject to Paragraph 2.5.1, failure to specifically set forth such
BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY in a SCHEDULE will not foreclose a later claim that certain
intellectual property is BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

     2.6 CERES and NOBLE shall have an undivided interest in JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
Consequently, any and all patent applications or plant variety rights applications that

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 7 of 57

 

 

cover JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY shall be assigned jointly to CERES and NOBLE as soon as
practicable.

     2.6.1 All rights and title to CERES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and CERES BACKGROUND
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY shall belong to CERES, and NOBLE shall not acquire any interest in the
same by its performance under this Agreement.

     2.6.2 All rights and title to NOBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and NOBLE BACKGROUND
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY shall belong to NOBLE, and CERES shall not acquire any interest in the
same by its performance under this Agreement.

     2.7 Each party will notify the other party, in writing (“INVENTION NOTICE”), within thirty
(30) days of reduction to practice or knowledge of conception or discovery of JOINT INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY, and each INVENTION NOTICE will describe the JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY with sufficient
specificity to allow assessment by the other party.

     2.8 Unless circumstances (e.g., publication submission, presentation, etc.) prohibit such
duration, the parties shall consult within twenty (20) days of receiving an INVENTION NOTICE, such
consultation shall concern whether to proceed to obtain intellectual property protection on the
disclosed JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY or whether to protect the same through other methods. CERES
shall have the first option to pursue such protection in its best judgment in the joint names of
both parties. If CERES so elects by written notice within sixty (60) days of such initial
consultation, CERES shall be the “ADMINISTERING PARTY” for the purposes of this Agreement.

     2.8.1 The ADMINISTERING PARTY shall be responsible for retaining counsel, overseeing
the process of securing intellectual property protection (i.e., the preparation, filing and
prosecution of patent or plant variety rights application(s)) and maintaining intellectual
property protection for the mutual benefit of the parties, in its best judgment, for that
which it had prosecution responsibility. In addition to other reporting responsibilities
provided below, the ADMINISTERING PARTY shall promptly notify the other party following
retention of counsel. The parties will provide, and cause their respective employees, agents
and students to provide, all reasonable assistance which may be required in connection with
the filing and prosecution of such intellectual property rights, including without
limitation the signing of documents.

     2.8.2 The ADMINISTERING PARTY shall keep the non-administering party advised as to all
developments with respect to all patent and plant variety rights application(s) and issued
patents and plant variety rights covering jointly owned JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, which
includes supplying copies of all papers received and filed in connection with such
applications and patents in sufficient time for the non-administering party to comment
thereon.

     2.9 CERES agrees to bear all legal expenses incurred by CERES as an ADMINISTERING PARTY in
obtaining and maintaining patents and plant variety rights, U.S. and foreign, covering JOINT
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

     2.10 If CERES does not elect to file an application for a patent or plant variety rights or
continue maintenance of a patent or plant variety rights in a particular country, consistent with
the

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 8 of 57

 

 

consultation of Paragraph 2.8, NOBLE may file such application, continue such prosecution, or
maintain such patent or plant variety rights at its own expense; provided however, that prior to
filing any such application NOBLE will grant CERES the opportunity to discuss the possible
disclosure of confidential information which may occur through such filing. NOBLE will take into
account any issues raised by CERES during such discussion, but NOBLE will have the right to proceed
with such filing in accordance with its best judgment. For any such application, patent or plant
variety rights, NOBLE shall serve as the ADMINISTERING PARTY. CERES shall have non-exclusive rights
under the specific patent application(s), plant variety right application(s), patent(s) and/or
plant variety right(s) in the country(ies) in which CERES declined to initiate or continue its
participation, subject to paying NOBLE reasonable remuneration (whether as a royalty or in some
other form as the parties may agree) to be negotiated in good faith, and in any case CERES shall
remain free to use and practice the JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY covered by such specific patent
application(s)/patent(s) or plant variety rights application(s)/plant variety right(s) for research
and evaluation purposes.

     2.11 At each quarterly meeting of the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, CERES will report CERES
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY on which patent applications were filed in the preceding quarter and the
general subject matter of patent applications reasonably anticipated to be filed in the near term,
and NOBLE will report NOBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY on which patent applications were filed in the
preceding quarter and the general subject matter of patent applications reasonably anticipated to
be filed in the near term. In addition, the parties may exchange information regarding their
respective INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY at other times as they deem fit.

3. USE AND COMMERCIALIZATION RIGHTS.

     3.1 Through the express grant of such rights in any SCHEDULE, CERES may grant NOBLE the
right to use CERES BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY to the extent required for, and for the sole
purpose of, the performance by NOBLE (or its SUBCONTRACTORS) of RESEARCH PROJECTS. SCHEDULES may
specify that similar rights are granted with respect to defined elements of CERES BACKGROUND
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

     3.2 NOBLE shall have the right to use JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and OTHER RESEARCH RESULTS
(a) for the purpose of the implementation of RESEARCH PROJECTS; (b) for internal research purposes
(i.e., not in collaboration with or for the benefit of third parties), which do not concern the
breeding or germplasm improvement of COLLABORATION CROPS; and (c) for research purposes in all
crops except (i) the COLLABORATION CROPS and (ii) the specific crops set forth in EXHIBIT
E. The provisions of this Agreement on CONFIDENTIALITY (Article 9) and PUBLICATIONS (Article 6)
will apply with respect to all the foregoing activities.

     3.2.1 CERES shall have an exclusive first option to commercialize any results of
NOBLE’s research activities under Paragraphs 3.2(a) and 3.2(b). NOBLE shall notify CERES, in
writing, of any such results.

     3.2.2 If CERES exercises its option by written notice within ninety (90) days of
NOBLE’S written notice under Paragraph 3.2.1, CERES and NOBLE shall negotiate the terms of a
commercialization agreement that covers the reported results. If, despite the parties’ good
faith efforts, CERES and NOBLE are unable to agree upon the terms and conditions of such
agreement within one hundred and eighty (180) days after commencing good faith negotiations,

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 9 of 57

 

 

or at any earlier time agreed to by the parties, then NOBLE shall be free to
commercially exploit the results or grant licenses, with the right to grant sublicenses, to
third parties, to use and commercially exploit such results for all crops except (a) the
COLLABORATION CROPS and (b) the specific crops set forth in EXHIBIT E.

     3.2.3 If CERES declines to exercise this option or fails to respond within ninety (90)
days of NOBLE’S written notice under Paragraph 3.2.1, NOBLE shall then be free to
commercially exploit the results or grant licenses, with the right to grant sublicenses, to
third parties to use and commercially exploit such results for all crops except (a) the
COLLABORATION CROPS and (b) the specific crops set forth in EXHIBIT E.

     3.2.4 Pursuant to Paragraphs 3.2.2 or 3.2.3, if NOBLE proceeds to commercial
exploitation of such results whether through the grant of a license to a third party or
otherwise (subject to Paragraph 14.2 on exclusivity), such exploitation shall result in
NOBLE paying CERES reasonable remuneration (whether as a royalty or in some other form as
the parties may agree) to be negotiated in good faith. This remuneration shall take into
account the financial contribution of each party in research, development, marketing and
commercialization with respect to the relevant products.

     3.3 Subject to the reservations and rights granted to NOBLE in Paragraph 3.2, the parties
acknowledge and agree that CERES shall have the exclusive right, with the right to grant
sublicenses to this right, to use and commercially exploit JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and OTHER
RESEARCH RESULTS for any and all uses and fields, including, but not limited to, use in the
COLLABORATION CROPS and crops other than the COLLABORATION CROPS. Any commercialization (including,
but not limited to, the grant of commercialization licenses) of JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and/or
OTHER RESEARCH RESULTS shall result in CERES paying NOBLE a reasonable remuneration (whether as a
royalty or in some other form as the parties may agree) to be negotiated in good faith. This
remuneration shall take into account the financial contribution of each party in research
development, marketing and commercialization with respect to the relevant products. The terms for
remuneration will be specified, with respect to specific RESEARCH PROJECTS, JOINT INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY and/or OTHER RESEARCH RESULTS, either in the respective SCHEDULES or in other agreements
to be executed by the parties.

     3.4 Subject to the reservations of Paragraph 3.2, NOBLE agrees to grant CERES an exclusive,
world-wide license, with the right to grant sublicenses, to use and exploit commercially (a)
NOBLE’s interest in any JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and OTHER RESEARCH RESULTS; (b) NOBLE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and (c) when necessary for the commercialization or use of JOINT INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY and/or OTHER RESEARCH RESULTS and/or NOBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY for the COLLABORATION
CROPS, NOBLE BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, subject to paying NOBLE reasonable remuneration
(whether as a royalty or in some other form as the parties may agree) to be negotiated in good
faith. This remuneration shall take into account the financial contribution of each party in
research, development, marketing and commercialization with respect to the relevant products. Such
license grants will be further specified in other agreements to be executed by the parties.
SCHEDULES to this Agreement may refer to the Model License Agreement for Non-transgenic Varieties
in EXHIBIT G.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 10 of 57

 

 

4. ENFORCEMENT OF JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.

     4.1 CERES will have the right, at its own discretion and expense, to take any action to
enforce and to initiate and prosecute suits for infringement of jointly owned intellectual property
rights covering JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. CERES and NOBLE will consult with each other upon a
course of action and enforcement strategy. CERES will be responsible for the conduct of any such
enforcement action, and NOBLE will reasonably cooperate with CERES to effect the enforcement
action, and if appropriate, determine a settlement position. CERES shall be responsible for
retaining counsel and shall promptly notify NOBLE following retention of counsel, and NOBLE agrees
to be represented by such counsel as may be required for any enforcement action or settlement. For
purposes of settlement, CERES shall be the contact with the parties’ counsel as well as the
opposing party(ies) and shall have the right to enter into settlements. CERES shall keep NOBLE
advised as to all developments with respect to the enforcement action and settlement discussions,
which includes supplying to NOBLE copies of all papers received and filed in sufficient time for
NOBLE to comment thereon. NOBLE may attend any and all meetings with the parties’ counsel and the
opposing side for settlement purposes. NOBLE agrees to voluntarily join in any action brought by
CERES as a party plaintiff/defendant, if necessary, at the expense of CERES. If necessary, NOBLE
agrees to enter into a joint defense agreement.

     4.2 In situations where a substantial commercial interest of NOBLE’s is harmed by
infringement, and CERES elects not to pursue any action to enforce and to initiate and prosecute
suits for infringement, NOBLE shall have the right to pursue any such action in all crops except
(a) the COLLABORATION CROPS and (b) the specific crops set forth in EXHIBIT E, and CERES
will reasonably cooperate with NOBLE, if necessary, to permit NOBLE to properly enforce its rights.
NOBLE will be responsible for the conduct of any such enforcement action. NOBLE shall be
responsible for retaining counsel and shall promptly notify CERES following retention of counsel,
and CERES agrees to be represented by such counsel as may be required for any enforcement action or
settlement. For purposes of settlement, NOBLE shall be the contact with the parties’ counsel as
well as the opposing party(ies) and shall have the right to enter into settlements. NOBLE shall
keep CERES advised as to all developments with respect to the enforcement action and settlement
discussions, which includes supplying to CERES copies of all papers received and filed in
sufficient time for CERES to comment thereon. CERES may attend any and all meetings with the
parties’ counsel and the opposing side for settlement purposes. CERES agrees to voluntarily join in
any action brought by NOBLE as a party plaintiff/defendant, if necessary, at the expense of NOBLE.
If necessary, CERES agrees to enter into a joint defense agreement.

     4.3 Any damages received by CERES as a result of an enforcement action of rights to JOINT
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, after deduction of all enforcement related costs incurred by CERES, shall be
considered as revenues for the purpose of remuneration payments to NOBLE, as set forth in any
applicable license/commercialization agreement between the parties. In the absence of any such
license/commercialization agreement, the parties will share such damages after deduction of all
enforcement related costs incurred by CERES, in proportion to their relative financial
contributions to the creation (i.e., research and development) of such JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 11 of 57

 

 

5. TERMINATION.

     5.1. The term of this Agreement shall be twenty (20) years from the Effective Date,
unless sooner terminated in accordance with the following provisions of this Paragraph:

     (a) mutual, written agreement of the parties;

     (b) failure of one party to satisfy its material obligations under this Agreement, and
such party subsequently fails to cure such failure(s) within (i) thirty (30) days for
failures to remit payment for amounts due under this Agreement and (ii) ninety (90) days for
all other obligations in each case after receipt of written notice from the non-breaching
party specifying such failure(s);

     (c) one (1) year’s written notice of termination by either CERES or NOBLE to the other
party in case either the terminating party or the other party ceases substantially all
activities in the COLLABORATION CROPS;

     (d) NOBLE will have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally with thirty (30)
days’ written notice to CERES, (i) if CERES seeks protection under any bankruptcy,
insolvency, receivership, trust, deed, creditors arrangement or comparable proceeding or if
any such proceeding is instituted against CERES (and not dismissed within one hundred twenty
(120) days); (ii) in case of dissolution or winding up of CERES (excluding any situation
where all or substantially all of CERES’ assets, stock or business to which this Agreement
relates are acquired by a third party (whether by sale, acquisition, merger, operation of
law or otherwise)); (iii) with written notice to CERES, to be given no later than March 31,
2010 if Ceres has failed in a substantial manner, by December 31, 2009, to implement the
activities set forth in EXHIBIT F, and does not remedy such failure or offer a
remediation plan which is reasonably acceptable to NOBLE within ninety (90) days after
receipt of a written notice from NOBLE specifying such failure; or (iv) with one hundred
twenty (120) days’ written notice to CERES, if the institutional mission, purpose or
structure of NOBLE would change substantially and adversely affect NOBLE’S ability to
satisfy its obligations hereunder;

     (e) CERES will have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally: (i) with thirty
(30) days’ written notice to NOBLE if Dr. Joe Bouton ceases to be associated with NOBLE and
the RESEARCH PROJECTS contemplated by this Agreement, and NOBLE has not replaced him within
one hundred twenty (120) days by a person reasonably acceptable to CERES; (ii) with ninety
(90) days’ written notice to NOBLE, if the institutional mission, purpose or structure of
NOBLE would change substantially and adversely affect NOBLE’S ability to satisfy its
obligations hereunder; or (iii) with one (1) years’ written notice to NOBLE, if CERES has a
documented, compelling business reasons to cease the collaboration; or

     (f) either party will have the right to terminate this Agreement if no active RESEARCH
PROJECTS exist for more than two (2) years, provided that on or after the second anniversary
of the expiration or termination of the last SCHEDULE to expire or terminate, the parties
have not agreed on any new SCHEDULE despite (i) negotiations in good faith by both parties
or (ii) diligent, documented attempts by the terminating party to conduct negotiations in
good faith with respect to one or more new SCHEDULES, to which attempts the other party has
not been responsive.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 12 of 57

 

 

     5.2 Promptly upon the delivery of a notice of termination of this Agreement, the parties will
meet to discuss the ongoing RESEARCH PROJECTS, and each party will provide to the other party any
data, information and germplasm that constitutes or is covered by JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and
which has not been provided prior to the notice of termination, without prejudice to additional
on-going delivery obligations set forth in any SCHEDULES.

     5.3 Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the rights and obligations of the parties
accrued prior to termination hereof nor any license grants then in existence, subject to payment of
remuneration as set forth in any relevant license/commercialization agreements. Further, the
provisions set forth hereinafter shall apply.

     5.3.1 In case of termination on the basis of (w) Paragraph 5.1(b) if CERES is the
breaching party; (x) Paragraph 5.1(c) if CERES ceases substantially all activities in the
COLLABORATION CROPS; (y) Paragraphs 5.1(d)(i), 5.1(d)(ii) or 5.1(d)(iii); or (z) Paragraph
5.1(e)(iii), at or about the effective date of termination, the parties will negotiate in
good faith to reach agreement as to the rights to use and commercially exploit JOINT
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, which will be addressed in one or more written agreements. If the
parties fail to reach agreement within ninety (90) days after the start of such
negotiations, which shall be evidenced by written notice from one party to the other
initiating such negotiations, each party shall have the non-exclusive right to use and
commercially exploit JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY for any and all purposes, with the right to
grant sublicenses, subject to the obligations of the first sentence of Paragraph 5.3 and the
provisions set forth hereinafter. With respect to commercialization by either party of
varieties of COLLABORATION CROPS which constitute or incorporate JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
not yet exclusively licensed to CERES as of the termination date (a) during a period of
three (3) years after the termination date of this Agreement, CERES will pay remuneration to
NOBLE for CERES’ commercialization activities as if such varieties were licensed exclusively
to CERES, and the remuneration shall be settled in accordance with the dispute resolution
procedure in Article 11, and NOBLE will pay one-half of the remuneration so determined to
CERES for NOBLE’S commercialization activities and (b) after the expiration of a three (3)
year period from the termination date of this Agreement, each party shall pay the other
party remuneration at one-half of the rate so determined for their respective
commercialization activities. No remuneration shall be due by either party with respect to
any other use or commercialization of JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

     5.3.2 In case of termination on the basis of (v) Paragraph 5.1(b) if NOBLE is the
breaching party; (w) Paragraph 5.1(c) if NOBLE ceases substantially all activities in the
COLLABORATION CROPS; (x) Paragraph 5.1(d)(iv); (y) Paragraphs 5.1(e)(i) or 5.1(e)(ii) or (z)
Paragraph 5.1(f), subject to the obligations of the first sentence of Paragraph 5.3, CERES
shall have the exclusive right to commercialize any JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY to the
extent such JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY is not covered by any relevant
license/commercialization agreement between the parties. At or about the effective date of
termination, the parties will negotiate in good faith to reach agreement as to reasonable
remuneration (whether as a royalty or in some other form as the parties may agree), which
will be addressed in one or more written agreements. If the parties fail to reach agreement
within ninety (90) days after the start of such negotiations, which shall be evidenced by
written notice from one party to the other initiating such negotiations, the remuneration
shall be settled in

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 13 of 57

 

 

accordance with the dispute resolution procedure in Article 11. Further, for
termination under Paragraphs 5.1(b), 5.1(c), 5.1(d)(iv) and 5.1(e)(ii), NOBLE’S internal
research rights under Paragraph 3.2 shall terminate simultaneously.

     5.4 Termination of this Agreement for any reason will not relieve either party of any
obligation or liability accrued under this Agreement before termination or rescind any payments
made or due before termination. Articles 2, 3 (subject to Paragraph 5.3), 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 15 and
16 will survive any termination of this Agreement.

     5.5 Termination of this Agreement shall not automatically terminate any existing RESEARCH
PROJECT, which can only be terminated according to the specific terms of the related SCHEDULE. The
terms and provisions of this Agreement shall continue to apply to the activities and outcomes of
any such RESEARCH PROJECTS, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement, unless provided
otherwise in the relevant SCHEDULE or by written agreement of the parties upon termination.

6. PUBLICATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS.

     6.1 The parties agree that the researchers involved in the RESEARCH PROJECTS are
permitted to present methods and/or results of the RESEARCH PROJECTS at symposia and professional
meetings and to publish the same in journals or the like; provided however, the disclosing party
must furnish copies of any proposed publication, presentation or disclosure (collectively
“Disclosure”) to the other party at least thirty (30) days in advance of the specific submission,
presentation or other disclosure.

     6.2 The non-disclosing party shall have the thirty (30) day notice period to object, in
writing, to such proposed Disclosure because it contains (a) potentially patentable subject matter
that needs protection or (b) BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY or JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY or
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY of the non-disclosing party or OTHER RESEARCH RESULTS which need to be kept
confidential for compelling business reasons in the non-disclosing party’s reasonable judgment. In
the event that the non-disclosing party makes such objection, the disclosing party will (x) if
applicable, elect to cooperate with the non-disclosing party to obtain proper protection in
accordance with the provisions of Article 2 herein or (y) remove the objectionable subject matter
from the Disclosure. No delay caused by the non-disclosing party under this paragraph shall extend
beyond three (3) months, wherein upon such delay, the disclosing party shall be permitted to
proceed without being in breach of this Article.

     6.3 CERES and NOBLE shall use reasonable effort to avoid any action that might jeopardize the
ability of the parties, individually or jointly as the case may be, to obtain or retain
valid/enforceable intellectual rights in JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, NOBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
or CERES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

7. RECORDS AND AUDITS.

The parties shall keep accurate and detailed records in accordance with good accounting practices
of all expenses and extramural income, if any, relating to the RESEARCH PROJECTS. All such records
shall be subject to inspection by an independent auditor designated by the other party and
reasonably

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 14 of 57

 

 

acceptable to the audited party within normal business hours with at least fourteen (14) days
notice. Such inspection rights shall terminate, with respect to each RESEARCH PROJECT, on the third
anniversary of the expiration or termination of such RESEARCH PROJECT.

8. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.

The relationship of the parties is that of independent contractors. Nothing herein is intended or
will be construed to establish any agency, partnerships or joint ventures. Neither party is
authorized or empowered to act as an agent for the other party for any purpose, nor shall either
party be bound by the acts or conduct of the other party.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY.

     9.1 As used in this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” shall mean (a) all
non-public information and material received by one party from the other in furtherance of the
collaboration contemplated by this Agreement and (b) any and all information, results including
material and observations generated in the performance of any RESEARCH PROJECT including, without
limitation, CERES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, NOBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, JOINT INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY and OTHER RESEARCH RESULTS. Confidential Information can include, but is not limited
to, information concerning the disclosing party’s operations, research, processes, techniques, data
and non-public materials.

     9.2 Subject to Paragraph 9.3, for a period of five (5) years after the termination of the
related RESEARCH PROJECT, the receiving party shall not use, except (a) for the benefit of the
parties’ collaboration or (b) such use as is expressly allowed by this Agreement and/or disclose
any Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written consent of the disclosing
party if the Confidential Information was received from the other party, or the prior written
consent of both parties if the Confidential Information was generated during a RESEARCH PROJECT.
Confidential Information shall only be made accessible to each party’s employees or students on a
need-to-know basis. Manuscripts and papers published in scientific journals and presentations made
at public meetings that include Confidential Information are exempt from the conditions of this
Paragraph, provided the parties followed the procedure set forth in Article 6.

     9.3 The receiving party shall have no obligations of confidentiality for information that:
can be established through written evidence to be in the possession of the receiving party prior to
the disclosure by the disclosing party; is or becomes public knowledge through no fault of the
disclosing party; and/or is acquired from others not under an obligation of confidentiality to the
disclosing party. In addition, the parties, pursuant to the express terms of this Agreement or any
SCHEDULE or other agreement between the parties, shall have the right to proceed to disclosures of
Confidential Information (a) as required to file for intellectual property protection or
registration or deregulation or approval of genetically modified organisms; (b) as required to
exercise commercialization rights granted in or on the basis of this Agreement and for related
marketing activities; (c) as required by laws, rules or regulation or court ordering such as,
without limitation, SEC regulations and IRS regulations; or (d) in CERES’ reasonable judgment for
the limited purpose of (potential) investors and business partners.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 15 of 57

 

 

10. NOTICES.

Any notices required to be given or which shall be given under this Agreement shall be in writing
and delivered by first class mail or overnight (trackable) courier addressed to the parties as
follows:

Vice President of Product Development

Ceres, Inc.

1535 Ranch Conejo Blvd.

Thousand Oaks, California 91320

Vice President, General Counsel

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

2510 Sam Noble Parkway

Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401

In the event that notices under this Agreement are sent by certified or registered mail (or
alternatively, by overnight courier) by one party to the other party at its above address, they
shall be deemed to have been given or made as of the date so mailed.

11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND APPLICABLE LAW.

All disputes, differences or questions arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or its
SCHEDULES, or related to the alleged breach, termination, validity, interpretation or violation
thereof, shall be submitted to the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE for resolution, which shall convene,
whether in person or otherwise, to resolve such dispute in a timely manner. Either party may
initiate a resolution procedure by providing written notice (“Dispute Notice”) to the other party,
and any such Dispute Notice must set forth the subject matter of the dispute, difference or
question. If after sixty (60) days the dispute remains unresolved, the presidents of CERES and
NOBLE shall seek to resolve the dispute through negotiation or mediation. If negotiation is
elected, the parties agree that at least eight (8) cumulative hours of negotiations between the
presidents will be undertaken. If mediation is elected, the presidents will meet at a neutral site
for mediation. Unless agreed to otherwise, the neutral site shall be Denver, Colorado. The
mediation shall be conducted in accordance with the then existing Commercial Mediation Rules of the
American Arbitration Association (AAA). The mediator shall be selected by mutual agreement of the
parties. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, AAA shall designate a mediator at the request
of either party. Any mediator so designated must be acceptable to both parties. Fees for the
mediation will be shared equally, and the parties will responsible for their respective expenses.
Settlement reached in mediation or negotiation will not be binding until the parties have signed a
written settlement agreement.

Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or its
SCHEDULES, or related to the alleged breach, termination, validity, interpretation or violation
thereof, not settled by negotiation or mediation in accordance with the terms hereof, shall be
finally settled and determined by arbitration administered by the AAA under its then current
Commercial Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures (including Procedures for Large, Complex
Commercial Disputes) (the “Rules”). The written reasoned award of the arbitrators shall be final
and binding upon the parties, and judgment on or enforcement of the award so rendered may be
sought, had or entered in any court having jurisdiction.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 16 of 57

 

 

     (a) Initiation of Arbitration. Any party may initiate arbitration by filing a written
request for arbitration with the AAA. A copy of the request shall be furnished to all other parties
in accordance with the provisions of the Rules and the provisions in the agreement between the
parties concerning notices. For all purposes the “commencement of the arbitration” shall be deemed
to be the date on which any party issues a written demand for arbitration in accordance with the
requirements of Article 10.

     (b) Appointment of Arbitrators. Each party shall appoint an arbitrator, and the two
arbitrators so appointed shall appoint the third arbitrator. The party initiating the arbitration
shall appoint its arbitrator at the commencement of the arbitration. The other party shall appoint
its arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the commencement of the arbitration. If the arbitrators
appointed by the parties fail to appoint the third arbitrator within sixty (60) days of the
commencement of the arbitration, the AAA shall appoint the third arbitrator following consultation
with the parties.

     (c) Qualifications of Arbitrators. Each arbitrator so appointed shall have a
reputation as being experienced in the legal and technical matters related to the dispute, shall be
required to disclose, among other disclosures, any prior involvement with the legal and technical
matters related to the dispute and any involvement with a competitor of any party, and shall not be
presently nor in the past have been affiliated with any party or a competitor of any party.
Notwithstanding the method of their appointment, each arbitrator shall be required to meet the
standards contained in the Rules with respect to impartiality, independence and neutrality.

     (d) Location of the Arbitration. The seat of arbitration shall be Denver, Colorado.
The arbitrators may hold hearings at such other locations as the arbitrators shall determine, after
consultation with the parties.

     (e) Language of Arbitration. The arbitral proceedings and all pleadings and written
evidence shall be in the English language. Any written evidence originally in a language other than
English shall be submitted in English translation accompanied by the original or true copy thereof.

     (f) Procedural Requirements. The arbitrators shall, after consultation with the
parties, make appropriate provision in the arbitration process for rules specific to this
arbitration which:

          (i) require the disclosure of all exhibits expected to be used by the parties at
the arbitration, and the exchange of complete copies of all such exhibits in advance
of the arbitration;

          (ii) determine the dates for the exchange of said written disclosures and copies
of said exhibits;

          (iii) require the written disclosure of the identity of all witnesses whom the
parties expect to call at the arbitration;

          (iv) determine the dates for the exchange of the written disclosures of the
identity of witnesses which the parties expect to call at the arbitration;

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 17 of 57

 

 

          (v) determine the dates for the exchange of sworn narrative statements
containing the testimony of all witnesses whom the parties expect to call at the
arbitration;

          (vi) require that the sworn narrative testimony of witnesses be submitted in
substitution for the direct examination of the witness, and that all witnesses whose
sworn testimony is submitted for consideration by the arbitrators must present him or
herself for cross examination at the time and place of the arbitration hearing,
unless some other procedure providing the parties with a full and complete
opportunity for cross-examination has been established and provided by the
arbitrators, the parties and the witness;

          (vii) prohibit, except upon a showing of good cause, or for purposes of
rebuttal, the receipt into evidence of any exhibit not disclosed by the parties, nor
shall the arbitrators permit a party to present the testimony of any witness whose
identity and testimony was not exchanged prior to the arbitration;

          (viii) permit discovery as reasonable and necessary for the orderly preparation
of the dispute for hearing and determination of the dispute (said discovery may
include requests for production of documents and depositions of witnesses who cannot
be summoned to the arbitration or are otherwise unavailable to attend the
arbitration); and

          (ix) require all parties and experts to maintain all information and documents
they have received , reviewed, exchanged or given testimony about in confidence
pursuant to an appropriate confidentiality undertaking and order.

     (g) Limitation on Remedies. The arbitrators are precluded from awarding punitive or
exemplary damages. In no event shall the arbitrators have the powers of an amiable compositeur.

     (h) Resort to the Courts. Nothing in this Agreement prohibits any party from seeking
interim or conservatory relief in any court of competent jurisdiction; provided
however, that neither the filing of an application for a temporary restraining order,
preliminary injunction or other interim or conservatory relief, as necessary, nor the granting of
such relief, shall be deemed to be a waiver of the obligation of the party to have the dispute
heard and determined solely and exclusively by arbitration.

     (i) Survival. The rights and obligations of the parties as described herein shall
survive the termination, expiration, non-renewal or rescission of the Agreement between the
parties.

12. PUBLICITY.

     12.1 NOBLE will not identify CERES in any products, publicity, promotion, promotional
advertising or other promotional materials to be disseminated to the public, or use any trademark,
service mark, trade name, logo or symbol that is representative of CERES or its entities, whether
registered or not, or use the name, title, likeness or statement of any CERES employee or student,
without CERES’ prior written consent. Any use of CERES’ name shall be limited to statements of fact
and shall not imply endorsement by CERES of NOBLE’S research, products or services.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 18 of 57

 

 

     12.2 CERES will not identify NOBLE in any products, publicity, promotion, promotional
advertising or other promotional materials to be disseminated to the public, or use any trademark,
service mark, trade name, logo or symbol that is representative of NOBLE or its entities, whether
registered or not, or use the name, title, likeness or statement of any NOBLE faculty member,
employee or student, without NOBLE’S prior written consent. Any use of NOBLE’S name shall be
limited to statements of fact and shall not imply endorsement by NOBLE of CERES’ research, products
or services.

     12.3 Notwithstanding any provision of this Article, either of the parties can disclose or
otherwise acknowledge, without restriction, the existence of this Agreement as well as the
collaborative relationship between the parties without the prior consent of the other party.
Notwithstanding the unilateral disclosure rights provided for in this paragraph, if the disclosure
or acknowledgement takes the form of a written release, the disclosing party shall provide the
other party a copy of any such unilateral disclosure prior to its release so as to allow the other
party to comment and shall take such comments reasonably into account. However, no advance copy
needs to be provided of any releases referred to in Paragraph 12.4(a) or 12.4(b) or of any releases
which are identical to previous releases.

     12.4 The parties intend to issue joint press releases regarding their collaboration. Any such
press release and any press release by either party will be subject to the prior written approval
of both parties; provided however, that (a) CERES shall have the right to otherwise disclose
information as may be required in CERES’ judgment to comply with SEC regulations or other laws,
rules or regulations governing disclosure of information and (b) NOBLE shall have the right to
otherwise disclose information as may be required in NOBLE’S judgment to comply with IRS or state
regulations or other laws, rules or regulations governing disclosure of information.
Notwithstanding the unilateral disclosure rights provided for in this paragraph, the disclosing
party shall provide the other party a copy of any such unilateral disclosure preferably prior to
its release.

13. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

     13.1 The parties will establish a MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE to supervise the implementation,
execution and progress of this Agreement and its RESEARCH PROJECTS. The MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE will
consist of four (4) members, two (2) to be appointed by each party and will meet at least once
every calendar quarter, in person or by telephone, on dates and at locations to be mutually agreed.
The representatives of each party may invite other employees of that party to meeting on an
as-needed basis, subject to prior notification of the other party.

     13.2 The MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE shall approve project teams and RESEARCH PROJECT principal
investigators. The MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE shall determine the resources necessary to achieve the
goals of each RESEARCH PROJECT, within the limits of the total RESEARCH PROJECT budget provided in
the relevant SCHEDULE. The RESEARCH PROJECT principal investigators shall report to the MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE at such intervals as may be determined by the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. The MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE shall review progress and may, as appropriate, revise stated or set additional goals. The
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE shall have the authority to modify those provisions of each SCHEDULE listed in
Paragraph 1.4.1.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 19 of 57

 

 

     13.3 Decisions of the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE shall be made by unanimous agreement and recorded
in a manner prescribed by the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE as a true record of the decisions. If the
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE cannot come to a unanimous agreement on any matter then the status quo shall
apply. If either party believes that the matter is materially adverse to the objectives of this
Agreement and/or the matter significantly hinders the party’s ability to satisfy its obligations
under this Agreement, then the matter shall be settled in accordance with the disputes procedure in
Article 11.

14. EXCLUSIVITY.

     14.1 In consideration of CERES’ development of a new market for the COLLABORATION CROPS
and the significant activities associated with the development of this market, NOBLE agrees to
grant CERES exclusive access to NOBLE’S plant improvement activities specifically involving the
COLLABORATION CROPS, whether through plant breeding or transformation.

     14.2 During the term of this Agreement, subject to the provisions of this Agreement on
subcontracting (Paragraph 1.13 and its related subparagraphs), NOBLE (a) will not collaborate with
or perform any activities for the benefit of or grant any rights to any for-profit third party in
the field of the COLLABORATION CROPS without the prior written consent of CERES or (b) will not
collaborate with or perform any activities for the benefit of or grant any rights to any
not-for-profit third party with respect to breeding or germplasm improvement of COLLABORATION CROPS
without the prior written consent of CERES.

     14.2.1 The parties contemplate entering a separate agreement, in partial consideration
for the exclusivity granted to CERES in this Article, that would provide NOBLE the right,
pursuant to the terms of such agreement and the continuation of such exclusivity, to obtain
a minor equity position in CERES. If the parties have not agreed to the terms of such
agreement prior to the conclusion of two hundred and seventy (270) days from the Effective
Date of this Agreement, despite negotiations in good faith by both parties, unless this
period is extended by the mutual agreement of the parties, NOBLE shall have the right to
terminate its obligations set forth in this Article 14.2 by written notice to CERES, to be
delivered no later than one (1) year from the Effective Date of this Agreement.

     14.3 During the term of this Agreement, NOBLE will promptly notify CERES, in writing, of any
contemplated internal research activities (i.e., non-RESEARCH PROJECTS) that specifically involve
the COLLABORATION CROPS and will submit a detailed, written research proposal to CERES. If CERES
so requests, the parties will negotiate in good faith to agree on a new RESEARCH PROJECT and
accompanying SCHEDULE or an amendment to an existing SCHEDULE on the basis of such research
proposal. If CERES does not request such negotiations, or if the parties fail to reach agreement
on a new SCHEDULE (or amendment to an existing SCHEDULE) based on such research proposal within
ninety (90) days from delivery of the research proposal, NOBLE will have the right, subject to
Paragraphs 3.2 and 14.2, to proceed to such internal research, and CERES is hereby granted an
exclusive first option to commercialize any results of such activities. NOBLE shall notify CERES,
in writing, of any such results.

     14.3.1 If CERES exercises its option by written notice within ninety (90) days of
NOBLE’S written notice under Paragraph 14.3, CERES and NOBLE shall negotiate the terms

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 20 of 57

 

 

of a commercialization agreement that covers the reported result. If, despite the
parties’ good faith efforts, CERES and NOBLE are unable to agree upon the terms and
conditions of such agreement within one hundred and eighty (180) days after commencing good
faith negotiations, or at any earlier time agreed to by the parties, then NOBLE shall be
free to commercially exploit the results or offer rights in such results to third parties in
any and all crops.

     14.3.2 If CERES declines to exercise this option or fails to respond within ninety (90)
days of NOBLE’S notice under Paragraph 14.3, then NOBLE shall then be free to commercially
exploit the results or offer rights in such results to third parties in any and all crops.

     14.4 Prior to entering into any agreement pursuant to which a third party would perform
breeding activities for any COLLABORATION CROP intended for commercialization in Alabama, Arkansas,
Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia of the United States, CERES will first
provide NOBLE the opportunity to conduct such breeding activities. CERES shall notify NOBLE in
writing of its intent to enter into any such agreement, and NOBLE shall, within thirty (30) days
after receiving such notice, notify CERES in writing whether or not it desires to conduct such
work. If NOBLE notifies CERES that it desires to conduct such work, CERES and NOBLE will negotiate
in good faith the terms and conditions pursuant to which NOBLE shall conduct such breeding
activities. If, despite the parties’ good faith efforts, CERES and NOBLE are unable to agree upon
the terms and conditions for such work within sixty (60) days after commencing good faith
negotiations, or at any earlier time agreed to by the parties, then CERES shall be free to enter
into an agreement with a third party for such breeding activities.

15. EXCLUSION OF WARRANTIES.

     15.1 THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT NEITHER PARTY HAS MADE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY
SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS OF PROFIT ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF
ANY JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, CERES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, NOBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, OTHER
RESEARCH RESULTS OR BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY SCHEDULE OR
ARISING OUT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY IS ADVISED IN ADVANCE OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

     15.2 Nothing in this Agreement is or shall be construed as:

(a) a warranty or representation by either party as to the validity or scope of any
patent rights or plant variety rights;

(b) a warranty or representation by either party that anything made, used, sold
or otherwise disposed of pursuant to any license granted under this Agreement is or
will be free from infringement of patents, copyrights or other rights of third
parties;

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 21 of 57

 

 

(c) any obligations by either party to bring or prosecute actions or suits against
third parties for patent infringement; or

(d) a grant by implication, estoppel or otherwise of any licenses under patent
applications, patents, plant variety rights applications and/or plant variety rights
of CERES and/or NOBLE or other person other than as provided in the express
provisions of this Agreement or a SCHEDULE on this Agreement.

16. GENERAL.

     16.1 Entire Agreement/Modifications.

     This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the
subject matter hereof, and there are no representations, warranties, covenants or obligations
except as set forth herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements,
understandings, negotiations and discussions, written or oral, of the parties hereto relating to
the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may only be amended, modified or superseded by a writing
executed by the authorized representative of the parties hereto. It is anticipated that SCHEDULES
will be attached to and become part of this Agreement as new RESEARCH PROJECTS are undertaken, as
described in Paragraph 1.1.

     16.2 Severability.

     This Agreement, to the greatest extent possible, shall be construed so as to give validity to
all of the provisions hereof. If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes invalid, is ruled
illegal by a court of competent jurisdiction or is deemed unenforceable under the current
applicable law from time to time in effect during the term of this Agreement, the remainder of this
Agreement will not be affected or impaired thereby and will continue to be construed to the maximum
extent permitted by law. In lieu of each provision which is invalid, illegal or unenforceable,
there will be substituted or added as part of this Agreement by mutual written agreement of the
parties, a provision which will be as similar as possible, in economic and business objectives as
intended by the parties to such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision, but will be valid,
legal and enforceable.

     16.3 Waiver.

     No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right or remedy under this Agreement
will waive any provision of this Agreement. Nor will any single or partial exercise by either party
of any right or remedy under this Agreement preclude it from otherwise or further exercising any
rights or remedies which it may have, or any other rights or remedies granted by any law or any
related document.

     16.4 Enforcement.

     In the event an action is commenced by either party against the other to enforce any of the
provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the other
party reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and necessary disbursements incurred in connection
with such action.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 22 of 57

 

 

     16.5 Assignablility.

     This Agreement binds and enures to the benefit of the parties, their successor or assigns, but
may not be assigned by either party without the prior written consent of the other party; provided
however, CERES shall have the right to assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to
any Affiliated Company without such prior consent. Each party shall have the right to assign its
rights and obligations under this Agreement to a third party in conjunction with the transfer to
such third party of substantially all of the assets of such party associated with performance under
this Agreement without such prior consent. “Affiliated Company” defined as any company owned or
controlled by, under common control with or controlling CERES, “control” meaning in this context
the direct or indirect ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting stock/shares of a
company, or the power to nominate at least half of the directors.

     16.6 Force Majeure.

     No party shall be responsible to the other party for delay or failure in performance of any
the obligations imposed by this Agreement, provided such failure shall be occasioned by fire,
flood, explosion, lightning, wind storm, hailstorm, earthquake, subsidence of soil, failure of
machinery or equipment or supply of materials, discontinuity in the supply of power, court order or
governmental interference, terrorist attacks, civil commotion, riot, war, strikes, labor
disturbances, transportation difficulties, labor shortage, natural genetic variation of any living
matter or by any other cause of like or unlike nature beyond the reasonable control and without
fault or negligence of such party.

     16.7 Choice of Law.

     This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the
laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, NOBLE and CERES have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as
indicated below.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE
FOUNDATION, INC.	CERES, INC.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Michael A. Cawley	 	By:	 	/s/ Richard Flavell	 	 
	Name:

	 	 

Michael A. Cawley
	 	Name:
	 	 

Richard Flavell, CBE, FRS
	 	 
	Title:

	 	President
	 	Title:
	 	Chief Scientific Officer	 	 
	Date:

	 	19 May 2006	 	Date:	 	May 19, 2006	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	By:	 	/s/ Richard Hamilton	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Name:
	 	 

Richard Hamilton
	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Title:
	 	President and Chief Executive
Officer	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Date:	 	May 19, 2006	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 23 of 57

 

 

EXHIBIT A —  DEFINITION OF COLLABORATION CROPS

“COLLABORATION CROPS” is defined as and expressly limited to the following species:

     Panicum virgatum species.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 24 of 57

 

 

EXHIBIT B — PREFERRED FORM OF RECEIPT FORM

Packing Slip and Receipt Form

for material transferred pursuant to the Master Research Agreement dated 19 May 2006 between

THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC. and CERES, INC. and SCHEDULES to such Agreement.

Material transferred pursuant to SCHEDULE [x] dated [...]

The undersigned [NOBLE/CERES] signatory certifies that the material and related information set
forth hereinafter are included in the shipment with which this form is enclosed.

The undersigned [NOBLE/CERES] signatory acknowledges having received in good order the material and
related information set forth hereinafter. The signature does not constitute an acceptance of the
receiving party’s qualification of the intellectual property (IP) status of the material
transferred, such IP status being defined in the parties’ Master Research Agreement.

[Include description of material and related information with indication of IP status (e.g.
Background, Joint IP) and any restrictions on transfer to subcontractors.]

THIS MATERIAL AND RELATED INFORMATION ARE TRANSFERRED ONLY FOR USE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE ABOVE
MENTIONED MASTER RESEARCH AGREEMENT AND SCHEDULE. CONFIDENTIALITY OBLIGATIONS APPLY.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	For sending/receipt,	 	 	 	For receipt/sending,
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Signature:

	 	 	 	 	 	Signature:	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
 
	Date:

	 	 	 	 	 	Date:	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
 
	Name: Walter E. Nelson	 	 	 	Name:
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title: Product Development Manager	 	 	 	Title:
	CERES, INC.	 	 	 	THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 25 of 57

 

 

EXHIBIT
C — PREFERRED FORM OF VARIETY EVALUATION AGREEMENT

A. Recipient:

B. Address:

C. Plant Material:

	 	 	 	 	 
	SPECIES	 	CODE/DESCRIPTION	 	WEIGHT
	 
	 	 
	 	 

D. Research Purpose: Variety production evaluation and performance testing with .

E. Location for Conduct of Research:

The <<INSTITUTION>> (“Provider”) will provide the Recipient the Plant Material subject
to the following terms and conditions:

     1. The Recipient shall use the Plant Material solely for the Research Purpose.

     2. Provider is (i) owner of all or a portion of the intellectual property rights in the Plant
Material and/or (ii) licensee of all or a portion of the intellectual property rights in the Plant
Material.

     3. Without the prior written consent of Provider, the Recipient shall not use the Plant
Material, seed, or any product derived therefrom in any form of reselection, breeding, sexual
crossing, seed production, back crossing, tissue culturing, mutagenesis, genetic transformation or
any biotechnological process, except as specifically approved in this Agreement.

     4. The Recipient shall not supply or otherwise transfer the Plant Material or any products or
progeny derived therefrom, be it seed or vegetative material, to any other person or entity without
the prior written permission from an authorized representative of Provider.

     5. The Recipient shall take all precautions to prevent theft or pilferage of any material
related to and including the Plant Material.

     6. The Recipient shall voluntarily provide Provider the results of any evaluation using this
Plant Material, including any proposed publication concerning the Plant Material.

     7. The Recipient will be free to publish the research results from the evaluation contemplated
by this Agreement; provided however, the Recipient must provide Provider any proposed publication
at least thirty (30) days prior to submission. Provider will review such proposed publication for
the need of intellectual property protection and/or to identify any inadvertent disclosure of
proprietary information. If necessary, the Recipient agrees to (i) delay publication by no more
than sixty (60) days to enable the filing of an application for intellectual property protection
and/or (ii) remove any proprietary information identified by Provider.

     8. Provider represents that it has the right to transfer the Plant Material under this
Agreement.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 26 of 57

 

 

     9. At the end of the evaluation trial, the Recipient shall, at the option of Provider, (i)
return to Provider all unused Plant Material supplied by Provider and all materials, regardless of
type, produced from the Plant Material or (ii) destroy all unused Plant Material supplied by
Provider and all materials, regardless of type, produced from the Plant Material. The Recipient
agrees that all such unused Plant Material and all materials, regardless of type, produced from the
Plant Material are the property of Provider.

     10. The Recipient acknowledges and agrees that Provider shall not be liable for any damages or
loss that may arise from testing of the Plant Material.

     11. The Recipient acknowledges and accepts that the Plant Material is being supplied with no
warranties, expressed or implied. In particular, as the use of the Plant Material is limited to the
furtherance of the Research Purpose, there is no basis for and no warranty given for fitness for a
particular purpose or merchantability.

Organization:

Recipient:

	 	 	 	 	 

	 

Date
	 	 

	 	 

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 27 of 57

 

 

EXHIBIT D — EXISTING OR PENDING EXTRAMURAL FUNDING

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	Other	 	Agency –	 	Filing Date /
	Entity	 	Application
Title	 	Institutions	 	Program	 	Award Date
	CERES

	 	Genes for Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in Poplar (R. Flavell)
	 	Oregon State University
	 	DOE/Office of Science
	 	Sept. 9, 2005 (A)
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	NOBLE

	 	Development of low-lignin switchgrass for improved ethanol production (Z. Wang)
	 	Oak Ridge National Laboratory
	 	USDA
	 	April 3, 2006 (A)
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	NOBLE

	 	Systemic modification of monolignol pathway gene expression for improved lignocellulose utilization (F. Chen, R. Dixon)
	 	None
	 	USDA/DOE Plant Feedstock
	 	Feb 17, 2006 (F)
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	NOBLE

	 	Genetic dissection of the lignocellulosic pathway of gene (F. Chen, R. Dixon)
	 	Kansas State University (lead)
	 	USDA/DOE Plant Feedstock
	 	Feb 23, 2006 (F)
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	NOBLE

	 	Molecular-functional map and genome analysis of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) (M. Saha, J. Bouton)
	 	USDA-ARS,

Albany, California
	 	USDA/DOE Plant Feedstock
	 	Feb 27, 2006 (F)

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 28 of 57

 

 

EXHIBIT E — EXCLUDED CROPS 

Corn

Cotton

Wheat

Rice

Sugarcane

Miscanthus

Sweet sorghum

Soybean

Sunflower

Safflower

Jatropha

Castor

Canola

Oil Palm

Hevea

Guayule

St. Augustine (turf applications only)

Trees in all fields, excluding variety evaluation and testing

Fruits, Nuts & Vegetables in all fields, excluding variety evaluation and testing and research to
use these platforms to deliver natural products/compounds to benefit human and/or animal health.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 29 of 57

 

 

EXHIBIT F — SEED PRODUCTION AND COMMERCIALIZATION ACTIVITIES

CERES will:

	 	1.	 	Identify growers and establish grower contracts
	 
	 	2.	 	Lease, build or buy production facility
	 
	 	3.	 	Establish quality testing capability
	 
	 	4.	 	Establish a sales force and distribution network and/or distribution
through existing distribution systems such as retail outlets and regional seed
companies and/or establish any other commercialization system.

CERES shall provide to NOBLE a detailed, written annual report on its activities in furtherance of
the obligations of this EXHIBIT, such report shall be due at or about March 31 of each year. In
addition, upon the request of NOBLE at any time, CERES will discuss the their progress and results
achieved in regard to such activities; provided however, such contacts and discussions shall be
reasonable in frequency and duration so as not to be disruptive to the respective operations of
either party.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 30 of 57

 

 

EXHIBIT
G — MODEL LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR NON-TRANSGENIC
VARIETIES

LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR [VARIETY X]

     THIS AGREEMENT is made this ___ day of _________, 2006 (“Effective Date”), by and between THE
SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC. (“NOBLE”), an Oklahoma nonprofit corporation, and CERES,
INC., a Delaware corporation (“CERES”).

     WHEREAS, CERES and NOBLE entered into a MASTER RESEARCH AGREEMENT, (“MRA”), that contemplates
a long-term research relationship by and between the parties for the enhancement and improvement of
COLLABORATION CROPS (as defined in the MRA) for biomass crops;

     WHEREAS, CERES and NOBLE have jointly developed and jointly own a new SWITCHGRASS variety [X]
pursuant to SCHEDULE(S) [2] [and...] to the MRA;

     WHEREAS, CERES wishes to commercialize SWITCHGRASS variety [X];

WHEREAS, CERES has the ability to assume production of and to commercialize SWITCHGRASS variety [X]
and wishes to receive an exclusive, world-wide license to produce, use, sell and commercially
exploit SWITCHGRASS variety [X];

     WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of the MRA concerning the commercialization of
SWITCHGRASS varieties jointly developed and jointly owned by the parties under the MRA, the parties
have developed this Agreement and its terms in accordance with the terms and obligations set forth
in the MRA;

     WHEREAS, CERES and NOBLE recognize that the rights intended to be granted hereunder can be a
strong incentive for CERES to risk money and other resources needed to produce, use, sell and
commercially exploit SWITCHGRASS for wide public enjoyment;

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and agreements
contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the parties have agreed and do
hereby agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS.

     1.1 “SWITCHGRASS” shall mean the species Panicum virgatum.

     1.2 “LICENSED VARIETY” means the [NAME] SWITCHGRASS variety jointly developed by the parties
pursuant to SCHEDULE(S) [2] to the MRA and released, jointly by NOBLE and CERES, pursuant to the
terms of SCHEDULE(S) [2].

     1.3 “RELEASE DATE” means the date the LICENSED VARIETY was released pursuant to the terms of
SCHEDULE(S) [2].

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 31 of 57

 

 

     1.4 “LICENSED TERRITORY” means the United States of America and all other countries of the
world.

     1.5 “LICENSED PRODUCTION TERRITORY” means the United States of America and all other countries
of the world.

     1.6 “BREEDER SEED” means seed of the LICENSED VARIETY that (a) is identified by NOBLE and
CERES jointly as being of a suitable standard of physical and genetic purity to produce FOUNDATION
SEED and (b) resulted from the final breeding of the LICENSED VARIETY.

     1.7 “FOUNDATION SEED” means seed produced from plants grown directly from BREEDER SEED,
cultivated according to certification regulations and that meets the specifications of the official
seed certifying agency of the jurisdiction in which said seed is/was produced.

     1.8 “REGISTERED SEED” means seed produced from plants grown directly from FOUNDATION SEED,
cultivated according to certification regulations and that meets the specifications of the official
seed certifying agency of the jurisdiction in which the seed is/was produced.

     1.9 “CERTIFIED SEED” means seed produced from plants grown directly from FOUNDATION SEED or
REGISTERED SEED, cultivated according to certification regulations and that meets the
specifications of the official seed certifying agency of the jurisdiction in which the seed is/was
produced.

     1.10 “NON-CERTIFIED SEED” means seed produced from plants cultivated according to
certification regulations of the official seed certifying agency of the jurisdiction in which the
seed is/was produced; however, such seed does not meet the specifications of CERTIFIED SEED but may
be sold as LICENSED VARIETY.

     1.11 “COMMERCIAL SEED” means REGISTERED SEED, CERTIFIED SEED, or NON-CERTIFIED SEED, that is
sold for purposes other than seed production.

     1.12 “INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS” means all rights in any plant variety, patent, plant
breeders rights, registration or equivalent intellectual property protection, or any applications
thereof, for the LICENSED VARIETY, which may be filed in United States of America, or other
jurisdictions, with the exception of TRADEMARKS. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, when applied for or
granted, will be set forth in ANNEX A.

     1.13 “JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY” is expressly defined in the MRA, and such definition is
incorporated by reference herein. Any and all JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY licensed under this
Agreement shall be set forth in ANNEX A.

     1.14 “NOBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY” is expressly defined in the MRA, and such definition is
incorporated by reference herein. Any and all NOBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY licensed under this
Agreement shall be set forth in ANNEX A.

     1.15 “OTHER RESEARCH RESULTS” is expressly defined in the MRA, and such definition is
incorporated by reference herein.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 32 of 57

 

 

     1.16 “BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY” is expressly defined in the MRA, and such definition
is incorporated by reference herein. Any and all NOBLE BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY licensed
under this Agreement shall be set forth in ANNEX A.

     1.17 “TRADEMARK” means any trademark, trade name or logo owned by CERES and intended for use
with a LICENSED VARIETY; provided however, it is recognized that U.S. regulations prohibit the
registration of any plant variety name as a trademark or trade name.

     1.18 “COMMERCIAL NAME” means the complete, preferred name of a LICENSED VARIETY under which a
specific LICENSED VARIETY will be marketed and sold.

     1.19 “NET SELLING PRICE” means the actual wholesale price for seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY
received by CERES or any AFFILIATED COMPANY for the sale of such seed, excluding seed for further
seed production, less any (a) customary trade, quantity, or cash discounts; (b) amounts repaid or
credited by reason of rejection or return; (c) any sales, use, tariff, customs duties, V.A.T.
and/or other taxes, duties and similar governmental assessments (except taxes based on income); and
(d) outbound transportation, shipping, packing, costs of insurance in transit paid by CERES or an
AFFILIATED COMPANY; subject in all cases to (a) to (d) being separately charged on customer
invoices or credit notes. Where there is no identifiable sale price or when a LICENSED VARIETY is
sold to other than bona fide, arms length customers of CERES or any AFFILIATED COMPANY, CERES or
the AFFILIATED COMPANY shall be deemed to have received the NET SELLING PRICE calculated based only
on the final sale of the seed (wholesale level) to an independent third party, otherwise referred
to as net wholesale price payable by dealers. If no such current price is available, a hypothetical
fair market value price will be determined by the parties jointly in good faith for the purpose of
calculating NET SELLING PRICE.

     1.20 “LICENSE INCOME” means the gross amount actually received by either CERES or any
AFFILIATED COMPANY in consideration for the grant of SUBLICENSES to SUBLICENSEES that are not
AFFILIATED COMPANIES to produce and sell seed of the LICENSED VARIETIES, including up-front fees,
lump sum payments and any running royalties on a product-by-product and
jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, without deduction of any kind.

     1.21 “AFFILIATED COMPANY” means any company owned or controlled by, under common control with
or controlling CERES, “control” meaning in this context the direct or indirect ownership of fifty
percent (50%) or more of the voting stock/shares of a company, or the power to nominate at least
half of the directors.

     1.22 “SUBLICENSE” means any sublicense granted (a) by CERES to an AFFILIATED COMPANY or (b) by
CERES or an AFFILIATED COMPANY to any third party (“SUBLICENSEE”), as authorized by this Agreement,
to produce and sell a LICENSED VARIETY (or LICENSED VARIETIES).

     1.23 “NOBLE CONTRIBUTION” means NOBLE’S percentage of contribution to the total research and
development costs of the LICENSED VARIETY in accordance with the agreement of the parties set forth
in ANNEX B.

     1.24 “MARKETING PLAN” means a detailed written plan for production, distribution, selling and
promotion of each LICENSED VARIETY prepared by or on behalf of CERES and

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 33 of 57

 

 

submitted to NOBLE. A MARKETING PLAN may be (a) binding, i.e., the performance of CERES
(through CERES and/or any SUBLICENSEE) shall be reasonably compared to forecasts and/or projections
therein, or (b) non-binding, i.e., the performance of CERES (through CERES and/or any SUBLICENSEE)
shall not be compared by forecasts and/or projections therein and such forecasts and/or projections
are merely advisory. Each MARKETING PLAN, binding or non-binding, shall include at least the
information outlined in ANNEX C. Actual, adopted MARKETING PLANS shall be attached as
further annexes to this Agreement as adopted and identified as “binding” or “non-binding” as agreed
to by the parties.

2. GRANT OF LICENSE.

     2.1 Subject to the reservations of Paragraph 2.2, NOBLE hereby grants CERES under NOBLE’S
interest in any JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and OTHER RESEARCH RESULTS; the NOBLE INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY set forth in ANNEX A; and the NOBLE BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY set forth in
ANNEX A:

	 	(a)	 	the exclusive right of access to BREEDERS SEED, whether produced
by NOBLE or CERES;
	 
	 	(b)	 	the exclusive right to produce all seed of the LICENSED VARIETY
in the LICENSED PRODUCTION TERRITORY, including BREEDER SEED for which such
production right shall be non-exclusive between CERES and NOBLE; and
	 
	 	(c)	 	the exclusive right to use, sell and commercially exploit the
seed of the LICENSED VARIETY in the LICENSED TERRITORY.

     2.2 Notwithstanding Paragraph 2.1, NOBLE shall have an irrevocable, nonexclusive,
nontransferable, royalty-free right to produce, use and evaluate the LICENSED VARIETY for any
research, development, breeding, evaluation, demonstration and/or educational purpose or program
conducted by NOBLE in accordance with the terms of the MRA.

     2.3 Sublicenses. CERES shall have the right to grant SUBLICENSES within the LICENSED
TERRITORY provided that:

	 	(a)	 	Any such SUBLICENSE shall be personal to the SUBLICENSEE and
shall not be assignable unless to an affiliated company of that SUBLICENSEE,
defined similarly as in Paragraph 1.21.
	 
	 	(b)	 	The terms and obligations of any such SUBLICENSE shall be
consistent with the terms and obligations of this Agreement. Notwithstanding,
CERES shall remain responsible for the operations of its SUBLICENSEES relevant
to this Agreement as if such operations were conducted and carried out by CERES,
including, but not limited to, the payment of all fees and royalties due under
this Agreement.
	 
	 	(c)	 	CERES further shall deliver to NOBLE (under an obligation of
confidentiality) a written summary of each SUBLICENSE agreement, which shall
include the

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 34 of 57

 

 

	 	 	 	name and address of the SUBLICENSEE, scope of the SUBLICENSE,
exclusive/non-exclusive status, territory, remuneration, reporting and
diligence obligations, if any. This summary shall be provided within thirty
(30) days after execution, modification or termination of the summarized
agreement.
	 
	 	(d)	 	CERES will use commercially reasonable efforts to collect any and
all amounts due to CERES under any sublicense for the sale of seed of the
LICENSED VARIETY.

     2.4 CERES shall not sell or supply to any SUBLICENSEE, seed growing contractor or to any other
third party any BREEDER SEED or FOUNDATION SEED for the purpose of seed production without an
agreement obligating the recipient to sell or deliver the resultant seed to CERES, any AFFILIATED
COMPANY, a SUBLICENSEE or authorized distributor or retailers as directed by CERES.

     2.5 Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as conferring by implication, estoppel, or
otherwise any license or rights under any INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, whether owned by NOBLE or
licensed to NOBLE, other than the one(s) expressly set forth in this Agreement.

     2.6 Notwithstanding Paragraph 2.4, CERES may supply unlabelled (i.e. without certification
tag) COMMERCIAL SEED to a third party for the limited purposes of evaluating the agronomic
performance of the LICENSED VARIETY. The third party shall enter into a written agreement with
CERES that the seed supplied will not be used for further multiplication.

3. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.

     3.1 CERES agrees to prepare and file, or have prepared and filed, any and all applications for
plant variety rights or other forms of intellectual property protection for the LICENSED VARIETY in
the United States. Applications for plant variety rights shall be filed in the name of CERES and
NOBLE and patent applications in the name of CERES and NOBLE, CERES or NOBLE, depending on who owns
the invention. At CERES’ discretion, plant variety rights and/or other forms of intellectual
property protection may be filed in any other jurisdiction.

     3.1.1 If CERES intends to abandon any plant variety rights, pending or granted in any
jurisdiction, CERES shall first give sufficient written notice to NOBLE to permit NOBLE the
opportunity to assume such filing, examination and/or maintenance without prejudice and
Paragraph 2.10 of the MRA will apply.

     3.1.2 Any application for plant variety rights shall reflect the COMMERCIAL NAME of the
LICENSED VARIETY (Paragraph 5).

     3.2 CERES and NOBLE will consult with regard to INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.

     3.3 The obligations of this paragraph shall not apply to any jurisdictions in which CERES has
elected not to apply for intellectual property protection. CERES and NOBLE shall avoid carrying out
any act that would prejudice the grant of INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. Without limitation, neither
party shall make available reproductive material of the LICENSED VARIETY at a

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 35 of 57

 

 

date or in a manner that might jeopardize the right to seek INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS protection
for the LICENSED VARIETY. CERES, whether directly or through any SUBLICENSEE, shall not sell any
seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY until such time as the requirements for INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
have been established. The provisions of this Paragraph 3.3 shall not restrict or otherwise
penalize any Disclosure authorized pursuant to Paragraph 11.4 of this Agreement.

     3.4 CERES shall use all reasonable endeavors to ensure in any sales jurisdiction of the
LICENSED TERRITORY in which INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS exist that all bags or containers supplied
by CERES and any SUBLICENSEE containing only seed of such LICENSED VARIETY are clearly labeled to
show that the LICENSED VARIETY is protected by INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.

4. LICENSED VARIETY CONSIDERATION.

     4.1 In partial consideration for the rights granted in Paragraph 2.1 of this Agreement, CERES
shall be responsible for any and all fees and expenses incurred in filing, examining, certifying
and maintaining any INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS for the LICENSED VARIETY, subject to the
provisions of Paragraph 3.

     4.2 In partial consideration for the rights granted hereunder, CERES agrees to pay to NOBLE,
on behalf of CERES and any AFFILIATED COMPANY, for the LICENSED VARIETY, a royalty of:

	 	(a)	 	the percentage determined in accordance with Section 1.1 of
ANNEX B multiplied by the NOBLE CONTRIBUTION, of the NET SELLING PRICE for
the naked seed weight (exclusive of any coating materials that may be applied)
of all COMMERCIAL SEED of the LICENSED VARIETY, except that seed subject to
Paragraphs 4.2(c), sold in the United States by CERES or any AFFILIATED COMPANY;
	 
	 	(b)	 	the percentage set forth in Section 1.2 of ANNEX B
multiplied by the NOBLE CONTRIBUTION, of any LICENSE INCOME received by CERES or
any AFFILIATED COMPANY from a SUBLICENSEE who is not an AFFILIATED COMPANY; and
	 
	 	(c)	 	[***] of the NET SELLING PRICE for the naked seed weight
(exclusive of any coating materials that may be applied) of all seed sold as
“variety not stated,” wherein such “variety not stated” seed (i.e., limited
quantities of COMMERCIAL SEED sold for inventory control and seed that does not
satisfy the standards of COMMERCIAL SEED) cannot be associated with, directly or
indirectly, any COMMERCIAL NAME or include any other designations that identify
such material as the LICENSED VARIETY.

     4.3 [OPTIONAL] Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement and
irrespective of the level of sales of seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY under this Agreement, CERES
shall pay to NOBLE for each calendar year of the term hereof a minimum royalty with respect to the

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 36 of 57

Confidential
Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

designated LICENSED VARIETY only, according to the following schedule. Payment of this minimum
royalty shall be due on or before March 31 of the succeeding year for which the payment is due.

Minimum Royalties for LICENSED VARIETY ONLY:

	 	 	 

	Calendar Year
	 	Minimum Royalty (USD)

     4.4 [OPTIONAL] The minimum royalty of Paragraph 4.3 shall not carry forward to subsequent
calendar years as royalty credit against future sales. For clarification, the following rules shall
guide the relationship between royalties and minimum royalties:

	 	(a)	 	if the royalty payments due under Paragraph 4.2 are less than the
minimum royalty of Paragraph 4.3 in a given year, then only the minimum royalty
of Paragraph 4.3 shall be payable;
	 
	 	(b)	 	if the royalty payments due under Paragraph 4.2 exceed the
minimum royalty of Paragraph 4.3 in a given year, then the minimum annual
royalty shall not be payable; and
	 
	 	(c)	 	should there be a failure in production of seed of the LICENSED
VARIETY where CERES can evidence that sufficient acreage was established to
produce adequate seed for payment of the minimum royalty of Paragraph 4.3 and
production of seed failed due to circumstances beyond the control of CERES or
CERES’ contract grower(s), then the minimum royalty will be paid pro-rata to the
extent of the failure of seed production.

     4.5 CERES shall be responsible for the collection and payment of royalties due to NOBLE for
all seed sold in the LICENSED TERRITORY.

     4.6 CERES shall, in addition to any payments due under Paragraphs 4.1 or 4.2, pay all goods
and service taxes (or other taxes) due on its commercial activity. Where any royalty payments are
subject to a withholding tax then:

	 	(a)	 	where the tax is reclaimable by CERES or any AFFILIATED COMPANY,
then CERES shall make the royalty payment without deduction; and
	 
	 	(b)	 	where the tax is non reclaimable by CERES or any AFFILIATED
COMPANY, then CERES shall pay the net royalty and shall provide to NOBLE proper
certificates for such withholding tax.

     4.7 All sums payable by CERES to NOBLE under this Agreement shall be payable in United States
dollars. Royalties shall be payable by March 31 of each year with respect to the NET

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 37 of 57

 

 

SELLING PRICE and LICENSE INCOME received by CERES and any AFFILIATED COMPANIES in the
preceding calendar year. Payments shall be made by check to the following address:

Vice President, General Counsel

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

2510 Sam Noble Parkway

Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401

     Such payments shall be accompanied by a written report setting forth the production, sales by
CERES, and each SUBLICENSEE, of seed during the calendar year, permitted exclusions, NET SELLING
PRICE, LICENSE INCOME, the royalties due, and all uncollected amounts due CERES (and any AFFILIATED
COMPANY) from SUBLICENSEES. If no royalties are due, CERES also shall so report.

     4.8 If the LICENSED VARIETY is sold in jurisdictions other than the United States, the parties
will jointly determine in good faith the applicable royalty rates and minimum annual royalties (if
any).

     4.9 Payments required under this Agreement shall, if overdue, bear interest at a per annum
rate of one percent (1%) above the prime interest rate in effect on the due date, as reported in
the Wall Street Journal, from the date the payment is due until it is received.

5. DENOMINATIONS, VARIETY NAMES, TRADE MARKS AND BRAND INTEGRITY.

     5.1 The parties acknowledge that the denomination for the subject variety is established as:
[X].

     5.2 CERES shall use the denomination of the LICENSED VARIETY to identify that variety and
shall not associate any TRADEMARK or any tradename or similar indication with the denomination.

     5.3 CERES will determine a COMMERCIAL NAME for the LICENSED VARIETY under which the seed of
the LICENSED VARIETY will be marketed and sold.

     5.4 CERES shall use all reasonable endeavors to ensure that all references made by CERES, any
AFFILIATED COMPANY, or any SUBLICENSEE to the LICENSED VARIETY shall use the COMMERCIAL NAME for
the LICENSED VARIETY, as specified in applicable INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, and shall use its
best endeavors to ensure that all references by other parties shall use the same COMMERCIAL NAME
and shall use this name in a manner which distinguishes it from any TRADEMARK. CERES, any
AFFILIATED COMPANY or any SUBLICENSEE shall not falsely represent that any seeds of another variety
being sold or offered for sale are seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY.

     5.5 CERES may determine TRADEMARK(s) associated or intended for use with a LICENSED VARIETY.
CERES shall be the owner of all rights in any such TRADE MARK, chosen, applied to, used or
registered in association with the LICENSED VARIETY.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 38 of 57

 

 

6. SEED QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE REGULATIONS.

     6.1 CERES shall be responsible for multiplying seed of the LICENSED VARIETY within the
LICENSED PRODUCTION TERRITORY and using commercially reasonable efforts to produce, market and sell
the resultant seed so as to ensure that COMMERCIAL SEED of the LICENSED VARIETY is commercially
available in the United States in reasonable quantities and at a reasonable price no later than
three (3) years from the Effective Date. Availability in foreign markets, if any, of the LICENSED
VARIETY shall be determined by CERES no later than two (2) years after U.S. commercialization of
such LICENSED VARIETY.

     6.2 CERES shall meet its own cost of promotion, overseas trials and listing of the LICENSED
VARIETY in the LICENSED TERRITORY.

     6.3 CERES shall use reasonable endeavors to ensure that all seed of the LICENSED VARIETY
offered for sale by CERES, any AFFILIATED COMPANY or SUBLICENSEE shall meet the normally accepted
standards of the seed trade or certifying authorities relating to seed quality within the relevant
jurisdiction of the LICENSED TERRITORY.

     6.4 Where CERES wishes to dispose of seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY without identity, CERES
shall obtain prior written approval by NOBLE before disposing of any seed of the LICENSED VARIETY,
such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. In the event that no response is received within
five (5) working days of the request for approval being made then it shall be deemed that consent
has been granted.

     6.5 CERES shall advise NOBLE of any downgrading of FOUNDATION SEED of the LICENSED VARIETY.

     6.6 When performing activities pursuant to this Agreement, each party shall be responsible for
complying with all applicable laws, rules and regulations and obtaining any and all permits or
authorizations or proceed to any notifications which may be required by such laws, rules and
regulations.

     6.6.1 CERES shall at all times comply with and abide by any governing act, rules,
regulations, by-laws, plant variety rights legislation or the like and/or requirements
relating to the quality and sale of seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY in the relevant
jurisdictions of the LICENSED TERRITORY and shall use all reasonable commercial endeavors to
obtain any necessary regulatory approvals for the LICENSED VARIETY.

7. DILIGENCE.

     7.1 CERES will use commercially reasonable efforts to actively market the LICENSED VARIETY in
the LICENSED TERRITORY, wherein such efforts shall be appropriately reflected in the MARKETING
PLAN.

     7.2 CERES shall submit to NOBLE with its annual report under Paragraph 4.7 a report of
progress made by CERES (and any AFFILIATED COMPANY), directly or through its SUBLICENSEES, in
achieving marketing goals of previous years and meeting the objectives of the MARKETING PLAN
submitted and agreed upon for the LICENSED TERRITORY. From time to

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 39 of 57

 

 

time, but at least annually, CERES shall submit an amended and updated MARKETING PLAN for
NOBLE’S review and acceptance, which will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

     7.3 [IF A BINDING MARKETING PLAN] If CERES fails to meet the MARKETING PLAN performance
requirements with respect to the LICENSED VARIETY in two (2) subsequent years and such failure
amounts to more than 20% percent in each such year, NOBLE shall have the right to convert the
license granted to CERES with respect to such LICENSED VARIETY to non-exclusive, by written notice
to CERES, provided that the parties shall first, upon the initiative of either party, discuss the
circumstances and make good faith efforts to provide an alternative solution. If this Agreement is
converted to a non-exclusive grant, no further diligence obligations shall apply.

     7.4 [OPTIONAL] Minimum diligence requirements for each LICENSED VARIETY, if any, shall be
satisfied by the payment of the annual minimum royalty amounts for the prescribed years for only
the specific LICENSED VARIETY set forth in Paragraph 4.4.

     7.4.1 If CERES fails to pay to NOBLE the prescribed annual minimum royalty, NOBLE shall
have the right to convert the license granted to CERES with respect to such LICENSED VARIETY
to non-exclusive, by written notice to CERES.

     7.4.2 Upon CERES’ written request, this Agreement shall be amended to terminate the
annual minimum royalty and to convert the exclusive license grant of Paragraph 2.1 to a
non-exclusive license grant.

8. BOOKS, RECORDS AND RIGHT OF AUDIT.

     8.1 CERES shall keep and shall cause any SUBLICENSEE to keep accurate records of all
production and sales of seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY in each country of the LICENSED TERRITORY
where such sales are made. These records should include, at least, the number of acres of LICENSED
VARIETY seed under production, the physical location of each LICENSED VARIETY production field
owned or controlled by CERES, any AFFILIATED COMPANY or any SUBLICENSEE, the total amount of
LICENSED VARIETY seed produced, the total amount of LICENSED VARIETY seed sold, including
specifically the amount of COMMERCIAL SEED sold and the amount of seed sold and/or disposed of
without identity (under Paragraph 6.4 and subject to royalties under Paragraph 7.2(e)) and all
invoices or shipping documents relating to such sales.

     8.2 CERES shall allow an independent auditor, reasonably acceptable to CERES, appointed by and
paid for by NOBLE to inspect the records of CERES and any AFFILIATED COMPANY pertaining to the
LICENSED VARIETY for the exclusive purpose of verifying the accuracy of the reports provided. Any
such audit shall occur no more frequently than annually. Any such inspection shall occur during
normal business hours and after NOBLE has provided written notice at least ten business days prior
to the date of the intended inspection. NOBLE agrees that it and its representatives will hold the
information obtained from the inspection in confidence, and not use it for any purpose other than
verification of the royalties required to be paid hereunder.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 40 of 57

 

 

9. ABATEMENT OF INFRINGEMENT.

     9.1 Each party shall notify the other of any suspected infringement of any INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS covering the LICENSED VARIETY. During the term of this Agreement, CERES shall have
right, but shall not be otherwise required, to bring suit to abate such infringement.

     9.1.1 Subject to Paragraph 9.1.2, CERES will have the exclusive right, at its own
discretion and expense, to take any action to enforce and to initiate and prosecute suits
for infringement of the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. CERES and NOBLE will consult with each
other upon a course of action and enforcement strategy. CERES will be responsible for the
conduct of any such enforcement action, and NOBLE will reasonably cooperate with CERES to
effect the enforcement action, and if appropriate, determine a settlement position. CERES
shall be responsible for retaining counsel and shall promptly notify NOBLE following
retention of counsel, and NOBLE agrees to be represented by such counsel as may be required
for any enforcement action or settlement. For purposes of settlement, CERES shall be the
contact with the parties’ counsel as well as the opposing party(ies) and shall have the
right to enter into settlements. CERES shall keep NOBLE advised as to all developments with
respect to the enforcement action and settlement discussions, which includes supplying to
NOBLE copies of all papers received and filed in sufficient time for NOBLE to comment
thereon. NOBLE may attend any and all meetings with the parties’ counsel and the opposing
side for settlement purposes. NOBLE agrees to voluntarily join in any action brought by
CERES as a party plaintiff/defendant, if necessary, at the expense of CERES. If necessary,
NOBLE agrees to enter into a joint defense agreement.

     9.1.2 If the license grant of Paragraph 2.1 converts from exclusive to non-exclusive
pursuant to Paragraph 7.3, or Paragraph 7.4.1 or Paragraph 7.4.2, either party will have the
right, after the date such conversion occurs (“CONVERSION DATE”), to initiate any new action
to enforce and to initiate and prosecute new suits for infringement of the INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS, provided however, that (a) nothing in this Paragraph 9.1.2 shall affect any
actions, suits or proceedings pending before the CONVERSION DATE and (b) NOBLE shall not
have the right to take any action relating to any infringement matters for which CERES had
initiated any action, suit or proceeding prior to the CONVERSION DATE nor grant any license
or sublicense on the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS to any party against whom CERES had
initiated such action, suit or proceeding or with whom CERES is involved in any proceedings
(e.g. interference, opposition in any patent office).

     9.2 Any damages received by the CERES as a result of an enforcement action of the INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS, after deduction of all enforcement related costs incurred by such party, shall be
considered as either NET SELLING PRICE or LICENSE INCOME for the purpose of remuneration payments
to NOBLE, to whichever the damages are reasonably deemed equivalent; provided however, that any
award that exceeds compensation for loss of revenue, costs and expenses incurred by CERES (e.g.
punitive damages), after deduction of all enforcement related costs incurred by CERES, will be
shared as follows: NOBLE will be entitled to a percentage of the award equal to the NOBLE
CONTRIBUTION (See ANNEX B Article 2) and CERES will be entitled to the remainder.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 41 of 57

 

 

10. TERM AND TERMINATION.

     10.1 Subject to any other rights of termination under this paragraph, this Agreement shall
have a term equal to:

(a) on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, the term of the
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS in the respective jurisdiction covering the
LICENSED VARIETY; or

 

(b) in those jurisdictions in which the LICENSED VARIETY is sold but
no INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS are obtained, fifteen (15) years from the date
of the first sale of a LICENSED VARIETY in such jurisdiction.

 

     10.2 Each party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally by giving
written notice of termination to the other party if such other party fails to satisfy its material
obligations, which shall include but are not limited to, making required reports and making
required payments, under this Agreement, and such party subsequently fails to cure such failure(s)
within (a) thirty (30) days for failures to remit payment for amounts due under this Agreement and
(b) ninety (90) days for all other obligations after receipt of written notice from the
non-breaching party specifying such failure.

     10.3 NOBLE will have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally with thirty (30) days’
written notice to CERES, (a) if CERES seeks protection under any bankruptcy, insolvency,
receivership, trust, deed, creditors arrangement or comparable proceeding or if any such proceeding
is instituted against CERES (and not dismissed within one hundred twenty (120) days) or (b) in case
of dissolution or winding up of CERES (excluding any situation where all or substantially all of
CERES’ assets, stock or business to which this Agreement relates are acquired by a third party
(whether by sale, acquisition, merger, operation of law or otherwise)).

     10.4 CERES may after consultation with NOBLE terminate this Agreement by written notice if in
the commercially reasonable opinion of CERES the markets for the LICENSED VARIETY change or do not
develop as anticipated, so as to render the production, promotion and sale of the LICENSED VARIETY
uneconomical or impractical or if CERES decides to cease substantially all activities in
SWITCHGRASS; provided however, CERES shall terminate its promotion, marketing and sales of the
LICENSED VARIETY, whether directly or through any SUBLICENSEES.

     10.5 The parties may terminate this Agreement at any time by mutual, written agreement.

     10.6 Termination of this Agreement for any reason will not relieve either party of any
obligation or liability accrued under this Agreement before termination or rescind any payments
made or due before termination. Paragraphs 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 will survive any
termination of this Agreement.

     10.7 Upon termination by CERES pursuant to Paragraph 10.2, NOBLE will promptly deliver to
CERES any and all BREEDER SEED in its possession and promptly upon harvesting, any of the
aforementioned seed from plants which are in the field on the termination date, and NOBLE will
grant CERES access to facilities and fields under its control for the purpose of collecting
germplasm of the LICENSED VARIETIES other than seed.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 42 of 57

 

 

     10.8 Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the rights and obligations of the parties
accrued prior to termination hereof.

     10.9 Upon termination of this Agreement, no existing SUBLICENSES granted by CERES or
AFFILIATED COMPANIES to third parties shall be affected by such termination, and all such
sublicenses shall remain in effect according to their terms, pursuant to the election of each
SUBLICENSEE. NOBLE shall continue to be entitled to payments relating to such SUBLICENSES pursuant
to this Agreement and such SUBLICENSES.

     10.10 Termination of this Agreement shall not prevent:

     (a) NOBLE from recovering any royalties due as of termination; and

     (b) either party from obtaining a remedy for any breach of the
provisions of this Agreement.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLICATIONS.

     11.1 As used in this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” shall mean (a) all
non-public-information received by one party from the other in the framework of this Agreement and
(b) any and all information, results (including materials) and observations generated by NOBLE in
the performance of any this Agreement. Confidential Information can include, but is not limited to,
information concerning the disclosing party’s operations, research, processes, techniques, data,
and non-public materials.

     11.2 From receipt to five (5) years after the disclosure of the relevant CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION, the receiving party shall not use, except (a) for the benefit of the parties’
collaboration, or (b) such use as is expressly allowed by this Agreement, and/or disclose any
Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written consent of the disclosing
party if the Confidential Information was received from the other party, or the prior written
consent of both parties if the Confidential Information was generated during the performance of
this Agreement, excepting that information described in Paragraph 11.3. Confidential Information
shall only be made accessible to each party’s employees or students on a need-to-know basis.
Manuscripts and papers published in scientific journals and presentations made at public meetings
that include Confidential Information are exempt from the conditions of this paragraph, provided
the parties followed the procedure set forth in Paragraph 11.4.

     11.3 The receiving party shall have no obligations of confidentiality for information that:
can be established through written evidence to be in the possession of the receiving party prior to
the disclosure by the disclosing party; is or becomes public knowledge through no fault of the
disclosing party; is acquired from others not under an obligation of confidentiality to the
disclosing party. In addition, CERES shall have the right to proceed to disclosures of Confidential
Information (a) as required to file for INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS or registration, (b) as
required to exercise its commercialization rights granted in or on the basis of this Agreement and
for related marketing activities, (c) as required by laws, rules or regulation or court ordering
such as, without limitation, SEC regulations, or (d) in CERES’ reasonable judgment, to (potential)
investors and business partners.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 43 of 57

 

 

     11.4 The parties agree that the researchers involved in the development of the LICENSED
VARIETY are permitted to present methods and/or results of the development activities at symposia
and professional meetings and to publish the same in journals or the like, subject to the
obligations of this paragraph. If either party wishes to present results of the evaluation
activities set forth in this Agreement at symposia and professional meetings or publish the same in
journals or the like, the disclosing party must furnish copies of any proposed publication,
presentation, or disclosure (collectively “Disclosure”) to the other party at least thirty (30)
days in advance of the specific submission, presentation, or other disclosure. If the
non-disclosing party raises an objection within such thirty (30) day period with respect to any
part of the proposed Disclosure, the parties will diligently cooperate to modify the objected
matter. The non-disclosing party’s consent will be required for such Disclosure, but such consent
will not unreasonably be withheld. If no objection is raised within the aforementioned thirty (30)
day period, the disclosing party may proceed with the Disclosure.

     11.5 Each party shall be responsible for requiring any and all of its employees or students
who will perform activities under this Agreement to be bound by a written agreement(s) that commits
their inventions, discoveries, and other intellectual property to the party-employer and requires
confidential treatment of party and third-party confidential information. Each party shall further
notify each such employee, in writing, of their obligations and responsibilities under the terms of
this Agreement, including but not limited to the provisions of this Paragraph 11.

12. NOTICES.

     Any notices required to be given or which shall be given under this Agreement shall be in
writing and delivered by first class mail or overnight (trackable) courier addressed to the Parties
as follows:

Vice President of Product Development

Ceres, Inc.

1535 Ranch Conejo Blvd.

Thousand Oaks, California 91320

Vice President, General Counsel

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

2510 Sam Noble Parkway

Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401

     In the event that notices under this Agreement are sent by certified or registered mail (or
alternatively, by overnight courier) by one party to the other party at its above address, they
shall be deemed to have been given or made as of the date so mailed.

13. DISCLAIMERS.

     13.1 EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 17, THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT NEITHER PARTY
HAS MADE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 44 of 57

 

 

     13.2 IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS OF PROFIT ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
RIGHTS COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY IS
ADVISED IN ADVANCE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

     13.3 NOBLE shall not be liable under any circumstances, whether in contract, in tort, under
any warranty, in negligence or otherwise, for any incidental, indirect, special or consequential
damages resulting from the exercise of CERES’ rights under the option and/or license granted
pursuant to this Agreement or from the production, sale, storage, use or attempted use of the
LICENSED VARIETY, including, but not limited to, damage to real or personal property, including
land, livestock, crops, plants, seed or feed crop.

     13.4 Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as:

	 	(a)	 	a warranty or representation by either party as to the validity
or scope of any INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, patent rights or plant variety
rights;
	 
	 	(b)	 	a warranty or representation by either party that anything made,
used, sold or otherwise disposed of pursuant to any license granted under this
Agreement is or will be free from infringement of patents of third parties;
	 
	 	(c)	 	any obligations by either party to bring or prosecute actions or
suits against third parties for patent infringement; and
	 
	 	(d)	 	a grant by implication, estoppel, or otherwise of any licenses
under any intellectual property rights of NOBLE or other persons other than as
provided in Paragraph 2.1 hereof.

14. INDEMNIFICATION.

     Excluding those acts directly attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of NOBLE,
CERES agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend NOBLE, its trustees, officers, employees and
agents and the breeders (as named in the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, if any) against any and all
liability and/or damages with respect to any claims, suits, demands, judgments or causes arising
out of (a) the production, development, storage, sale or any other use of the LICENSED VARIETY seed
and/or exercise of rights granted hereunder by CERES, its SUBLICENSEES, distributors, agents,
representatives or AFFILIATED COMPANIES; (b) the use by end-users and other third parties of
LICENSED VARIETY seed; and/or (c) any representation, warranty or statement by CERES, its
SUBLICENSEES, distributors, agents, representatives or AFFILIATED COMPANIES, concerning NOBLE,
LICENSED VARIETY seed or any INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. In the event any such claims, demands or
actions are made, CERES shall defend NOBLE at CERES’ sole expense by counsel selected by CERES and
reasonably acceptable to NOBLE. NOBLE shall promptly notify CERES, in writing, of any such claims,
suits or demands upon discovery and shall cooperate with CERES in the defense, provided that CERES
shall have the right to lead the defense including entering into any settlement. CERES will keep
NOBLE informed about the conduct of the defense and consult NOBLE regarding any settlement
proposals.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 45 of 57

 

 

15. PUBLICITY AND USE OF NAMES.

     15.1 Neither party shall publicize or disclose the terms of this Agreement without the prior
written approval of the other party, subject to the same exceptions as set forth in Paragraph
11.3(a) through (d).

     15.2 The parties intend to issue joint press releases regarding this collaboration. Any such
press release and any press release by either party will be subject to the prior written approval
of both parties; provided however, that (i) CERES shall have the right to otherwise disclose
information as may be required in CERES’ judgment to comply with SEC regulations or other laws,
rules or regulations governing disclosure of information and (ii) NOBLE shall have the right to
otherwise disclose information as may be required in NOBLE’S judgment to comply with IRS or state
regulations or other laws, rules or regulations governing disclosure of information.
Notwithstanding the unilateral disclosure rights provided for in this paragraph, the disclosing
party shall provide the other party a copy of any such unilateral disclosure preferably prior to
its release.

     15.3 CERES, any AFFILIATED COMPANY and any SUBLICENSEE may make known in promotional materials
and technical literature that the LICENSED VARIETY was evaluated and developed for
commercialization at NOBLE and seed is produced, marketed, and sold under a license from NOBLE;
provided, however, that such use shall not state or otherwise imply that NOBLE has any relationship
with CERES outside its publicized relationships (e.g., licensor-licensee, etc.). NOBLE shall have
the right to review and must pre-approve, in writing, any and all such provided materials and
technical literature that references NOBLE or its employees prior to its public release.

     15.4 CERES, any AFFILIATED COMPANY and any SUBLICENSEE shall include on (or affix to) the seed
packaging (e.g., bag or other container) and promotional materials the NOBLE mark set forth in
ANNEX D to this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein.
NOBLE shall have the right to review and must pre-approve, in writing, any and all materials,
including seed packaging, that includes or is intended to include the mark of ANNEX D.

16. DISPUTE RESOLUTION.

     All disputes, differences or questions arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or
its ANNEXES, or related to the alleged breach, termination, validity, interpretation or violation
thereof, shall be submitted to the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE for resolution, which shall convene,
whether in person or otherwise, to resolve such dispute in a timely manner. Either party may
initiate a resolution procedure by providing written notice (“Dispute Notice”) to the other party,
and any such Dispute Notice must set forth the subject matter of the dispute, difference or
question. If after sixty (60) days the dispute remains unresolved, the presidents of CERES and
NOBLE shall seek to resolve the dispute through negotiation or mediation. If negotiation is
elected, the parties agree that at least eight (8) cumulative hours of negotiations between the
presidents will be undertaken. If mediation is elected, the presidents will meet at a neutral site
for mediation. Unless agreed to otherwise, the neutral site shall be Denver, Colorado. The
mediation shall be conducted in accordance with the then existing Commercial Mediation Rules of the
American Arbitration Association (AAA). The mediator shall be selected by mutual agreement of the
parties. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, AAA shall designate a mediator at the request
of either party. Any mediator so designated must be acceptable to both parties. Fees for the
mediation will be shared equally, and the parties will responsible for their

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 46 of 57

 

 

respective expenses. Settlement reached in mediation or negotiation will not be binding until
the parties have signed a written settlement agreement.

     Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or its
ANNEXES, or related to the alleged breach, termination, validity, interpretation or violation
thereof, not settled by negotiation or mediation in accordance with the terms hereof, shall be
finally settled and determined by arbitration administered by the AAA under its then current
Commercial Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures (including Procedures for Large, Complex
Commercial Disputes) (the “Rules”). The written reasoned award of the arbitrators shall be final
and binding upon the parties, and judgment on or enforcement of the award so rendered may be
sought, had or entered in any court having jurisdiction.

	 	(a)	 	Initiation of Arbitration. Any party may initiate arbitration by filing
a written request for arbitration with the AAA. A copy of the request shall be
furnished to all other parties in accordance with the provisions of the Rules and the
provisions in the agreement between the parties concerning notices. For all purposes
the “commencement of the arbitration” shall be deemed to be the date on which any party
issues a written demand for arbitration in accordance with the requirements of Article
18.
	 
	 	(b)	 	Appointment of Arbitrators. Each party shall appoint an arbitrator,
and the two arbitrators so appointed shall appoint the third arbitrator. The party
initiating the arbitration shall appoint its arbitrator at the commencement of the
arbitration. The other party shall appoint its arbitrator within thirty (30) days of
the commencement of the arbitration. If the arbitrators appointed by the parties fail
to appoint the third arbitrator within sixty (60) days of the commencement of the
arbitration, the AAA shall appoint the third arbitrator following consultation with the
parties.
	 
	 	(c)	 	Qualifications of Arbitrators. Each arbitrator so appointed shall have
a reputation as being experienced in the legal and technical matters related to the
dispute, shall be required to disclose, among other disclosures, any prior involvement
with the legal and technical matters related to the dispute and any involvement with a
competitor of any party, and shall not be presently nor in the past have been
affiliated with any party or a competitor of any party. Notwithstanding the method of
their appointment, each arbitrator shall be required to meet the standards contained in
the Rules with respect to impartiality, independence and neutrality.
	 
	 	(d)	 	Location of the Arbitration. The seat of arbitration shall be Denver,
Colorado. The arbitrators may hold hearings at such other locations as the arbitrators
shall determine, after consultation with the parties.
	 
	 	(e)	 	Language of Arbitration. The arbitral proceedings and all pleadings and
written evidence shall be in the English language. Any written evidence originally in a
language other than English shall be submitted in English translation accompanied by
the original or true copy thereof.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 47 of 57

 

 

	 	(f)	 	Procedural Requirements. The arbitrators shall, after consultation with
the parties, make appropriate provision in the arbitration process for rules specific
to this arbitration which:

	 	(i)	 	require the disclosure of all exhibits expected to be used by the
parties at the arbitration, and the exchange of complete copies of all such
exhibits in advance of the arbitration;
	 
	 	(ii)	 	determine the dates for the exchange of said written disclosures
and copies of said exhibits;
	 
	 	(iii)	 	require the written disclosure of the identity of all witnesses
whom the parties expect to call at the arbitration;
	 
	 	(iv)	 	determine the dates for the exchange of the written disclosures
of the identity of witnesses which the parties expect to call at the
arbitration;
	 
	 	(v)	 	determine the dates for the exchange of sworn narrative
statements containing the testimony of all witnesses whom the parties expect to
call at the arbitration;
	 
	 	(vi)	 	require that the sworn narrative testimony of witnesses be
submitted in substitution for the direct examination of the witness, and that
all witnesses whose sworn testimony is submitted for consideration by the
arbitrators must present him or herself for cross examination at the time and
place of the arbitration hearing, unless some other procedure providing the
parties with a full and complete opportunity for cross-examination has been
established and provided by the arbitrators, the parties and the witness:
	 
	 	(vii)	 	prohibit, except upon a showing of good cause, or for purposes
of rebuttal, the receipt into evidence of any exhibit not disclosed by the
parties, nor shall the arbitrators permit a party to present the testimony of
any witness whose identity and testimony was not exchanged prior to the
arbitration;
	 
	 	(viii)	 	permit discovery as reasonable and necessary for the orderly preparation of
the dispute for hearing and determination of the dispute (said discovery may
include requests for production of documents and depositions of witnesses who
cannot be summoned to the arbitration or are otherwise unavailable to attend the
arbitration); and
	 
	 	(ix)	 	require all parties and experts to maintain all information and
documents they have received , reviewed, exchanged or given testimony about in
confidence pursuant to an appropriate confidentiality undertaking and order.

	 	(g)	 	Limitation on Remedies. The arbitrators are precluded from awarding
punitive or exemplary damages. In no event shall the arbitrators have the powers of an
amiable compositeur.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 48 of 57

 

 

	 	(h)	 	Resort to the Courts. Nothing in this Agreement prohibits any party
from seeking interim or conservatory relief in any court of competent jurisdiction;
provided however, that neither the filing of an application for a
temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or other interim or conservatory
relief, as necessary, nor the granting of such relief, shall be deemed to be a waiver
of the obligation of the party to have the dispute heard and determined solely and
exclusively by arbitration.
	 
	 	(i)	 	Survival. The rights and obligations of the parties as described
herein shall survive the termination, expiration, non-renewal or rescission of the
Agreement between the parties.

17. GENERAL.

     17.1 Entire Agreement/Modifications. This Agreement together with its ANNEXES
constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and there are no representations, warranties, covenants or obligations except as set forth
herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings,
negotiations and discussions, written or oral, of the parties hereto relating to the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement may only be amended, modified or superseded by a writing executed by the
authorized representative of the parties hereto. Pursuant to the obligations of this Agreement, the
parties anticipate that ANNEXES will be attached to and become part of this Agreement during its
term.

     17.2 Severability. This Agreement, to the greatest extent possible, shall be construed
so as to give validity to all of the provisions hereof. If any provision of this Agreement is or
becomes invalid, is ruled illegal by a court of competent jurisdiction or is deemed unenforceable
under the current applicable law from time to time in effect during the term of this Agreement, the
remainder of this Agreement will not be affected or impaired thereby and will continue to be
construed to the maximum extent permitted by law. In lieu of each provisions which is invalid,
illegal or unenforceable, there will be substituted or added as part of this Agreement by mutual
written agreement of the parties, a provision which will be as similar as possible, in economic and
business objectives as intended by the parties to such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision,
but will be valid, legal and enforceable.

     17.3 Waiver. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right or remedy
under this Agreement will waive any provision of this Agreement. Nor will any single or partial
exercise by either party of any right or remedy under this Agreement preclude it from otherwise or
further exercising any rights or remedies which it may have, or any other rights or remedies
granted by any law or any related document.

     17.4 Enforcement. In the event an action is commenced by either party against the
other to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to
recover from the other party reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and necessary disbursements
incurred in connection with such action.

     17.5 Licensor-Licensee Relationship. The relationship of the parties is that of
independent contractors and licensor-licensee. Nothing herein is intended or will be construed to
establish any agency, partnerships, or joint ventures. Neither party has any authority to act for
and/or to bind the other party in any way or to represent that either is in any way responsible for
the acts of the other,

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 49 of 57

 

 

except as may be explicitly provided for herein or authorized by the non-acting party in
writing. Neither party is authorized or empowered to act as an agent for the other party for any
purpose, nor shall either party be bound by the acts or conduct of the other party.

     17.6 Assignablility. This Agreement binds and enures to the benefit of the parties,
their successor or assigns, but may not be assigned by either party without the prior written
consent of the other party; provided however, that CERES shall have the right to assign its rights
and obligations under this Agreement to any AFFILIATED COMPANY and either party shall have the
right to assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a third party in conjunction
with the transfer to the third party of substantially all of the assets of that party associated
with performance under this Agreement without prior consent.

     17.7 Force Majeure. No party shall be responsible to the other party for delay or
failure in performance of any the obligations imposed by this Agreement, provided such failure
shall be occasioned by fire, flood, explosion, lightning, wind storm, hailstorm, earthquake,
subsidence of soil, failure of machinery or equipment or supply of materials, discontinuity in the
supply of power, court order or governmental interference, terrorist attacks, civil commotion,
riot, war, strikes, labor disturbances, transportation difficulties, labor shortage, natural
genetic variation of any living matter or by any other cause of like or unlike nature beyond the
reasonable control and without fault or negligence of such party.

     17.8 Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and
interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the principles
of conflicts of law thereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CERES and NOBLE have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as
indicated below.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC.	 	CERES, INC.	 	 
	 
	By:

	 	 	 	 	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	Name:

	 	 	 	 	 	Name:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	Title:

	 	 	 	 	 	Title:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	Date:

	 	 	 	 	 	Date:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	 
	By:

	 	 	 	 	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	Name:

	 	 	 	 	 	Name:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	Title:

	 	 	 	 	 	Title:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	Date:

	 	 	 	 	 	Date:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 50 of 57

 

 

ANNEX A — INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS for the LICENSED VARIETY

(Paragraph 1.12)

JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

(Paragraph 1.13)

NOBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

(Paragraph 1.14)

NOBLE BACKGROUND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

(Paragraph 1.16)

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 51 of 57

 

 

ANNEX B — ROYALTY RATE

1. TOTAL ROYALTY RATE TABLE AND CALCULATION:

     1.1 The following table illustrates the total royalty rates on NET SELLING PRICE:

	 	 	 	 	 
	Percent Increase in	 	 
	Biomass	 	Royalty
	0%
	 	 	[***]	 
	7%
	 	 	[***]	 
	20%
	 	 	[***]	 
	33%
	 	 	[***]	 
	47%
	 	 	[***]	 
	60%
	 	 	[***]	 
	73%
	 	 	[***]	 
	87%
	 	 	[***]	 
	100%
	 	 	[***]	 
	113%
	 	 	[***]	 
	127%
	 	 	[***]	 
	140%
	 	 	[***]	 
	153%
	 	 	[***]	 
	167%
	 	 	[***]	 

The total royalty shall equal [***] times the percent increase in biomass plus
[***], wherein the total royalty rate shall be shall be no greater than [***] and no
lower than [***].

This can be expressed using the following formula:

Royalty = [***] X percent increase in biomass + [***]

Such percent increase in biomass has been determined in accordance with Paragraph 15.1 of
SCHEDULE 2, PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PLAN at [complete].

[OPTIONAL] The MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE has determined, pursuant to Paragraph 15.1.7 of SCHEDULE
2, that the total applicable royalty rate is [complete].

     1.2 Royalty rate on LICENSE INCOME: [***]

2. NOBLE CONTRIBUTION:

NOBLE’s contribution to the research and development of the LICENSED VARIETY has been
determined in accordance with Article 14 of SCHEDULE 2 at [complete percentage].

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 52 of 57

Confidential
Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

ANNEX C — MARKETING PLAN

(Paragraph 1.24)

	1.	 	TIMING
	 
	 	 	The MARKETING PLAN is to cover a five year period and shall be reviewed annually with
adjustments made for further five year periods in line with market conditions (or
projections of the same) and the agronomic performance of the LICENSED VARIETY.
	 
	2.	 	POSITIONING
	 
	 	 	An assessment of the potential of the LICENSED VARIETY in an identified market.
	 
	3.	 	PROMOTION
	 
	 	 	Details of all project promotional activities, plus anticipated, related expenditures, that
are intended to the LICENSED VARIETY achieves its maximum market potential.
	 
	4.	 	DISTRIBUTION
	 
	 	 	Details of the proposed distribution network and activities for supporting the distributor
or retailer plus anticipated promotion activities of the distributor/retailer. NOTE: If the
anticipated distribution network includes the creation of a new seed company, details
regarding this important component should be included here.
	 
	5.	 	EVALUATION
	 
	 	 	Details of planned evaluation and demonstration, if any.
	 
	6.	 	PROTECTION
	 
	 	 	Anticipated intellectual property protection requirements.
	 
	7.	 	SEED SALES
	 
	 	 	Estimated sales including grade of seed, volume and price and country of destination.
	 
	8.	 	ROYALTY INCOME

	 	a.	 	Estimated royalty payments; and
	 
	 	b.	 	Commencement date of payment.

	9.	 	SEED PRODUCTION
	 
	 	 	Estimated production, including grade of seed, land area to be sown, estimated production
and harvest date.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 53 of 57

 

 

ANNEX D - NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE TO AND TERMS OF USE FOR “NOBLE RESEARCH” MARK

(Paragraph 15.4)

Terms and Conditions for Non-exclusive License Agreement

for

     1. Recitals.

     1.1 NOBLE owns and uses the trademark NOBLE Research (the “Mark”) in connection with
plants, plant seed, plant material and research tools developed by or improved directly
through NOBLE research efforts (“Qualifying Products”).

     1.2 NOBLE acknowledges and intends that the LICENSED VARIETY be promoted, marketed and
sold under one or more primary marks specific to CERES and/or the LICENSED VARIETY.

     2. Grant of License. NOBLE hereby grants to CERES a non-exclusive, world-wide,
royalty-free license to use the Mark in connection with the LICENSED VARIETY to promote, market,
sell and deliver LICENSED VARIETY to SUBLICENSEES, distributors and consumers.

     3. Reservation of Rights. NOBLE hereby reserves any and all rights not expressly and
explicitly granted in these terms and conditions, including NOBLE’S right to authorize or license
use of the Mark or any other trademarks or names containing NOBLE, to any third party for use in
connection with any goods and services. Without limiting the rights reserved in this paragraph,
NOBLE hereby reserves any and all rights to use, authorize use or license use of the Mark or any
other trademarks or names containing the Marks in any geographic territory and in any language.

     4. Ownership of Mark. CERES hereby acknowledges that NOBLE is the owner of the Mark,
and any trademark applications and/or registrations thereto, agrees that it will not challenge the
validity of or NOBLE’S ownership of the Mark, and agrees that all use of the Mark by CERES shall
inure to the benefit of NOBLE. CERES agrees that nothing in these terms and conditions shall give
CERES any right, title or interest in the Mark other than the right to use the Mark in accordance
with

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 54 of 57

 

 

this Agreement and as permitted by law. CERES agrees not to register or attempt to register or
use the Mark, or the term NOBLE, as a trademark, service mark, Internet domain name, trade name
excepted as permitted herein.

     5. Use of the Mark; Protection of the Mark.

5.1 Proper Use.

     5.1.1 CERES may use the Mark in connection with the promotion, marketing and
selling of the LICENSED VARIETY, and CERES agrees that all use of the Mark shall only
occur in connection with the LICENSED VARIETY and shall be in compliance with the
terms of this EXHIBIT.

     5.1.1 CERES may only use the Mark as a collective whole (as shown above) and
shall not separately use any element or elements of the Mark. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, CERES may make fair uses of specific terms (e.g., “research”) comprising
the Mark.

     5.1.2 The Mark is not to be altered and must be reproduced from the supplied
artwork as provided by NOBLE from time to time. The Mark is not to be used in
conjunction with any other mark or design, i.e., the Mark must stand alone in terms
of its commercial impression generated by the particular usage; provided however, the
parties acknowledge and agree that the Mark will appear on packaging and other
related promotional material with other trademarks, service marks, and/or trade names
(e.g., the CERES mark).

     5.1.3 CERES has no right to sublicense the use of the Mark other than as
described herein.

     5.1.4 CERES may not use the Mark in connection with or for the benefit of
non-Qualifying Products, whether CERES’ or another third party’s.

     5.1.5 CERES must not use as its own trademark any word(s) or design(s)
confusingly similar to the Mark.

     5.1.6 NOBLE shall have the right to review and must pre-approve, in writing, any
and all materials, including seed packaging, that includes or is intended to include
the Mark.

     5.2 Monitoring. CERES acknowledges that NOBLE has the right to monitor CERES’
use of the Mark in conjunction with the LICENSED VARIETY. Upon reasonable request by NOBLE,
CERES shall provide NOBLE with representative samples of each CERES use of the Mark. If
NOBLE determines in good faith that CERES is using the Mark improperly, NOBLE shall notify
CERES, and CERES shall use reasonable efforts to remedy the improper use within thirty (30)
days following receipt of such notice.

5.3 Legend. CERES must identify the Mark as a trademark of NOBLE with each
usage in the following format:

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 55 of 57

 

 

“NOBLE Research is a trademark of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.”

CERES must exercise care in the use of the Mark so as not to indicate to the public: that
CERES is more than a licensee of NOBLE (i.e., not a part or affiliate of NOBLE or otherwise
related to NOBLE) or that the LICENSED VARIETY is produced or has been tested or approved by
NOBLE.

     6. Protection of Interests. In the event CERES becomes aware of any unauthorized use
of the Mark by a third party, CERES agrees to promptly notify NOBLE and to cooperate fully, at
NOBLE’S expense, in the enforcement of NOBLE’S rights against such a third party. Nothing
contained in this paragraph of this EXHIBIT shall be construed as to require NOBLE to enforce any
rights against a third party or to restrict NOBLE’S rights to license or consent to such a third
party’s use of the Mark.

     7. Indemnification. NOBLE agrees to indemnify and hold CERES, and its officers,
agents, directors employees, attorneys, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, and
licensees, harmless from any and all liability, loss, damages, claims or causes of action,
including reasonable legal fees and expenses, that may be incurred by CERES or one of the foregoing
parties arising out of assertions or claims by a third party that CERES’ use of the Mark in
accordance with the license granted in this EXHIBIT infringes such third party’s rights in the
Mark. CERES shall provide NOBLE with prompt written notice of any claim for which indemnification
is sought, and shall cooperate fully with and allow NOBLE to control the defense and settlement of
such claim at NOBLE’S sole expense. NOBLE shall have the exclusive right to settle any such claim.

     8. Termination; Suspension.

     8.1 Term of Agreement. Unless sooner terminated under the provisions of this
Paragraph of this EXHIBIT, the license granted in this EXHIBIT shall remain in effect until
such time as (a) the termination of the Agreement or (b) NOBLE provides written notice of
its intent to terminate no less than ninety (90) days prior to the intended termination
date. Termination pursuant to this Paragraph may be for any reason or no reason.

     8.2 Termination for Default or Action. Either party shall have the right to
terminate the license grant in this EXHIBIT if (a) the other party materially defaults on
any of its obligations under the terms of this EXHIBIT, including without limitation a
material breach by CERES of its obligations under Paragraphs 5.2 unless (i) such breach is
cured within the thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice of such breach from
NOBLE or (ii) CERES provides NOBLE, within such thirty (30) day period, a written plan to
remedy such breach that is acceptable to NOBLE, in its sole discretion; (b) CERES decides
not to develop and launch the LICENSED VARIETY pursuant to the terms of the MRA and/or this
Agreement; or (c) the LICENSED VARIETY is discontinued and removed from the marketplace.

     8.3 Effect of Termination. Upon termination of the license granted in this
EXHIBIT, CERES shall immediately cease use of the Mark. In the event of termination in
accordance with Paragraph 8.1 or Paragraph 8.2(a) of this EXHIBIT, CERES may continue to use
the Mark to deplete any stock of packaging and promotional materials it has on hand at the
time of such termination, so long as such use is in compliance with the terms of this
EXHIBIT.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 56 of 57

 

 

     8.4 Suspension. Notwithstanding Paragraph 8.2 of this EXHIBIT, if in its
reasonable discretion, NOBLE determines that as a result of a breach of the terms set forth
in this EXHIBIT that NOBLE will be materially and adversely affected in a substantial manner
by failing to immediately suspend the license granted in this EXHIBIT, NOBLE may suspend the
licenses hereunder until such breach is appropriately cured, in the sole determination of
NOBLE.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE Master Research Agreement
	 	Page 57 of 57

 

 

Pages where confidential treatment has been requested are stamped ‘Confidential Treatment
Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission,’ and the confidential section has been marked as follows: [***].

SCHEDULE 4

THIS REVISED SCHEDULE is made this 10th day of March, 2007.

	 	 	 

	BETWEEN

	 	CERES, INC., a Delaware corporation, having
its principal place of business at 1535
Rancho Conejo Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA
91320 (“CERES”) and
	 
	 	 
	 

	 	THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION
INCORPORATED, an Oklahoma non-profit
corporation, having its principal place of
business at 2510 Sam Noble Parkway,
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 (“NOBLE”);

WHEREAS, CERES and NOBLE have entered into a Master Research Agreement (“MRA”), dated 19 May 2006,
which allows for the undertaking of RESEARCH PROJECTS pursuant to SCHEDULES, these terms being
defined in the MRA; and

WHEREAS, CERES and NOBLE entered into an original Schedule 1 to the MRA, dated 19 May 2006, and the
parties hereby seek to replace the terms and conditions of such schedule, in its entirety, with
this revised SCHEDULE effective as of the date shown above; and

THEREFORE, the parties have agreed to undertake the following RESEARCH PROJECT as defined herein on
the following terms and conditions:

GENERAL

	A.	 	Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms of the MRA shall apply to this SCHEDULE.
	 
	B.	 	In the event of any difference between the terms of this SCHEDULE and the MRA, then the terms
of this SCHEDULE shall prevail.

RESEARCH PROJECT TITLE: Production-scale agronomics and economics of switchgrass for bioenergy in
the southern Great Plains

	1.	 	BACKGROUND:
	 
	 	 	Limited information is available on agronomic management and production economics of
switchgrass for bioenergy purposes in the southern Great Plains. NOBLE has initiated
research to improve the genetics of switchgrass to produce greater biomass yields and
research to identify management practices that allow for better stand establishment.
Research on nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium fertilization rates and harvest management
practices to optimum biomass yields have not been addressed. Research and demonstration
projects that identify the best fertilization and harvest management practices may
facilitate quicker producer adoption of switchgrass and stimulate a budding bioenergy
industry. Research on switchgrass production in the southern Great Plains will also improve
understanding about the westward adaptability of switchgrass, biomass yield relationships
with site precipitation, and the dual purpose value of switchgrass as a forage and bioenergy
crop, vital information considering that much of the agricultural sector in the southern
Great Plains is tied to beef cattle production.
	 
	2.	 	PROPOSAL OBJECTIVES:

	 	 	 

	 
	 	Page 1 of 8

 

 

	 	2.1	 	To determine biomass yields and production economics of switchgrass as a
bioenergy crop under one and two harvest per year systems across southern Oklahoma.
	 
	 	2.2	 	To quantify effects of nitrogen fertilization rate and harvest frequency/time
interactions on switchgrass biomass yields, stand persistence, and forage quality.
	 
	 	2.3	 	To determine interactions of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium fertilization
on switchgrass biomass production, nutrient uptake, and soil nutrient removal rates.

	3.	 	WORK TO BE UNDERTAKEN:
	 
	 	 	See RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Attachment A to this SCHEDULE).
	 
	 	 	Subject to the RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN, an overview of NOBLE work includes:
	 
	 	 	Objective 1. In the spring of 2007, research will be initiated on four NOBLE
cooperators’ farms and one NOBLE farm to determine biomass yields and production economics
of switchgrass as a bioenergy crop under one and two harvest per year systems across
southern Oklahoma. The five locations will span a 15 to 50 inch rainfall gradient:
1) far-west; 2) west; 3) central (NOBLE farm); 4) east; and 5) far-east. Two
harvest frequencies will be evaluated: 1) cut once at the end of the growing season for
biofuel purposes; 2) cut twice — ‘boot’ stage for forage and at the end of the growing
season for biofuel purposes. Contracts will be established with cooperators to allow NOBLE
to establish and produce switchgrass through 2011. Plot size will be [***] acres and will be
replicated [***] times per treatment for a total of [***] acres of production at each
location.
	 
	 	 	In March-April 2007, soils will be tested for phosphorous, potassium, and pH and
deficiencies will be corrected so as not to limit yield responses. Fields will be planted
with [***] switchgrass between April and June 2007. In the 2nd and subsequent
production years, N will be applied at [***] pounds/acre so as not to limit yield. If stands
fail to establish in 2007 and 2008, the effected sites will be replanted in 2008 and 2009,
respectively, and subsequently, the treatment applications and data collection schedule will
be delayed for the appropriate period of time.
	 
	 	 	Stand establishment success will be assessed in the fall of the 1st growing
season before biomass harvest. Biomass will be harvested at the same time for all treatments
in the fall of 2007 and by treatment schedule from 2008-11. Subsamples of the harvested
biomass will be collected for forage quality analysis from 2008-09. Stand persistence will
be assessed in the spring of 2009-11 with counts of tiller densities.
	 
	 	 	The experiment will be analyzed as randomized complete block with repeated measures. Year
(5), location (5), and replication ([***]) will be considered random factors and harvest
frequency (2) a fixed factor.
	 
	 	 	Full Information Enterprise Budgets detailing both variable and fixed production expenses
will be developed for each treatment (system) for each farm location and year. Variable
expenses include all cash expenses for seed, chemicals, fertilizer, custom

Page 2 of 8

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the
Commission

 

	 	 	services, hired labor, and interest on investment. Fixed expenses include depreciation,
interest, taxes, and insurance on farm machinery, fences, and other capital items used in
the production process. Breakeven price of harvested switchgrass will be computed to
determine the price a producer would have to be paid in order to break-even. Sensitivity
analysis will be conducted to determine how robust results are to changes in prices of
inputs and yields.
	 
	 	 	Objective 2. In the spring of 2007, field plots of [***] switchgrass will be
established on three NOBLE farm sites (highly productive, moderately productive, and lowly
productive) to evaluate biomass production responses to N fertilizer rates ([***], [***],
[***], [***], [***], and [***] lbs/acre) and harvest frequency/time periods (a. once — at
the end of the growing season; b. twice — at ‘boot’ stage and at the end of the growing
season; and c. twice — during vegetative growth and at the end of the growing season) . The
field plot trials will cover ~ [***] each and will be conducted through 2011.
	 
	 	 	In March-April 2007, soils will be tested for for phosphorous, potassium, and pH and
deficiencies will be corrected so as not to limit yield responses. Fields will be planted
with [***] switchgrass between April and June 2007. If stands fail to establish in 2007 and
2008, the affected sites will be replanted in 2008 and 2009, respectively, and subsequently,
the treatment applications and data collection schedule will be delayed for the appropriate
period of time.
	 
	 	 	Stand establishment success will be assessed in the fall of the 1st growing
season before biomass harvest. Biomass will be harvested at the same time for all treatments
in the fall of 2007 and by treatment schedule from 2008-11. Subsamples of the harvested
biomass will be collected for forage quality analysis from 2008-09. Stand persistence will
be assessed in the spring of 2009-11 with counts of tiller densities.
	 
	 	 	The field plot trials will be arranged in split plots with repeated measures over years.
Nitrogen rates will be whole plots and harvest frequency/time periods the subplots. Each
trial will have [***] replications.
	 
	 	 	Objective 3. In the spring of 2007, field plots of [***] switchgrass will be
established on three NOBLE farm sites (highly productive, moderately productive, and lowly
productive) to determine if biomass production responds to N, P, and K fertilization and to
quantify rates of soil nutrient removal under annual biomass harvests . Treatments will
include applications of N ([***] and [***] lbs/acre), P ([***] and [***] lbs/acre) and K
([***] and [***] lbs/acre). The field plot trials will cover ~ [***] each and will be
conducted through 2011.
	 
	 	 	Fields will be planted between April and June 2007. In the 2nd and subsequent
production years, the N, P, and K treatments will be applied according to the treatment
schedule. If stands fail to establish in 2007 and 2008, the effected sites will be replanted
in 2008 and 2009, respectively, and subsequently, the treatment applications and data
collection schedule will be delayed for the appropriate period of time.
	 
	 	 	Stand establishment success will be assessed in the fall of the 1st growing
season before biomass harvest. Biomass will be harvested at the same time for all treatments
in the fall of 2007 and by treatment schedule from 2008-11. Subsamples of the harvested
biomass

Page 3 of 8

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the
Commission

 

	 	 	will be collected for nutrient concentration analysis (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) from 2008-09.
Stand persistence will be assessed in the spring of 2009-11 with counts of tiller densities.
	 
	 	 	The field plot trials will be arranged in split plots with repeated measures across years.
Nitrogen fertilization rate will be the whole plot treatment factor in each trial.
Phosphorous and K will be subplot treatments arranged in [***] x [***] factorial manner.
Each trial will have [***] replications.
	 
	4.	 	DETAILED WORKPLAN:
	 
	 	 	The RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Attachment A to this SCHEDULE) contains:

	 	•	 	Research and evaluation activities to be performed by each party in
detail, including locations for such activities
	 
	 	•	 	Timelines of such activities
	 
	 	•	 	Goals, expected results and deliverables
	 
	 	•	 	Milestones and go/no-go decision points, if applicable
	 
	 	•	 	FTEs

	5.	 	LOCATION OF WORK:

NOBLE Work:

NOBLE properties and subcontractor locations.

CERES Work:

Thousand Oaks, CA

	6.	 	PHD LEVEL SCIENTIFIC STAFF:

Dr.
John Guretzky (NOBLE)

Dr. John Biermacher(NOBLE)

Dr.  Billy Cook (NOBLE)

Post Doc TBD (CNF, wherein “CNF” indicates a CERES-funded, NOBLE employee)

Dr. Peter Mascia (CERES)

Dr. Emily Heaton (CERES)

Dr. Steve Thomas (CERES)

	7.	 	MAJOR CONSUMABLES/LIVESTOCK TO BE PURCHASED:
	 
	 	 	None.
	 
	8.	 	REPORTS:
	 
	 	 	All reports shall be delivered to the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE on or before the required
delivery dates for the same.
	 
	 	 	NOBLE will deliver at each quarterly MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE meeting (or annual meeting, as the
case may be):

	 	•	 	Annual Report (compilation of slide presentations and quarterly
minutes) (annual meeting).

Page 4 of 8

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the
Commission

 

	 	•	 	Quarterly status update and FTE breakout based on attached planning
document.
	 
	 	•	 	Actual spending relative to budget.
	 
	 	•	 	INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY generated during the period.
	 
	 	•	 	Copies of slide presentations summarizing research progress (template
attached as Attachment B to this SCHEDULE).
	 
	 	•	 	Content for the development of a grower’s manual, which the parties
intend to be a deliverable of this SCHEDULE.

	 	 	Additional information, if not specifically included in the delivered information (above),
shall be delivered (or later provided, wherein the delivering party shall indicate the
delivery method and time) as supporting information at the related quarterly meeting, if
available:

	 	•	 	Copies of raw field trial data

	9.	 	COMMENCEMENT/TERMINATION:

Commencement: 15 Mar 2007

Termination: 31 December 2011

	10.	 	REPORT PREPARATION:

Dr.
John Guretzky (NOBLE)

Dr Peter Mascia (CERES)

	11.	 	REPORT DATES:
	 
	 	 	Annual report: Due at annual meeting in March.
	 
	 	 	Quarterly reports and information: Due at quarterly meetings of the MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE per the MRA (e.g., March, June, September, December).
	 
	12.	 	ASSETS:
	 
	 	 	Not applicable
	 
	13.	 	INSURANCE:
	 
	 	 	Not applicable
	 
	14.	 	CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:
	 
	 	 	Controlled by MRA.
	 
	15.	 	SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
	 
	 	 	Not applicable.
	 
	16.	 	INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS:

	 	16.1	 	NOBLE Background Intellectual Property:

	 	 	Management practices and protocols for forage cropping systems.

Page 5 of 8

 

	 	16.2	 	CERES Background Intellectual Property:
	 
	 	 	 	None.

	17.	 	SUBCONTRACTORS AND LOCATIONS:
	 
	 	 	NOBLE cooperators (growers) to be determined by the NOBLE Agricultural Division. Final NOBLE
cooperators and locations will be reported to the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE at the quarterly
meetings.
	 
	18.	 	PROVISIONS FOR EARLY TERMINATION:
	 
	 	 	This SCHEDULE does not terminate automatically upon termination of the MRA.
	 
	 	 	This SCHEDULE shall expire pursuant to the terms set forth in this SCHEDULE, unless extended
by the mutual agreement of the parties, or unless sooner terminated in accordance with the
following provisions of this Paragraph:

     (a) mutual, written agreement of the parties;

     (b) failure of one party to satisfy its material obligations under this
Agreement, and such party subsequently fails to cure such failure(s) within (i)
thirty (30) days for failures to remit payment for amounts due under this Agreement
and (ii) ninety (90) days for all other obligations in each case after receipt of
written notice from the non-breaching party specifying such failure;

     (c) one (1) year’s written notice of termination by either CERES or NOBLE to
the other party in case either the terminating party or the other party ceases
substantially all activities in the COLLABORATION CROPS;

     (d) NOBLE will have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally with
thirty (30) days’ written notice to CERES, (i) if CERES seeks protection under any
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, trust, deed, creditors arrangement or
comparable proceeding or if any such proceeding is instituted against CERES (and not
dismissed within one hundred twenty (120) days); (ii) in case of dissolution or
winding up of CERES (excluding any situation where all or substantially all of
CERES’ assets, stock or business to which this Agreement relates are acquired by a
third party (whether by sale, acquisition, merger, operation of law or otherwise));
(iii) with written notice to CERES, to be given no later than March 31, 2010 if
Ceres has failed in a substantial manner, by December 31, 2009, to implement the
activities set forth in EXHIBIT F, and does not remedy such failure or offer a
remediation plan which is reasonably acceptable to NOBLE within ninety (90) days
after receipt of a written notice from NOBLE specifying such failure; or (iv) with
one hundred twenty (120) days’ written notice to CERES, if the institutional
mission, purpose or structure of NOBLE would change substantially and adversely
affect NOBLE’S ability to satisfy its obligations hereunder; or

     (e) CERES will have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally: (i)
with thirty (30) days’ written notice to NOBLE if Dr. [***] ceases to be associated
with NOBLE and the research activities associated with this

Page 6 of 8

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the
Commission

 

SCHEDULE, and NOBLE has not replaced him within one hundred twenty (120) days
by a person reasonably acceptable to CERES; (ii) with ninety (90) days’ written
notice to NOBLE, if the institutional mission, purpose or structure of NOBLE would
change substantially; or (iii) with one (1) years’ written notice to NOBLE, if CERES
has compelling business reasons to cease the collaboration.

	19.	 	USE AND COMMERCIALIZATION RIGHTS:
	 
	 	 	Controlled by MRA.
	 
	20.	 	CONFIDENTIALITY/PUBLICATION:
	 
	 	 	Controlled by MRA.
	 
	21.	 	Proposed FUNDING:

Projected Budget (per year from CERES):

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Year 1	 	 	Year 2	 	 	Year 3	 	 	Year 4	 	 	Year 5	 	 	5 yr total	 
	Postdoc
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Research assistant #1 50%
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Research assistant #2 50%
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Research assistant #3 25%
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Research assistant #4 25%
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Research assistant #5 25%
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Research assistant #6 25%
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Location testing (land rent)
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Fencing
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Travel
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Seed
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Herbicides and other chemicals
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Fertilizer & lime
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Farm operations (fuel)
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Research supplies
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Soil sampling
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Forage quality analysis
	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	 
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 

Billing Schedule: Invoices will be sent by NOBLE to CERES for actual expenses from the
previous period on the 15th of the first month of each calendar quarter, not to exceed
the total amount specified above.

Page 7 of 8

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the
Commission

 

IN WITNESS THEREOF this SCHEDULE has been executed on the date hereinbefore entered.

CERES, INC.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	By:

	 	/s/ Steven R. Thomas
 

	 	 
	 	Date 4/10/09
	 

	 	Steven  Thomas	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Director of BioProducts	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Peter Mascia
 

	 	 
	 	Date 4/10/07
	 

	 	Peter Mascia	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Vice President of Product Development	 	 	 	 

THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	By:

	 	/s/ Michael A. Cawley
 

	 	 
	 	Date 10 APR 07
	 

	 	Michael A. Cawley	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	President	 	 	 	 

Page 8 of 8

 

Ceres/Noble
- Schedule 4 - Attachment A - RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Ceres FTE sum	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	CNF FTE Sum	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	NF FTE sum	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	2007	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2008	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2009	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Project Planning	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	#	 	 	Yearly	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Template	 	 	 	Ex Start	 	Ex Finish	 	 	Loc	 	 	 	 	 	 	# people	 	 	%	 	 	Months	 	 	FTE	 	 	2007	 	 	2008	 	 	2009	 	 	2010	 	 	2011	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 
	Objectives
	 	Determine agronomics and economics of switchgrass grown for bioenergy in the southern Great Plains	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Product Concept
	 	Research that demonstrates best agronomic and economic production practices may faciltitate earlier producer adoption of switchgrass and stimulate a budding bioenergy industry	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Business Plan
	 	Conduct field plot and on cooperator farm trials to determine optimal soil fertility and harvest management practices for biomass yields	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Management
	 	 	 	2/15/07	 	 	4/1/12	 	 	CERES	 	Director	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	2/15/07	 	 	4/1/12	 	 	NF	 	Director	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 

Page 1

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the
Commission

 

Ceres/Noble
- Schedule 4 - Attachment A - RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Project Planning	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	#	 	 	Yearly	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Template	 	 	 	Ex Start	 	Ex Finish	 	 	Loc	 	 	 	 	 	 	# people	 	 	%	 	 	Months	 	 	FTE	 	 	2007	 	 	2008	 	 	2009	 	 	2010	 	 	2011	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 
	Goal
	 	Assess potential on-farm biomass yields and production economics of switchgrass across southern Oklahoma	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Impact
	 	Provides expected yields under two harvest management systems and breakeven price growers need for switchgrass	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Identify and visit potential sites and establish land rental agreements with producers	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Build fences to control on-site activities	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Sample soils	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Prepare sites for planting and establish switchgrass stands	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Control weeds	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Assess establishment and harvest 1st year stands	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Assess stand persistence	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Harvest biomass production yrs 2-5	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Replant if necessary	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Lay out field plots and assign treatments	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Fertilize plots annually with N ([***] lbs/acre) and P, K, and lime if soils are limited	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Prepare biomass subsamples for forage quality analysis years 2-3	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Data input, analysis, report preparation, presentation development, meetings	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Follow-up cooperator relations	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on stand establishment and 1st year biomass yields	 	1/1/08	 	 	4/1/08	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report economics (cost of production) regarding 1st year of production	 	2/1/08	 	 	4/1/08	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 2nd year biomass yields and forage quality	 	1/1/09	 	 	4/1/09	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report economics (cost of production) regarding 1st and 2nd year of production	 	2/1/08	 	 	4/1/09	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 3rd year stand persistence, biomass yields, and forage quality	 	1/1/10	 	 	4/1/10	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report economics (cost of production) regarding 1st-3rd year of production	 	2/1/08	 	 	4/1/10	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 4th year stand persistence and biomass yields	 	1/1/11	 	 	4/1/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report economics (cost of production) regarding 1st-4th year of production	 	2/1/08	 	 	4/1/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 5th year stand persistence and biomass yields	 	1/1/12	 	 	4/1/12	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Provide comprehensive agronomic and economic report, including cost of production, breakeven prices and costs, and sensitivty analysis.	 	1/1/12	 	 	6/1/12	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

Page 2

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the
Commission

 

Ceres/Noble
- Schedule 4 - Attachment A - RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Project Planning	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	#	 	 	Yearly	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Template	 	 	 	Ex Start	 	Ex Finish	 	 	Loc	 	 	 	 	 	 	# people	 	 	%	 	 	Months	 	 	FTE	 	 	2007	 	 	2008	 	 	2009	 	 	2010	 	 	2011	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 
	Goal
	 	Evaluate switchgrass biomass production responses to N fertilization rates and harvest frequency/time periods	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Impact
	 	Provides best management practices to maximize biomass yields and sustain productive stands	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Identify three NOBLE sites (highly productive, moderately productive, and lowly productive) to establish field plot trials	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Sample soils	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Prepare sites for planting and establish switchgrass stands	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Control weeds	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Assess establishment and harvest 1st year stands	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Assess stand persistence	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Harvest biomass production yrs 2-5	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Replant if necessary	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Lay out field plots and assign treatments	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Fertilize plots according to
treatment schedule with N ([***], [***], [***], [***], [***] and [***] lbs/a) for production years 2-5	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Prepare biomass subsamples for forage quality analysis years 2-3	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Data input, analysis, report preparation, presentation development, meetings	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on stand establishment and 1st year biomass yields	 	1/1/08	 	 	4/1/08	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 2nd year biomass yields and forage quality	 	1/1/09	 	 	4/1/09	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 3rd year stand persistence, biomass yields, and forage quality	 	1/1/10	 	 	4/1/10	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 4th year stand persistence and biomass yields	 	1/1/11	 	 	4/1/11	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 5th year stand persistence and biomass yields	 	1/1/12	 	 	4/1/12	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

Page 3

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the
Commission

 

Ceres/Noble
- Schedule 4 - Attachment A - RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Project Planning	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	#	 	 	Yearly	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Template	 	 	 	Ex Start	 	Ex Finish	 	 	Loc	 	 	 	 	 	 	# people	 	 	%	 	 	Months	 	 	FTE	 	 	2007	 	 	2008	 	 	2009	 	 	2010	 	 	2011	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 	 	J	 	 	F	 	 	M	 	 	A	 	 	M	 	 	J	 	 	J	 	 	A	 	 	S	 	 	O	 	 	N	 	 	D	 
	Goal
	 	Evaluate switchgrass biomass production responses to P and K on three sites with and without N fertilization	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Impact
	 	Addresses whether biomass production responds to P and K and quantifies annual biomass harvest effects on soil nutrient removal rates	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Identify three NOBLE sites (highly productive, moderately productive, and lowly productive) to establish field plot trials	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Sample soils	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Prepare sites for planting and establish switchgrass stands	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Control weeds	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Assess establishment and harvest 1st year stands	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/07	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Action Item
	 	Assess stand persistence	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Harvest biomass production yrs 2-5	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Replant if necessary	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Lay out field plots and assign treatments	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Fertilize plots according to treatment schedule with N ([***] and [***] lbs/acre),  P([***] and [***] lbs/acre) and K ([***] and [***] lbs/acre) in production years 2-5	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Prepare biomass subsamples for nutrient concentration analysis (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) years 2-3	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/08	 	 	12/31/09	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Action Item
	 	Data input, analysis, report preparation, presentation development, meetings	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	CNF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	 
	 	 	 	1/1/07	 	 	12/31/11	 	 	NF	 	 	 	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	[***]	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on stand establishment and 1st year biomass yields	 	1/1/08	 	 	4/1/08	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 2nd year biomass yields and nutrient concentration analysis	 	1/1/09	 	 	4/1/09	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	X	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 3rd year stand persistence, biomass yields, and nutrient concentration analysis	 	1/1/10	 	 	4/1/10	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 4th year stand persistence and biomass yields	 	1/1/11	 	 	4/1/11	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deliverable
	 	Report on 5th year stand persistence and biomass yields	 	1/1/12	 	 	4/1/12	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

Page 4

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the
Commission

 

	

1

Quarterly Report Format

Prepared by

Date

Date
Date

 

	

2

Concept and Goals

Concept

Goals

 

	

3

FTEs and Budget Projected vs. Actual

People and activities
        Q Budget    Q Actual    Yr Budget    Yr Actual
    NF Labor
    CNF Labor
    travel
    supplies

        Q Budget    Q Actual    Yr Budget    Yr Actual
    NF Labor
    CNF Labor
    travel
    supplies

 

	

4

Action Items and Deliverables for the Period
   Action Item or Deliverable   Expected Finish   Actual Finish

 

	

5

Key Milestones or Deliverables for the Period

Progress on Key Milestones and Deliverables

Are we on, ahead or behind schedule

 

	

6

Technical Highlights

1 or 2 slides covering technical highlights

 

	

7

Results

Several slides summarizing results (if applicable)

 

	

8

Key Milestones and Deliverables Next 4 Quarters

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

 

	

9

Research Plan

Goal

Impact

Tasks

Milestones

Deliverables

Duplicate this slide as needed to cover each goal for the next
period

 

	

10

Timeline Summary
   Time to achieve Milestone   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12
   Milestone 1
   Milestone 2
   Milestone 3
   Etc.

Assumptions and risk factors

Use additional slide if necessary

Use red if behind schedule until completed or otherwise resolved

Should be indicated in red as soon as the delay is identified

See issue resolution if behind schedule

 

	

11

IP

Filings during the period

Applications in progress

 

	

12

SOPs

List SOPS for all Key processes

 

	

13

Issue Resolution and Decision Making Slides

These can be used to address new issues or
implement corrective action or assist in decision
making such as variety release, etc.

 

	

14

Issue Resolution and Decision Making

Issue (e.g. milestone 3 behind schedule)

Actual

What is happening

Expected

What should be happening

 

	

15

Issue Resolution and Decision Making

Issue (e.g. milestone 3 behind schedule)

Possible alternative slide to address new issues

Needs

Wants

 

	

16

Decision

Summary of decision to be made

 

	

17

Options

Summary of options

 

	

18

Recommendations

What do we need to do to get back on track or address new issue

 

	

19

Resources Required

 

	

20

Plan and Schedule
   Action Items   Who   When

 

Pages where confidential treatment has been requested are stamped ‘Confidential Treatment
Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission,’ and the
confidential section has been marked as follows: [***].

SCHEDULE 5

THIS SCHEDULE is made this 15th day of July 2009;

			
	BETWEEN	 	CERES, INC., a Delaware corporation, having its
principal place of business at 1535 Rancho
Conejo Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 (“CERES”)
and

THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION
INCORPORATED, an Oklahoma non-profit
corporation, having its principal place of
business at 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore,
Oklahoma 73401 (“NOBLE”);

WHEREAS, CERES and NOBLE have entered into a Master Research Agreement (“MRA”), dated 19 May 2006,
which allows for the undertaking of RESEARCH PROJECTS pursuant to SCHEDULES, these terms being
defined in the MRA; and

THEREFORE, the parties have agreed to undertake the following RESEARCH PROJECT as defined herein on
the following terms and conditions:

GENERAL

	A.	 	Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms of the MRA shall apply to this SCHEDULE.
	 
	B.	 	In the event of any difference between the terms of this SCHEDULE and the MRA, then the terms
of this SCHEDULE shall prevail.

RESEARCH PROJECT TITLE: Breeding and [***] Approaches to Enhance Switchgrass [***] Development

	1.	 	BACKGROUND:
	 
	 	 	Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a perennial grass with a high potential for biomass
production with estimated  [***] between [***] and [***]. It is a heteromorphic
cross-pollinated species with a high degree of self-incompatibility. Switchgrass is a
dedicated feedstock crop for bioenergy production in the USA. Development of improved
switchgrass [***] can substantially [***] the acceptability of these [***] to the growers.
[***] are of [***] in this regard.
	 
	 	 	We have successfully concluded the first three years of CERES — NOBLE collaboration
projects on breeding and [***] development. During this time substantial improvements have
been made on germplasm characterization, [***] development and evaluation, [***], [***]
development, [***], and [***]. The plant germplasm and [***] developed through this
collaboration make an excellent foundation for further improvement of this dedicated
cellulosic feedstock species. Thus, an extension of the current collaboration should be of
great value to all parties.
	 
	 	 	In last three year project period, significant progress has been toward lowland switchgrass
[***] development. A number of [***] and [***] were produced and

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 1 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

	 	 	evaluated in multiple environments. Based on [***] performance, a few [***] of superior
[***] and several superior [***] within [***] have been identified to produce new [***] for
evaluation as new varieties. These new [***] varieties will be evaluated in multilocation
[***] trials. Several [***] ([***]), that are currently being tested, have shown [***] for
[***] of [***]. To [***] the [***] for [***], [***] breeding is being implemented. This is
expected to expedite the [***] gain through [***]. In addition, further improvement in
pipeline varieties; [***], [***], [***], [***] and [***] is in place following the
conventional [***] evaluation procedure, and expected to further improve biomass [***]
potential.
	 
	 	 	Because of self incompatibility, polyploidy, heterozygosity and heterogeneity, [***]
will be important for determining the [***] behavior of switchgrass [***] and chromosomes.
Thousands of [***] have been developed. Comprehensive [***] were constructed with both [***]
and [***]. The Ceres proprietary [***] was planted in field trials and is being evaluating
for different morphological, biomass and quality [***]. At the end of 2009 we will be able
to identify [***] with [***] of interest. [***] with these [***] and [***] will facilitate
[***] approaches to efficiently exploit beneficial [***] combinations in breeding programs.
Besides, [***] from the [***] will expedite the [***] and progeny [***] in the breeding
[***].
	 
	2.	 	PROPOSAL OBJECTIVES:

	 	2.1	 	[***]Development
	 
	 	2.2	 	[***] Development
	 
	 	2.3	 	[***]

	3.	 	WORK TO BE UNDERTAKEN:
	 
	 	 	See RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Attachment A to this SCHEDULE).
	 
	4.	 	DETAILED WORKPLAN:
	 
	 	 	The PROJECT PLAN BREEDING-[***] (Attachment A to this SCHEDULE) contains:

	 	•	 	Research and evaluation activities to be performed by each party in
detail, including locations for such activities
	 
	 	•	 	Timelines of such activities
	 
	 	•	 	Goals, expected results and deliverables
	 
	 	•	 	Milestones and go/no-go decision points, if applicable
	 
	 	•	 	FTEs

	5.	 	LOCATION OF WORK:
	 
	 	 	NOBLE Work:
	 
	 	 	All NOBLE laboratory and greenhouse facilities and properties at its Ardmore and Burneyville
locations are available for this project.
	 
	 	 	CERES Work:

			
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 2 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

	 	 	Thousand Oaks, CA

College Station, TX

Ceres Net Plots (location TBD)
	 
	6.	 	PHD LEVEL SCIENTIFIC STAFF:
	 
	 	 	Dr. Joe Bouton (NOBLE)

Dr. Malay Saha (NOBLE)

Dr. Hem Bhandari (50% NOBLE and 50% CNF)
	 
	 	 	Dr. Jeff Gwyn (CERES)

Dr. Charlie Rodgers CERES)

Dr. Xue Feng Ma (CERES)
	 
	7.	 	MAJOR CONSUMABLES/LIVESTOCK TO BE PURCHASED:
	 
	 	 	None
	 
	8.	 	REPORTS:
	 
	 	 	All reports shall be delivered to the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE on or before the required
delivery dates for the same.
	 
	 	 	Each quarter regardless of whether there is a meeting of the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE in that
quarter, NOBLE will deliver:

	 	•	 	A report of actual spending relative to budget in a spreadsheet to accompany
quarterly invoices (in a format determined by the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE).
	 
	 	•	 	A report of FTE allocations and time spent on the project based on attached
planning document.

	 	 	At each meeting of the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (whether it be quarterly or trimesterly), NOBLE
will deliver:

	 	•	 	A report on INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY generated during the period.
	 
	 	•	 	Copies of slide presentations summarizing research progress (in a
format determined by the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE).
	 
	 	•	 	A report on progress against objectives including: [***] and [***]
information collected on different [***] evaluated in this collaboration.

	 	 	Additional information, if not specifically included in the delivered information (above),
shall be delivered (or later provided, wherein the delivering party shall indicate the
delivery method and time) as supporting information at the related quarterly or trimesterly
meeting, if available:
	 
	 	 	NOBLE will deliver:

	 	•	 	Breeding records
	 
	 	•	 	Copies of field or greenhouse books and records

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 3 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

	 	•	 	Copies of raw field trial data
	 
	 	•	 	Raw [***] and plant data
	 
	 	•	 	[***], dry tissue, and [***] from different [***] as required

	 	 	CERES will deliver:

	 	•	 	[***] information
	 
	 	•	 	[***] locations as appropriate

	9.	 	COMMENCEMENT/TERMINATION:
	 
	 	 	Commencement: August 1, 2009
	 
	 	 	Termination: July 31, 2012
	 
	10.	 	REPORT PREPARATION:
	 
	 	 	Dr. Joe Bouton  (NOBLE)

Dr. Malay Saha (NOBLE)
	 
	 	 	Dr. Charlie Rodgers (CERES)

Dr. Xue Feng Ma (CERES)
	 
	11.	 	REPORT DATES:
	 
	 	 	Reports and information: Due at quarterly or trimesterly meetings of the MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE.
	 
	12.	 	ASSETS:
	 
	 	 	Not applicable
	 
	13.	 	INSURANCE:
	 
	 	 	Not applicable
	 
	14.	 	CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:
	 
	 	 	Controlled by MRA
	 
	15.	 	SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

	 	15.1.	 	VARIETY RELEASE

     15.1.1 “RELEASE DATE” means the date that CERES determines that a variety
developed, tested and evaluated pursuant to the terms of this SCHEDULE is ready for
release, wherein upon such decision, such variety will be formally released by the
institutions of the variety’s breeder(s), whether NOBLE, CERES or CERES and NOBLE
jointly.

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 4 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

     15.1.2 For the purposes of this SCHEDULE, CERES, on advice of the breeder(s) of
each variety via the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, shall establish, in its sole discretion,
an appropriate RELEASE DATE for such varieties.

     15.1.3 At or about the RELEASE DATE for a variety, CERES will determine a
COMMERCIAL NAME for such variety under which the seed of the same will be marketed
and sold. “COMMERCIAL NAME” means the complete, preferred name of a released variety
under which it will be marketed and sold.

     15.1.4 All parties agree that the development of new varieties will not always
result in varieties that are commercially acceptable or releasable. Provided all
parties execute their respective obligations under this SCHEDULE in an appropriate
and reasonable manner, no one party shall be liable to the other for any refund or
other recompense because no commercially acceptable new variety is produced.

	16.	 	INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS:

	 	16.1	 	NOBLE Background Intellectual Property:

	 	•	 	[***], NF/GA002 (in-licensed from UGARF), [***], NF/GA992
(in-licensed from UGARF), and NF/GA993 (in-licensed from UGARF).

	 	16.2	 	CERES Background Intellectual Property:

	 	•	 	[***] from switchgrass and other species
	 
	 	•	 	[***] information
	 
	 	•	 	Patent applications covering any of the foregoing
	 
	 	•	 	[***]

	17.	 	SUBCONTRACTORS AND LOCATIONS:
	 
	 	 	Not applicable
	 
	18.	 	PROVISIONS FOR EARLY TERMINATION:
	 
	 	 	This SCHEDULE does not terminate automatically upon termination of the MRA.
	 
	 	 	This SCHEDULE shall expire pursuant to the terms set forth in this SCHEDULE, unless extended
by the mutual agreement of the parties, or unless sooner terminated in accordance with the
following provisions of this Paragraph:

     (a) mutual, written agreement of the parties;

     (b) failure of one party to satisfy its material obligations under this
Agreement, and such party subsequently fails to cure such failure(s) within (i)
thirty (30) days for failures to remit payment for amounts due under this

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 5 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

Agreement and (ii) ninety (90) days for all other obligations in each case
after receipt of written notice from the non-breaching party specifying such
failure(s);

     (c) one (1) year’s written notice of termination by either CERES or NOBLE to
the other party in case either the terminating party or the other party ceases
substantially all activities in the COLLABORATION CROPS;

     (d) NOBLE will have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally with
thirty (30) days’ written notice to CERES, (i) if CERES seeks protection under any
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, trust, deed, creditors arrangement or
comparable proceeding or if any such proceeding is instituted against CERES (and not
dismissed within one hundred twenty (120) days); (ii) in case of dissolution or
winding up of CERES (excluding any situation where all or substantially all of
CERES’ assets, stock or business to which this Agreement relates are acquired by a
third party (whether by sale, acquisition, merger, operation of law or otherwise));
(iii) CERES fails in a substantial manner to implement and continue the activities
set forth in EXHIBIT F (or other similar activities in furtherance of commercial
exploitation of the COLLABORATION CROPS), and does not remedy such failure or offer
a remediation plan which is reasonably acceptable to NOBLE within ninety (90) days
after receipt of a written notice from NOBLE specifying such failure; or (iv) with
one hundred twenty (120) days’ written notice to CERES, if the institutional
mission, purpose or structure of NOBLE would change substantially and adversely
affect NOBLE’S ability to satisfy its obligations hereunder; or

     (e) CERES will have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally: (i)
with thirty (30) days’ written notice to NOBLE if Dr. [***] ceases to be associated
with NOBLE and the research activities associated with this SCHEDULE, and NOBLE has
not replaced him within one hundred twenty (120) days by a person reasonably
acceptable to CERES; (ii) with ninety (90) days’ written notice to NOBLE, if the
institutional mission, purpose or structure of NOBLE would change substantially; or
(iii) with one (1) years’ written notice to NOBLE, if CERES has compelling business
reasons to cease the collaboration.

	19.	 	USE AND COMMERCIALIZATION RIGHTS:
	 
	 	 	Controlled by MRA
	 
	20.	 	CONFIDENTIALITY/PUBLICATION:
	 
	 	 	Controlled by MRA

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 6 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

21. FUNDING APPROVED:

Projected Budget (per year from CERES):

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Personnel	 	Year 1	 	Year 2	 	Year 3	 	Sub-totals
	 
	Existing
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	1. Res. Scientist-1 (50%) + Fringe Benefits
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	2. Res. Associate + Fringe Benefits
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	3. Res. Assistant -1 + Fringe Benefits
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Addition of New Goals
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	4. Res. Assistant -3 + Fringe Benefits
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Sub-total (Salary + Benefits)
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Travel
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Supplies
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	Total Direct Costs
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Indirect ( 50% of Direct)
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Total
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	 

Budget justification:

Salaries:

Personnel listed in items #1-3 (Existing) were funded in two earlier schedules (Schedules 2 and 3,
which expired by their respective terms) with #1 being [***], #2 being the technician in [***]
project, and #3 being the tech assisting with the field data collection. Additional personnel
support (item #4) is requested for one full-time Research Assistant for 3 years. The Research
Assistant (#4) will work in breeding and [***] projects to provide additional hands for the field
evaluations. Fringe benefits are calculated at [***]% to include FICA, health insurance and thrift.
Five percent fixed salary increases are requested for each successive year.

Travel:

Travel funds are requested to allow the main scientific personnel to attend one scientific
conference within North America each year.

Supplies:

$[***] per year is requested for general chemicals. This amount is also exactly the sum of the
supply budgets for the existing schedules and represents no increase in this budget line. Supplies
for field, greenhouse and growth chamber studies will also be procured from this fund.

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 7 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

Billing Schedule: Invoices will be sent by NOBLE to CERES for actual expenses from the previous
period on the 15th of the first month of each calendar quarter, not to exceed the
amounts specified above.

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 8 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

IN WITNESS THEREOF this SCHEDULE has been executed on the date hereinbefore entered.

CERES, INC.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	/s/ Anna Rath
	 	9/18/09	 	 
	 	 	 
	By:

	 	Anna Rath
	 	Date	 	 
	 

	 	Vice President of Commercial Development	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	/s/ Richard Flavell
	 	Sept. 17, 2009
	 	 	 
	By:

	 	Richard Flavell, CBE, FRS
	 	Date	 	 
	 

	 	Chief Scientific Officer	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC.	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	/s/ Michael A. Cawley
	 	10.02.09	 	 
	 	 	 
	By:

	 	Michael A. Cawley
	 	Date	 	 
	 

	 	President	 	 	 	 

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 9 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

Attachment A

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN & PROJECT PLAN BREEDING-[***]

CERES-NOBLE SCHEDULE 5 (BREEDING-[***]; 20[***]-20[***])

OBJECTIVE: Develop commercial switchgrass [***] for use in bioenergy and forage cropping systems via conventional breeding and [***].

Goal 1: [***] Development

	 	A.	 	Development and testing of new [***] based on [***] from the current nurseries
(Timeline: June 20[***]-May 20[***])

	 	a.	 	[***] of superior [***]
	 
	 	b.	 	[***] superior individuals from within the superior [***]
	 
	 	c.	 	[***] to produce [***] seed of two [***]: one based on [***] (from “[***]”) and one based
on within [***] (from “[***]”)
	 
	 	d.	 	Multi-location testing of these new [***]

	 	B.	 	Begin the Cycle [***] process based on [***] breeding with [***] as outlined in the
“Noble Foundation Switchgrass [***]” scheme shown in attached figure 1 (Timeline: June
20[***]-May 20[***]).

	 	a.	 	[***] the individuals within [***] from current nurseries ([***] from each [***] at each
location)
	 
	 	b.	 	[***] and use [***] to [***] among the progenies
	 
	 	c.	 	Plant [***] progenies for field evaluation

	 	C.	 	In collaboration with [***], several elite [***] are being advanced by testing at
multiple locations as shown in attached figure 2 (June 20[***]-May 20[***])

	 	a.	 	For [***], Noble will conduct years [***], [***], and [***] of the outline.
	 
	 	b.	 	For [***], Noble will conduct years [***], [***], and [***] of the outline
	 
	 	c.	 	For [***] and [***], Ceres will plant them in 20[***] and conduct years [***], [***]
and [***] of the outline.

Goal 2: [***]:

A. Development and testing of [***] based on [***] from the current nurseries (Timeline: June
20[***]-May 20[***])

	 	a.	 	[***] of superior [***]
	 
	 	b.	 	Set up a field [***] of [***] (from “[***]”) to produce [***] seed
	 
	 	c.	 	Multi-location testing of new [***]

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 10 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

B. Begin the Cycle [***] process based on [***] breeding with [***] as outlined in the “Noble
Foundation Switchgrass [***]” scheme shown in attached figure 1 (Timeline: June 20[***]-May
20[***]).

	 	a.	 	[***] the individuals within [***] from current nurseries
	 
	 	b.	 	Construct [***] for [***] breeding [***]
	 
	 	c.	 	[***] and develop [***] and [***]
	 
	 	d.	 	Use [***] to [***] among the [***] in [***]
	 
	 	e.	 	Produce [***] between [***] and [***]

Goal 3: [***]

	 	A.	 	Identify [***] with [***] of interest
	 
	 	 	 	[***] data collected on the Ceres proprietary [***] will be analyzed with the [***] data to
[***] and [***]. Significant [***] with positive and negative effect on the [***] will be
determined and important [***] will be identified for [***]. (Timeline: June 20[***] —
April 20[***]).
	 
	 	B.	 	Application of [***] in a confirmation [***]
	 
	 	 	 	[***] will be screened in a breeding [***]. A [***] of plants with and without [***] for the
[***] (expected [***]: [***], seed [***], [***] date, [***], plant [***]) will be
identified. [***] will be compared with the original [***]. (Timeline: Sept. 20[***] —
April 20[***]).
	 
	 	C.	 	Field evaluation of the confirmation [***]
	 
	 	 	 	[***] plants with and without [***] and randomly [***] plants from original [***] will be
evaluated in field experiments. [***] data will be collected on the [***] for which [***]
were made. (Timeline: April 20[***] — Feb. 20[***]).
	 
	 	D.	 	Assess [***] efficiency
	 
	 	 	 	Gain/loss from [***] will be evaluated. [***] with significant gain will be [***] for future
use in [***]. (Timeline: January 20[***] — May 20[***]).

Note: Division of Labor for [***] Analysis

	 	A.	 	Noble will [***] all plants and provide leaf samples for plants to be [***] to Ceres.
	 
	 	B.	 	In the first phase, Ceres will [***] all samples supplied by Noble using our existing
set of [***] (approximately [***]). Ceres will deliver [***] information for each [***]
and [***] locations where appropriate to Noble. We expect this phase to be complete by
January 20[***]. Currently, the minimum number of [***] needed to accomplish our
objectives is not known. Ceres will continue to develop new [***] and to identify new and
more economical [***] technologies. In the next phases of this project (i.e. for

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 11 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

	 	 	 	samples collected in the 20[***] growing season and beyond), we expect additional [***] to
be available and applied as warranted.
	 
	 	C.	 	Both Noble and Ceres will have access to all [***] and [***] information and will work
collaboratively to interpret the [***] and [***] breeding [***], [***] will proceed once a
validated set of [***] for the [***] samples has been received by Ceres.

Figure 1.

[***]

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 12 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

Figure 2. [***] Project

			
	 	 	 
	CERES-NOBLE Schedule Breeding-[***]
	 	Page 13 of 13

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

Pages where confidential treatment has been requested are stamped ‘Confidential Treatment
Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission,’ and the
confidential section has been marked as follows: [***].

SCHEDULE 6

THIS SCHEDULE is made this 1st day of November 2009;

			
	BETWEEN	 	CERES, INC., a Delaware corporation,
having its principal place of business at
1535 Rancho Conejo Blvd., Thousand Oaks,
CA 91320 (“CERES”) and

THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION
INCORPORATED, an Oklahoma non-profit
corporation, having its principal place
of business at 2510 Sam Noble Parkway,
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 (“NOBLE”);

WHEREAS, CERES and NOBLE have entered into a Master Research Agreement (“MRA”), dated 19 May 2006,
which allows for the undertaking of RESEARCH PROJECTS pursuant to SCHEDULES, these terms being
defined in the MRA; and

THEREFORE, the parties have agreed to undertake the following RESEARCH PROJECT as defined herein on
the following terms and conditions:

GENERAL

	A.	 	Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms of the MRA shall apply to this SCHEDULE.
	 
	B.	 	In the event of any difference between the terms of this SCHEDULE and the MRA, then the terms
of this SCHEDULE shall prevail.

RESEARCH PROJECT TITLE: Best Management Practices for Switchgrass Stand Establishment in a Biomass
Cropping System

	1.	 	BACKGROUND:
	 
	 	 	Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a target species for use as a biomass crop in bioenergy
production. The primary management problem in a switchgrass cropping system is achieving
good germination and controlling weeds as the [***] become established in the first growing
season. In Schedule 1 of the MRA, studies were undertaken to determine [***] and placement
and to identify pre-plant and post-emergent herbicides that would be effective in
controlling common weeds without excessive damage on switchgrass. In addition, an
intercropping study was undertaken to determine whether nitrogen-fixing legumes could be
co-cultivated with switchgrass to reduce input requirements in an established stand. In
Schedule 6 of the MRA, we extend these studies taking what was learned and trialing more
focused methods across a broader range of environments.
	 
	2.	 	PROPOSAL OBJECTIVES:

	 	2.1	 	To identify legume species that can be intercropped with switchgrass to improve
sustainability of switchgrass biofuel production
	 
	 	2.2	 	To determine best management practices for establishing switchgrass into
perennial grass (CRP-like) pastures

CERES-NOBLE Schedule BMP for switchgrass

Page 1 of 10

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

	 	2.3	 	To determine [***] of [***] per [***] needed to [***] and document
justification for replanting poor stands, using the BMP guidelines (learned in Schedule
1) to control weeds (FirstRate PRE fb Atrazine+Paramount+Prowl 2-leaf)
	 
	 	2.4	 	To validate herbicide recommendations developed in Schedule 1 across multiple
environments

	3.	 	WORK TO BE UNDERTAKEN:
	 
	 	 	See RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Attachment A to this SCHEDULE).
	 
	4.	 	DETAILED WORKPLAN:
	 
	 	 	The RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN contains:

	 	•	 	Research and evaluation activities to be performed by each party in
detail, including locations for such activities
	 
	 	•	 	Timelines of such activities
	 
	 	•	 	Goals, expected results and deliverables
	 
	 	•	 	Milestones and go/no-go decision points, if applicable
	 
	 	•	 	FTEs

	5.	 	LOCATION OF WORK:
	 
	 	 	NOBLE Work:
	 
	 	 	All NOBLE laboratory and greenhouse facilities and properties at its Ardmore, Dupy and Red
River locations are available for this project.
	 
	 	 	CERES Work:
	 
	 	 	The RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN does not call for any of the research activities to be
carried out in Ceres facilities.
	 
	6.	 	PHD LEVEL AND SENIOR SCIENTIFIC STAFF:
	 
	 	 	Dr. Twain Butler (NOBLE)

Dr. Joe Bouton (NOBLE)

Post Doc TBD (CNF, wherein “CNF” indicates a CERES-funded, NOBLE employee)
	 
	 	 	Dr. Jeff Gwyn (CERES)

Dr. Cory Christensen (CERES)

Bud Wylie (CERES)
	 
	7.	 	MAJOR CONSUMABLES/LIVESTOCK TO BE PURCHASED:
	 
	 	 	None
	 
	8.	 	REPORTS:
	 
	 	 	All reports shall be delivered to the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE on or before the required
delivery dates for the same.

CERES-NOBLE Schedule BMP for switchgrass

Page 2 of 10

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

	 	 	

	 
	 	 	Each quarter regardless of whether there is a meeting of the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE in that
quarter, NOBLE will deliver:

	 	•	 	A report of actual spending relative to budget in a spreadsheet to accompany
quarterly invoices (in a format determined by the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE).
	 
	 	•	 	A report of FTE allocations and time spent on the project based on attached
planning document.

	 	 	At each meeting of the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (whether it be quarterly or trimesterly), NOBLE
will deliver:

	 	•	 	A report on INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY generated during the period.
	 
	 	•	 	Copies of slide presentations summarizing research progress (in a
format determined by the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE).
	 
	 	•	 	A report on progress against objectives..

	 	 	Additional information, if not specifically included in the delivered information (above),
shall be delivered (or later provided, wherein the delivering party shall indicate the
delivery method and time) as supporting information at the related quarterly or trimesterly
meeting, if available:
	 
	 	 	NOBLE will deliver:

	 	•	 	Copies of raw field trial data upon request by Ceres.

	9.	 	COMMENCEMENT/TERMINATION:
	 
	 	 	Commencement: November 1, 2009
	 
	 	 	Termination: October 31, 2012
	 
	10.	 	REPORT PREPARATION:
	 
	 	 	Dr. Twain Butler (NOBLE)
	 
	 	 	Bud Wylie (CERES)
	 
	11.	 	REPORT DATES:
	 
	 	 	Reports and information: Due at quarterly or trimesterly meetings of the MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE.
	 
	12.	 	ASSETS:
	 
	 	 	Not applicable
	 
	13.	 	INSURANCE:
	 
	 	 	Not applicable
	 
	14.	 	CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:
	 
	 	 	Controlled by MRA

CERES-NOBLE Schedule BMP for switchgrass

Page 3 of 10

 

	15.	 	SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
	 
	 	 	None
	 
	16.	 	INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS:

	 	16.1	 	NOBLE Background Intellectual Property:

	 	•	 	[***], NF/GA002 (in-licensed from UGARF), [***], NF/GA992 (in-licensed from
UGARF), and NF/GA993 (in-licensed from UGARF).
	 
	 	•	 	Management practices and protocols for forage cropping systems.

	 	16.2	 	CERES Background Intellectual Property:

	 	•	 	None

	17.	 	SUBCONTRACTORS AND LOCATIONS:
	 
	 	 	Not applicable
	 
	18.	 	PROVISIONS FOR EARLY TERMINATION:
	 
	 	 	This SCHEDULE does not terminate automatically upon termination of the MRA.
	 
	 	 	This SCHEDULE shall expire pursuant to the terms set forth in this SCHEDULE, unless extended
by the mutual agreement of the parties, or unless sooner terminated in accordance with the
following provisions of this Paragraph:
	 
		 	     (a) mutual, written agreement of the parties;
	 
	 	 	     (b) failure of one party to satisfy its material obligations under this Agreement, and
such party subsequently fails to cure such failure(s) within (i) thirty (30) days for
failures to remit payment for amounts due under this Agreement and (ii) ninety (90) days for
all other obligations in each case after receipt of written notice from the non-breaching
party specifying such failure(s);
	 
	 	 	     (c) one (1) year’s written notice of termination by either CERES or NOBLE to the other
party in case either the terminating party or the other party ceases substantially all
activities in the COLLABORATION CROPS;
	 
	 	 	     (d) NOBLE will have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally with thirty (30)
days’ written notice to CERES, (i) if CERES seeks protection under any bankruptcy,
insolvency, receivership, trust, deed, creditors arrangement or comparable proceeding or if
any such proceeding is instituted against CERES (and not dismissed within one hundred twenty
(120) days); (ii) in case of dissolution or winding up of CERES (excluding any situation
where all or substantially all of CERES’ assets, stock or business to which this Agreement
relates are acquired by a third party (whether by sale, acquisition, merger, operation of
law or otherwise)); (iii) CERES fails in a substantial manner to implement and continue the
activities set forth in EXHIBIT F (or other similar activities in furtherance of commercial
exploitation of the COLLABORATION CROPS),

CERES-NOBLE Schedule BMP for switchgrass

Page 4 of 10

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

	 	 	and does not remedy such failure or offer a
remediation plan which is reasonably acceptable to NOBLE within ninety (90) days after
receipt of a written notice from NOBLE specifying such failure; or (iv) with one hundred
twenty (120) days’ written notice to CERES, if the institutional mission, purpose or
structure of NOBLE would change substantially and adversely affect NOBLE’S ability to
satisfy its obligations hereunder; or
	 
		 	     (e) CERES will have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally: (i) with thirty
(30) days’ written notice to NOBLE if Dr. [***] ceases to be associated with NOBLE and the
research activities associated with this SCHEDULE, and NOBLE has not replaced him within one
hundred twenty (120) days by a person reasonably acceptable to CERES; (ii) with ninety (90)
days’ written notice to NOBLE, if the institutional mission, purpose or structure of NOBLE
would change substantially; or (iii) with one (1) years’ written notice to NOBLE, if CERES
has compelling business reasons to cease the collaboration.

	19.	 	USE AND COMMERCIALIZATION RIGHTS:
	 
	 	 	Controlled by MRA
	 
	20.	 	CONFIDENTIALITY/PUBLICATION:
	 
	 	 	Controlled by MRA
	 
	21.	 	FUNDING APPROVED:
	 
	 	 	Projected Budget (per year from CERES):

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Year 1	 	 	Year 2	 	 	Year 3	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Salaries	 	 	Salaries	 	 	Salaries	 	 	 	 
	 	 	incl.	 	 	incl.	 	 	incl.	 	 	 	 
	Personnel	 	fringe	 	 	fringe	 	 	fringe	 	 	Subtotals	 
	 
	Post doc + Fringe Benefits
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Travel/meals
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Supplies (herbicide/[***])
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	 	 	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Total Direct Costs
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	Indirect (50% of Direct)
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	TOTAL
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Total
	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 	 	$	[***]	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

Budget justification:

Salaries:

[To be added]. Fringe benefits are calculated at [***]% to include FICA, health insurance and
thrift. Five percent fixed salary increases are requested for each successive year.

CERES-NOBLE Schedule BMP for switchgrass

Page 5 of 10

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

Travel:

Travel funds are requested to allow the main scientific personnel to attend one scientific
conference within North America each year.

Supplies:

[To be added]. per year is requested for [to be added].

Core Facilities:

[To be added].

Billing Schedule: Invoices will be sent by NOBLE to CERES for actual expenses from the previous
period on the 15th of the first month of each calendar quarter, not to exceed the
amounts specified above.

IN WITNESS THEREOF this SCHEDULE has been executed on the date hereinbefore entered.

CERES, INC.

	 	 	 	 	 

	 

	 	/s/ Anna Rath
	 	11/19/09
	 
	By:

	 	Anna Rath
	 	Date
	 

	 	Vice President of Commercial Development	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	/s/ Michael Stephenson
	 	11/20/09
	 
	By:

	 	Michael Stephenson
	 	Date
	 

	 	Vice President of Operations	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC.
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	/s/ Michael A. Cawley
	 	12/10/09
	 
	By:

	 	Michael A. Cawley
	 	Date
	 

	 	President	 	 

 CERES-NOBLE Schedule BMP for switchgrass

Page 6 of 10

 

ATTACHMENT A

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN

	Objective 1: To identify legume species that can be intercropped with switchgrass to improve
sustainability of switchgrass biofuel production ([***])

Justification: In order for a switchgrass biofuel system to be sustainable, it must be
economical, high [***], and have low inputs. One of the biggest components to maximizing
[***] is [***]. Incorporating legumes that fix [***] into switchgrass systems can greatly
[***] and potentially improve economics.

Expected outcome: Identify appropriate legumes across multiple environments that are
compatible with switchgrass for biofuel production.

Experimental design: RCBD, [***] replications:

	 	1.	 	Locations: [***]; TBD.
	 
	 	2.	 	Treatments: crimson clover, arrowleaf clover, hairy vetch, annual medic, and
sweetclover (added for alkaline soils) in lowland switchgrass compared to [***], [***],
[***], [***] lb N/A.
	 
	 	3.	 	Timeline:

	 	a.	 	Year 1: 20[***] [***]: Monitor [***] from legumes planted in
20[***] and 20[***] plantings at [***].
	 
	 	b.	 	20[***] ([***]) establish new trial of winter legumes into
fully established SG stands at [***] new locations.
	 
	 	c.	 	Year 2: 20[***] ([***]) Harvest 20[***] planting; re-establish
same winter legumes as well as monitor [***] from previous planting: Harvest
legumes in [***] to estimate [***].
	 
	 	d.	 	Year 3: 20[***] ([***]) Harvest SG to estimate contribution
from legumes.

Objective 2: To determine best management practices for establishing switchgrass into perennial
grass (CRP-like) pastures

Justification: Establishment into non-cropland has proven to be most difficult possibly due
to weed competition and potentially diseases where excessive residue occurs.

Expected Outcome: Document BMP for establishing switchgrass into permanent native grass
pasture (OK).

Experimental Design: split-plot RCBD:

Experiment I: ([***] preparation: no-tilled native range — OK): GA to duplicate in [***]:

	 	1.	 	Location: [***]
	 
	 	2.	 	Treatments ([***]): 3 timing application of [***] in: i) [***]-[***],
[***], and [***] prior to planting ([***] + [***] + [***]); ii) [***] and [***],
[***] prior to planting ([***] + [***]); iii) [***] and [***], [***] prior to
planting (w/ [***] application occurring [***] weeks after [***] application)
([***]+[***]); iv) tillage (roto-tiller).
	 
	 	3.	 	Plots size [***] x [***]

CERES-NOBLE Schedule BMP for switchgrass

Page 7 of 10

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

	 	4.	 	Timeline:

	 	a.	 	Year 1: [***] 20[***] apply [***].
	 
	 	b.	 	Year 2: 20[***] [***] and plant SG: [***] 20[***]
[***].
	 
	 	c.	 	Year 3: 20[***] [***] and [***] plant [***] year of
trial.

	 	 	Experiment II: [***] X sod destruction in no-tilled [***].

	 	1.	 	Location(s): [***]
	 
	 	2.	 	Treatments: Main plot: [***] ([***] or [***]). Subplot: sod destruction
(Mow, burn, tillage)
	 
	 	3.	 	Plot Size:[***] x [***]
	 
	 	4.	 	Timeline:

	 	a.	 	Year 1: 20[***] [***] plant [***] x sod destruction
trial
	 
	 	b.	 	Year 2: 20[***] [***] plant [***] x sod destruction
trial
	 
	 	c.	 	Year 3: 20[***] TBD, trials if needed.

	 	 	Experiment III: [***] X [***] — no-tilled into mowed [***] ([***] and mowed):

	 	1.	 	Location(s): [***]; [***]
	 
	 	2.	 	Treatments: Main plot +/- [***]([***]/[***]/[***]/or [***], TBD):
Subplot: [***] applied at [***] stage (none, [***] and/or [***], TBD).
	 
	 	3.	 	Plots size: [***] x [***]; subplot [***] x [***]
	 
	 	4.	 	Timeline:

	 	a.	 	Year 1: 20[***] [***] plant [***] x [***] trial.
	 
	 	b.	 	Year 2: 20[***] [***] plant [***] x [***] trial.
	 
	 	c.	 	Year 3: 20[***] TBD, trials if needed.

Objective 3: To determine [***] of [***] per [***] needed to [***] and document justification
for [***] stands, using the BMP guidelines (learned in Schedule 1) to control weeds (FirstRate PRE
fb Atrazine+Paramount+Prowl 2-leaf).

Justification: Better [***] are needed to determine if [***] stands (very [***]) will result
in [***].

Expected Outcome: Determine [***] at which switchgrass can be [***] while maintaining [***].

Experimental Design: [***], [***] replications:

	 	1.	 	Location(s): [***] soil; [***] sand
	 
	 	2.	 	Treatments: Evaluate [***] of approximately [***] ([***]/[***]), [***]
([***]/[***]), [***] ([***]/[***]), [***] ([***]/[***]), [***] ([***]/[***]) on
[***]-[***], which is similar to [***] of [***], [***], [***], [***], and [***];
Assuming [***]% [***] of [***] and [***] per [***] of switchgrass [***].
	 
	 	3.	 	Timeline:

	 	a.	 	Year 1: 20[***] ([***]) plant SG and evaluate plant [***];
Harvest in [***].

CERES-NOBLE Schedule BMP for switchgrass

Page 8 of 10

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

	 	b.	 	Year 2: 20[***] ([***]) plant SG and evaluate plant [***];
Harvest in [***].
	 
	 	c.	 	Year 3: 20[***] ([***]) Harvest SG [***] from previous years
plantings.

Objective 4: To validate herbicide recommendations developed in Schedule 1 across multiple
environments

Justification: Weed control is still the [***] factor for successful establishment and
herbicide efficacy depends on soil [***], soil [***], and rainfall.

Expected Outcome: Document which herbicide should be used on a given soil type, environment,
and weed spectrum present.

Experimental Design: Lowland switchgrass, RCBD, [***] plot design; [***] replications;

	 	1.	 	Locations: [***]-sand; [***]-clay; [***]-loam; [***]-sand
	 
	 	2.	 	Herbicide Treatments (BMP atrazine applied [***]-leaf and [***], [***] amine
applied at [***]-leaf to control [***] broadleaf weeds).
	 
	 	3.	 	Target Weeds (to be [***]-planted with SG): crabgrass, broadleaf signalgrass,
and Johnsongrass
	 
	 	4.	 	Main Plot: FirstRate applied pre-emergence ([***] oz sandy soils or [***] oz
loam soils) or No pre-emergent herbicide

	 	a.	 	Subplots (No PRE herbicide):

	 	i.	 	[***]-leaf stage ([***] DAE): [***] oz
Paramount + MSO, [***] oz Option, [***] pt Prowl; [***] oz
Paramount+[***] oz Option; [***] oz Paramount+[***] oz Option+[***]
pt Prowl
	 
	 	ii.	 	[***]-leaf stage ([***] DAE): [***] oz
Paramount, [***] oz Option, [***] oz Paramount + [***] oz Option +
[***] pt Prowl [***] oz Accent; [***] oz Accent + [***] oz Paramount
+ [***] pt Prowl
	 
	 	iii.	 	[***]-leaf stage ([***] DAE): [***] oz
Accent; [***] Accent + [***] oz Paramount + [***] pt Prowl; [***] pt
MSMA; [***]. No herbicide

	 	b.	 	Subplots (FirstRate PRE):

	 	i.	 	[***]-leaf stage ([***] DAE): [***] oz
Paramount + MSO, [***] oz Option, [***] pt Prowl; [***] oz
Paramount+[***] oz Option; [***] oz Paramount+[***] oz Option+[***]
pt Prowl
	 
	 	ii.	 	[***]-leaf stage ([***]DAE): [***] oz
Paramount, [***] oz Option, [***] oz Paramount + [***] oz Option +
[***] pt Prowl [***] oz Accent; [***] [***] oz Accent + [***] oz
Paramount + [***] pt Prowl
	 
	 	iii.	 	[***]-leaf stage ([***] DAE): [***] oz
Accent; [***] Accent + [***] oz Paramount + [***] pt Prowl; [***] pt
MSMA; [***]. No herbicide

	 	5.	 	Plot size: [***] x [***]; spay [***] to planting ([***]’ [***]-SG, [***]’
[***]-SG, [***]’[***]-SG, [***]’SG-only).
	 
	 	6.	 	Timeline:

	 	a.	 	Year 1: 20[***] ([***]) plant SG and evaluate herbicides.

CERES-NOBLE Schedule BMP for switchgrass

Page 9 of 10

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

	 	b.	 	Year 2: 20[***] ([***]) plant SG and evaluate herbicides.
	 
	 	c.	 	Year 3: 20[***] TBD if needed.

CERES-NOBLE Schedule BMP for switchgrass

Page 10 of 10

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commissionexv10w17

Exhibit 10.17

Pages where confidential treatment has been requested are stamped ‘Confidential Treatment
Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission,’ and the
confidential section has been marked as follows: [***].

EVALUATION, PRODUCTION AND LICENSE AGREEMENT

 

 

Table of contents

	 	 	 	 	 

	1. DEFINITIONS
	 	 	3	 
	2. EVALUATION, ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
	 	 	5	 
	3. EVALUATION EXPENSES
	 	 	6	 
	4. VARIETY OPTIONS
	 	 	7	 
	5. LICENSE
	 	 	8	 
	6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
	 	 	9	 
	7. LICENSED VARIETY CONSIDERATION
	 	 	10	 
	8. DENOMINATIONS, VARIETY NAMES, TRADE MARKS AND BRAND INTEGRITY
	 	 	13	 
	9. PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES BY NOBLE
	 	 	13	 
	10. QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE REGULATIONS
	 	 	14	 
	11. DILIGENCE
	 	 	15	 
	12. BOOKS, RECORDS AND RIGHT OF AUDIT
	 	 	15	 
	13. ABATEMENT OF INFRINGEMENT
	 	 	16	 
	14. TERM AND TERMINATION
	 	 	17	 
	15. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
	 	 	19	 
	16. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLICATIONS
	 	 	19	 
	17. PAYMENTS (GENERALLY)
	 	 	20	 
	18. NOTICES
	 	 	20	 
	19. WARRANTIES
	 	 	21	 
	20. DISCLAIMERS
	 	 	21	 
	21. INDEMNIFICATION
	 	 	22	 
	22. PUBLICITY AND USE OF NAMES
	 	 	22	 
	23. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND APPLICABLE LAW
	 	 	23	 
	24. GENERAL
	 	 	25	 
	EXHIBIT A — LICENSED VARIETY
	 	 	28	 
	EXHIBIT B — EVALUATION PLAN
	 	 	29	 
	EXHIBIT C — NON-BINDING MARKETING PLAN FOR NF/GA993
	 	 	31	 
	EXHIBIT C — NON-BINDING MARKETING PLAN FOR NF/GA993
	 	 	31	 
	EXHIBIT D — (MODEL) SUBCONTRACTOR EVALUATION AGREEMENT
	 	 	35	 
	EXHIBIT E — COPIES OF UGARF-NOBLE LICENSE AGREEMENTS FOR THE LICENSED VARIETY
	 	 	37	 

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 1 of 41

 

 

EVALUATION, PRODUCTION AND LICENSE AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT is made this 19th day of May, 2006 (“Effective Date”), by and between THE
SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC. (“NOBLE”), an Oklahoma nonprofit corporation, and CERES,
INC., a Delaware corporation (“CERES”).

     WHEREAS, NOBLE and the University of Georgia Research Foundation (“UGARF”) entered into a
MATERIAL TRANSFER, TESTING, and PARENTAL CROSSING AGREEMENT, dated 1 May 2004, that permits NOBLE
to use, breed and improve certain germplasm developed at the University of Georgia, including
NF/GA991, NF/GA992, NF/GA993, NF/GA001 and NF/GA002, and grants NOBLE an option to license the
same;

     WHEREAS, NOBLE and UGARF entered into a TESTING AND EVALUATION AGREEMENT, dated 15 May 2006
(“UGARF TESTING AGREEMENT”), that grants NOBLE an exclusive license to test and evaluate NF/GA991,
NF/GA992, NF/GA001 and NF/GA002 with an exclusive option to obtain an exclusive, world-wide
license, with the right to sublicense, to produce, use, sell and commercially exploit the same;

     WHEREAS, NOBLE and UGARF entered into a VARIETY LICENSE AGREEMENT, dated 15 May 2006 (“UGARF
NF/GA993 LICENSE”), that grants NOBLE an exclusive, world-wide license, with the right to
sublicense, to produce, use, sell and commercially exploit NF/GA993 seed;

     WHEREAS, CERES and NOBLE entered into a MASTER RESEARCH AGREEMENT, concurrently with this
Agreement (“MRA”), that contemplates a long-term research relationship by and between the parties
for the enhancement and improvement of SWITCHGRASS for a biomass crop;

     WHEREAS, NOBLE has the personnel, expertise and ability to develop and to breed new varieties
of SWITCHGRASS for at least the United States and wishes for such varieties to be commercialized;

     WHEREAS, CERES wishes to commercialize SWITCHGRASS varieties;

     WHEREAS, CERES has committed to develop the capability to assume production of and to
commercialize SWITCHGRASS and wishes to receive an exclusive option for an exclusive, world-wide
license to produce, use, sell and commercially exploit SWITCHGRASS developed under this Agreement;

     WHEREAS, CERES and NOBLE recognize that the rights intended to be granted hereunder can be a
strong incentive for CERES to risk money and other resources needed to produce, use, sell and
commercially exploit SWITCHGRASS for wide public enjoyment;

     WHEREAS, NOBLE wishes to grant such option, and when exercised, such license(s), to CERES to
enable commercialization of SWITCHGRASS developed under this Agreement for broad public
dissemination;

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 2 of 41

 

 

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and agreements
contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the parties have agreed and do
hereby agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS.

     1.1 “SWITCHGRASS” shall mean the species Panicum virgatum.

     1.2 “NF/GA001” means the SWITCHGRASS variety GA001 developed by the University of Georgia and
named as such by the University of Georgia and/or UGARF.

     1.3 “NF/GA002” means the SWITCHGRASS variety GA002 developed by the University of Georgia and
named as such by the University of Georgia and/or UGARF.

     1.4 “NF/GA991” means the SWITCHGRASS variety GA991 developed by the University of Georgia and
named as such by the University of Georgia and/or UGARF.

     1.5 “NF/GA992” means the SWITCHGRASS variety GA992 developed by the University of Georgia and
named as such by the University of Georgia and/or UGARF.

     1.6 “NF/GA993” means the SWITCHGRASS variety GA993 developed by the University of Georgia and
named as such by the University of Georgia and/or UGARF.

     1.7 “RELEASE DATE” means the date that the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (Paragraph 15) determines that
NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 or NF/GA993 is ready for release, wherein upon such
decision, such variety will be formally released jointly by NOBLE and UGARF.

     1.8 “LICENSED VARIETY” means one or more of the optioned SWITCHGRASS varieties from the group
of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and NF/GA993, licensed by CERES pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement (i.e., subject to Article II of this Agreement) and added by an amendment to
EXHIBIT A to this Agreement.

     1.9 “LICENSE COMMENCEMENT DATE” means the respective date on which each variety from the group
of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and NF/GA993 is licensed by CERES pursuant to the terms
of this Agreement (i.e., subject to Article II of this Agreement) and added by an amendment to
EXHIBIT A to this Agreement.

     1.10 “LICENSED TERRITORY” means the United States of America and all other countries of the
world.

     1.11 “LICENSED PRODUCTION TERRITORY” means the United States of America and all other
countries of the world.

     1.12 “BREEDER SEED” means seed of a LICENSED VARIETY that (a) is identified by NOBLE as being
of a suitable standard of physical and genetic purity to produce FOUNDATION SEED and (b) resulted
from the final breeding of the LICENSED VARIETY.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 3 of 41

 

 

     1.13 “FOUNDATION SEED” means seed produced from plants grown directly from BREEDER SEED,
cultivated according to certification regulations and that meets the specifications of the official
seed certifying agency of the jurisdiction in which said seed is/was produced.

     1.14 “REGISTERED SEED” means seed produced from plants grown directly from FOUNDATION SEED,
cultivated according to certification regulations and that meets the specifications of the official
seed certifying agency of the jurisdiction in which the seed is/was produced.

     1.15 “CERTIFIED SEED” means seed produced from plants grown directly from FOUNDATION SEED or
REGISTERED SEED, cultivated according to certification regulations and that meets the
specifications of the official seed certifying agency of the jurisdiction in which the seed is/was
produced.

     1.16 “NON-CERTIFIED SEED” means seed produced from plants cultivated according to
certification regulations of the official seed certifying agency of the jurisdiction in which the
seed is/was produced; however, such seed does not meet the specifications of CERTIFIED SEED but may
be sold as LICENSED VARIETY.

     1.17 “COMMERCIAL SEED” means REGISTERED SEED, CERTIFIED SEED, or NON-CERTIFIED SEED, that is
sold for purposes other than seed production.

     1.18 “INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS” means all rights in any plant variety, patent, plant
breeders rights, registration or equivalent intellectual property protection, or any applications
thereof, for the LICENSED VARIETY, which may be filed in the United States of America or other
jurisdictions, with the exception of TRADE MARKS. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, when applied for or
granted, will be set forth in EXHIBIT A.

     1.19 “TRADEMARK” means any trademark, trade name or logo owned by CERES and intended for use
with a LICENSED VARIETY; provided however, it is recognized that U.S. regulations prohibit the
registration of any plant variety name as a trademark or trade name.

     1.20 “COMMERCIAL NAME” means the complete, preferred name of a LICENSED VARIETY under which a
specific LICENSED VARIETY will be marketed and sold.

     1.21 “NET SELLING PRICE” means the actual wholesale price for seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY
received by CERES or a SUBLICENSEE for the sale of such seed, excluding seed for further seed
production, less any (a) customary trade, quantity, or cash discounts; (b) amounts repaid or
credited by reason of rejection or return; (c) any sales, use, tariff, customs duties, V.A.T.
and/or other taxes, duties and similar governmental assessments (except taxes based on income); and
(d) outbound transportation, shipping, packing, costs of insurance in transit paid by CERES or a
SUBLICENSEE; subject in all cases to (a) to (d) being separately charged on customer invoices or
credit notes. Where there is no identifiable sale price or when a LICENSED VARIETY is sold to other
than bona fide, arms length customers of CERES or a SUBLICENSEE, CERES or the SUBLICENSEE shall be
deemed to have received the NET SELLING PRICE calculated based only on the final sale of the seed
(wholesale level) to an independent third party, otherwise referred to as net wholesale price
payable by dealers. If no such current price is available, a hypothetical fair market value price
will be determined by the parties jointly in good faith for the purpose of calculating NET SELLING
PRICE.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 4 of 41

 

 

     1.22 “SUBLICENSE” means any sublicense by CERES to any third party, including any AFFILIATED
COMPANY (“SUBLICENSEE”), as authorized by this Agreement, to produce and sell a LICENSED VARIETY
(or LICENSED VARIETIES).

     1.23 “AFFILIATED COMPANY” means any company owned or controlled by, under common control with
or controlling CERES, “control” meaning in this context the direct or indirect ownership of fifty
percent (50%) or more of the voting stock/shares of a company, or the power to nominate at least
half of the directors.

     1.24 “EVALUATION PLAN” means a detailed written plan for evaluation of SWITCHGRASS to assess
performance and geographic range of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and NF/GA993. The
EVALUATION PLAN should further include the performance objectives of the evaluation, including the
creation of standards and production protocol(s) for any BREEDER SEED. The EVALUATION PLAN shall be
attached as EXHIBIT B to this Agreement.

     1.25 “MARKETING PLAN” means a detailed written plan for production, distribution, selling and
promotion of each LICENSED VARIETY prepared by or on behalf of CERES and submitted to NOBLE. A
MARKETING PLAN may be (a) binding, i.e., the performance of CERES (through CERES and/or any
SUBLICENSEE) shall be reasonably compared to forecasts and/or projections therein, or (b)
non-binding, i.e., the performance of CERES (through CERES and/or any SUBLICENSEE) shall not be
compared by forecasts and/or projections therein and such forecasts and/or projections are merely
advisory. Each MARKETING PLAN, binding or non-binding, shall include at least the information
outlined in EXHIBIT C. Actual, adopted MARKETING PLANS shall be attached as further
exhibits to this Agreement as adopted and identified as “binding” or “non-binding” as agreed to by
the parties.

ARTICLE I — VARIETY EVALUATION, DEVELOPMENT AND VARIETY OPTIONS

2. EVALUATION, ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT.

     2.1 NOBLE shall develop an EVALUATION PLAN with defined, mutually agreed upon variety
performance objectives, which shall be reviewed and adopted by the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. Once
adopted, the EVALUATION PLAN shall be made a part of this Agreement and attached as EXHIBIT
B to this Agreement.

     2.1.1 Either party may propose modifications to the EVALUATION PLAN to achieve the
mutual goals of assessing the performance and/or range of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991,
NF/GA992 and NF/GA993.

     2.1.2 The MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE shall review the EVALUATION PLAN at least annually and
modify it as appropriate.

     2.2 The EVALUATION PLAN shall define specific testing and evaluation activities, including
timelines, for the testing, evaluation and development of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992
and NF/GA993 (a) on NOBLE-owned land and (b) in certain other geographies with not-for-profit
research institutions (“SUBCONTRACTORS”) at locations under the control of such SUBCONTRACTORS.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 5 of 41

 

 

     2.2.1 Each SUBCONTRACTOR shall be subject to and governed by a written agreement
consistent with the agreement form set forth in EXHIBIT D to this Agreement. NOBLE
shall provide CERES a true and correct copy of each SUBCONTRACTOR agreement, and any
modification or termination thereof, within thirty (30) days after execution, modification
or termination

     2.2.2 For approval, each SUBCONTRACTOR shall be named in the EVALUATION PLAN.

     2.3 NOBLE shall use reasonable efforts to execute the EVALUATION PLAN.

     2.4 NOBLE will voluntarily provide to CERES reports and information generated from execution
of the EVALUATION PLAN in accordance with such plan. NOBLE will regularly provide pictures of
SWITCHGRASS plants under evaluation to CERES, wherein the parties will discuss and agree to the
desired imagery, e.g., set-up, content and the like.

     2.5 In addition to the reports and transfer of information per Paragraph 2.4, NOBLE shall
report to the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE quarterly concerning the progress of variety development. If any
significant event, either beneficial or detrimental, is observed then NOBLE will promptly report
the event to the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE with recommended action to address the event.

     2.6 Upon the request of CERES, at any time, the parties will discuss the status, results of
the testing and evaluation activities and any relevant observations made; provided however, such
contacts and discussions shall be reasonable in frequency and duration so as not to be disruptive
to the research activities of NOBLE. Upon reasonable notice to NOBLE, CERES will have the right to
visit any location under the control of NOBLE or a SUBCONTRACTOR to review the testing and
evaluation activities. Any visits to SUBCONTRACTOR locations will be made together with NOBLE,
unless otherwise decided by NOBLE. CERES will comply with any reasonable safety and security
measures which may be imposed by NOBLE and/or a SUBCONTRACTOR when visiting any such location.

     2.7 Upon CERES’ request, NOBLE shall deliver to CERES seed, other biological material or
biomass material of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and NF/GA993 used or grown for testing,
evaluation and development pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and CERES shall reimburse all
reasonable costs for harvesting, treatment and shipping incurred in connection with such delivery
by NOBLE.

3. EVALUATION EXPENSES.

     3.1 NOBLE will pay any and all of NOBLE’s budgeted, direct cost and expense incurred in
furtherance of the specific testing, evaluation and development activities for NF/GA001, NF/GA002,
NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and NF/GA993 required by the EVALUATION PLAN and conducted on NOBLE-owned land.
NOBLE is responsible for providing adequate resources to enable it to satisfy its obligations under
the EVALUATION PLAN.

     3.2 CERES will pay any and all of NOBLE’S direct cost and expense incurred in furtherance of
the specific testing, evaluation and development activities for NF/GA001, NF/GA002,

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 6 of 41

 

 

NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and NF/GA993 required by the EVALUATION PLAN, which shall include a budget
approved by the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE for such activities, and conducted through a SUBCONTRACTOR.
NOBLE will invoice CERES for such costs annually per SUBCONTRACTOR as such expenses are incurred.

4. VARIETY OPTIONS.

     4.1 NOBLE hereby grants to CERES an exclusive option to obtain an exclusive, world-wide
sublicense under its exclusive option and/or license from UGARF, and under any INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS to NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and NF/GA993, to have:

	 	(a)	 	Exclusive access to BREEDER SEED;
	 
	 	(b)	 	The exclusive right to produce all seed of the LICENSED VARIETY in the LICENSED
PRODUCTION TERRITORY, excluding BREEDER SEED; and
	 
	 	(c)	 	The exclusive right to use, sell and commercially exploit the seed of the
LICENSED VARIETY in the LICENSED TERRITORY.

     4.2 The option(s) of Paragraph 4.1 shall be exercisable at any time but not later than twelve
(12) months after the respective RELEASE DATE of the subject variety. To exercise an option, CERES
shall deliver to NOBLE written notice and a preliminary MARKETING PLAN. Such MARKETING PLAN will be
reasonably commensurate with the MARKETING PLAN for prior LICENSED VARIETY and will be subject to
NOBLE’S review and acceptance, which will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

     4.2.1 Upon receipt of such written notice from CERES that it wishes to exercise its
option with respect to any or all of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 or NF/GA993,
NOBLE shall exercise its option with UGARF and negotiate a license under terms and
conditions which are mutually acceptable to the parties.

     4.2.2 CERES shall have no obligation to take a license to any of the aforementioned
varieties if the terms and conditions, in addition to those terms and conditions set forth
in Articles II and III to this Agreement, are not acceptable to CERES, in its sole
discretion. LICENSED VARIETIES licensed to CERES upon option exercise will be added to
EXHIBIT A to this Agreement through an amendment.

     4.2.3 If CERES declines to exercise an option or take a license to a variety for which
NOBLE has exercised its option for any one of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and
NF/GA993, CERES acknowledges that UGARF shall have the right to directly produce and market
the seed of the subject variety, option and/or license the subject variety to a third party.

     4.3 All parties agree that the development of new varieties will not always result in
varieties that are commercially acceptable. Provided all parties execute their respective
obligations under an adopted EVALUATION PLAN in an appropriate and reasonable manner, no one party
shall be liable

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 7 of 41

 

 

to the other for any refund or other recompense because no commercially acceptable new variety
is produced.

ARTICLE II — VARIETY LICENSE

5. LICENSE.

     5.1 Subject to exercise of a granted option of Paragraph 4, NOBLE hereby grants CERES:

	 	(a)	 	Exclusive access to BREEDER SEED;
	 
	 	(b)	 	The exclusive right to produce all seed of the LICENSED VARIETY in the LICENSED
PRODUCTION TERRITORY, excluding BREEDER SEED, under related INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
RIGHTS, if any; and
	 
	 	(c)	 	The exclusive right to use, sell and commercially exploit the seed of the
LICENSED VARIETY in the LICENSED TERRITORY under related INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS,
if any.

     5.2 Notwithstanding Paragraph 5.1, NOBLE shall have an irrevocable, nonexclusive,
nontransferable, royalty-free right to produce, use and evaluate the LICENSED VARIETY for any
research, development, breeding, evaluation, demonstration and/or educational purpose or program
conducted by NOBLE in accordance with the terms of the MRA.

     5.3 Sublicenses. CERES shall have the right to grant SUBLICENSES within the LICENSED
TERRITORY provided that:

	 	(a)	 	Any such SUBLICENSE shall be personal to the SUBLICENSEE and shall not be
assignable unless to an affiliated company of that SUBLICENSEE, defined similarly as in
Paragraph 1.24.
	 
	 	(b)	 	The terms and obligations of any such SUBLICENSE shall be consistent with the
terms and obligations of this Agreement. Notwithstanding, CERES shall remain
responsible for the operations of its SUBLICENSEES relevant to this Agreement as if
such operations were conducted and carried out by CERES, including, but not limited to,
the payment of all fees and royalties due under this Agreement.
	 
	 	(c)	 	CERES further shall deliver to NOBLE (under an obligation of confidentiality) a
written summary of each SUBLICENSE, which shall include the name and address of the
SUBLICENSEE, scope of the SUBLICENSE, exclusive/non-exclusive status, territory,
remuneration, reporting and diligence obligations, if any. This summary shall be
provided within thirty (30) days after execution, modification or termination of the
summarized agreement.
	 
	 	(d)	 	CERES will use commercially reasonable efforts to collect any and all amounts
due to CERES under any SUBLICENSE for the sale of seed of the LICENSED VARIETY.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 8 of 41

 

 

     5.4 CERES shall not sell or supply to any SUBLICENSEE, seed growing contractor or to any other
third party any BREEDER SEED or FOUNDATION SEED for the purpose of seed production without an
agreement obligating the recipient to sell or deliver the resultant seed to CERES, any AFFILIATED
COMPANY, a SUBLICENSEE or authorized distributor or retailers as directed by CERES.

     5.5 Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as conferring by implication, estoppel, or
otherwise any license or rights under any INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, whether owned by NOBLE or
licensed to NOBLE, other than the one(s) expressly set forth in this Agreement.

     5.6 Notwithstanding Paragraph 5.4, CERES may supply unlabelled (i.e., without certification
tag) COMMERCIAL SEED to a third party for the limited purposes of evaluating the agronomic
performance of the LICENSED VARIETY. The third party shall be obligated by a written agreement with
CERES that the seed supplied will not be used for further multiplication.

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.

     6.1 CERES agrees to prepare and file, or have prepared and filed, any and all applications for
plant variety rights or other forms of intellectual property protection for the LICENSED VARIETY in
the United States in the name of UGARF or UGARF and NOBLE and, at CERES’ discretion, plant variety
rights and/or other forms of intellectual property protection in any other jurisdiction.

     6.1.1 UGARF shall have a right to review any such filing made under this paragraph
prior to its submission and be informed of all actions relating to such filings.

     6.1.2 If CERES intends to abandon any plant variety rights, pending or granted in any
jurisdiction, CERES shall first give sufficient written notice to NOBLE to permit NOBLE or
UGARF the opportunity to assume such filing, examination and/or maintenance without
prejudice.

     6.1.3 Any application for plant variety rights shall reflect the COMMERCIAL NAME of the
LICENSED VARIETY (Paragraph 8).

     6.2 CERES and NOBLE will consult with regard to INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.

     6.3 The obligations of this paragraph shall apply to the United States only and to any other
jurisdictions in which CERES has elected to apply for intellectual property protection. CERES and
NOBLE shall avoid carrying out any act that would prejudice the grant of INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
RIGHTS. Without limitation, neither party shall make available reproductive material of the
LICENSED VARIETY at a date or in a manner that might jeopardize the right to seek INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS protection for the LICENSED VARIETY. CERES, whether directly or through any
SUBLICENSEE, shall not sell any seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY until such time as the requirements
for INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS have been established.

     6.4 CERES shall use all reasonable endeavors to ensure in any sales jurisdiction of the
LICENSED TERRITORY in which INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS exist that all bags or containers supplied
by CERES and any SUBLICENSEE containing only seed of such LICENSED

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 9 of 41

 

 

VARIETY are clearly labeled to show that the LICENSED VARIETY is protected by INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS.

7. LICENSED VARIETY CONSIDERATION.

     7.1 In partial consideration for the rights granted in Article II of this Agreement, CERES
shall be responsible for any and all fees and expenses incurred in filing, examining, certifying
and maintaining any INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS for the LICENSED VARIETY, subject to the
provisions of Paragraph 6.

     7.2 In partial consideration for the rights granted hereunder, CERES agrees to pay to NOBLE,
on behalf of CERES, and any SUBLICENSEE (subject to Paragraph 7.3), for the LICENSED VARIETY
NF/GA993, a royalty of:

	 	(a)	 	[***] of the NET SELLING PRICE for the naked seed weight (exclusive of any
coating materials that may be applied) of all COMMERCIAL SEED of the LICENSED VARIETY,
except that seed subject to Paragraph 7.2(e), sold in the United States in that
calendar year up to and including two million (2,000,000) lbs;
	 
	 	(b)	 	[***] of the NET SELLING PRICE for the naked seed weight (exclusive of any
coating materials that may be applied) of all COMMERCIAL SEED of the LICENSED VARIETY,
except that seed subject to Paragraph 7.2(e), sold in the United States in that
calendar year in excess of two million (2,000,000) lbs and up to three million (3,000,000) lbs;
	 
	 	(c)	 	[***] of the NET SELLING PRICE for the naked seed weight (exclusive of any
coating materials that may be applied) of all COMMERCIAL SEED of the LICENSED VARIETY,
except that seed subject to Paragraph 7.2(e), sold in the United States in that
calendar year in excess of three million (3,000,000) lbs and up to four and a half million (4,500,000) lbs; and
	 
	 	(d)	 	[***] of the NET SELLING PRICE for the naked seed weight (exclusive of any
coating materials that may be applied) of all COMMERCIAL SEED of the LICENSED VARIETY,
except that seed subject to Paragraph 7.2(e), sold in the United States in that
calendar year in excess of four and a half million (4,500,000) lbs.

     7.3 If CERES receives less than the agreed upon royalty (or other remuneration) from a
SUBLICENSEE (excluding any AFFILIATED COMPANY), CERES shall only be responsible to NOBLE for a
pro-rata amount of the royalty due to NOBLE. For clarification, an example will be provided
hereafter that assumes: the SUBLICENSEE NET SELLING PRICE is $1,000, the royalty due NOBLE from
CERES is [***] (Paragraph 7.2(a)) of the SUBLICENSEE NET SELLING PRICE, and the negotiated royalty
due CERES from its SUBLICENSEE is [***] of the SUBLICENSEE NET SELLING PRICE.

	 	(a)	 	If its SUBLICENSEE pays CERES the negotiated royalty, CERES would receive
[***], and CERES would pay NOBLE [***] when due.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 10 of 41

	 	 	 

	
Confidential Treatment Requested and the
Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

	 	(b)	 	If its SUBLICENSEE pays CERES 50% of the negotiated royalty, CERES would receive
[***], and CERES would pay NOBLE [***] when due.
	 
	 	(c)	 	If CERES receives no payment from the SUBLICENSEE (e.g., SUBLICENSEE declares
bankruptcy), CERES would not be obligated to pay NOBLE.

     7.4. CERES shall have the right to sell, directly or through any SUBLICENSEE, limited
quantities of seed of the LICENSED VARIETY as “variety not stated” for inventory control and
disposal of seed that does not satisfy the standards of COMMERCIAL SEED. CERES agrees to pay to
NOBLE for sales made by CERES and any SUBLICENSEE a royalty determined in accordance with Paragraph
7.2 for annual seed of the LICENSED VARIETY sold in the United States.

     7.4.1 “Limited quantities” shall not exceed 10% of the annual production of COMMERCIAL
SEED in each year.

     7.4.2 “Variety not stated” seed cannot be associated with, directly or indirectly, any
COMMERCIAL NAME or include any other designations that identify such material as the
LICENSED VARIETY.

     7.5 Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement and irrespective of the
level of sales of seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY under this Agreement, CERES shall pay to NOBLE for
each calendar year of the term hereof a minimum royalty with respect to the designated LICENSED
VARIETY only, according to the following schedule. Payment of this minimum royalty shall be due on
or before March 31 of the succeeding year for which the payment is due.

Minimum Royalties for NF/GA993 ONLY:

	 	 	 
	Calendar Year	 	Minimum Royalty (USD)
	2009
	 	[***]
	2010
	 	[***]
	2011
	 	[***]
	2012
	 	[***]
	2013
	 	[***]
	2014
	 	[***]
	2015
	 	[***]
	2016
	 	[***]
	2017
	 	[***]
	2018
	 	[***]

     7.6 The minimum royalty of Paragraph 7.5 shall not carry forward to subsequent calendar
years as royalty credit against future sales. For clarification, the following rules shall guide
the relationship between royalties and minimum royalties:

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 11 of 41

	 	 	 

	
Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

	 	(a)	 	if the royalty payments due under Paragraph 7.2 are less than the minimum
royalty of Paragraph 7.5 in a given year, then only the minimum royalty of Paragraph
7.5 shall be payable;
	 
	 	(b)	 	if the royalty payments due under Paragraph 7.2 exceed the minimum royalty of
Paragraph 7.5 in a given year, then the minimum annual royalty shall not be payable;
	 
	 	(c)	 	should there be a failure in NOBLE’S provision of the prescribed volumes of
BREEDER SEED to CERES (or its designee), then the minimum royalty will be paid pro-rata
to the extent of the BREEDER SEED actually delivered as compared to what should have
been delivered;
	 
	 	(d)	 	should there be a failure in production of seed of the LICENSED VARIETY where
CERES can evidence that sufficient acreage was established to produce adequate seed for
payment of the minimum royalty of Paragraph 7.5 and production of seed failed due to
circumstances beyond the control of CERES or CERES’ contract grower(s), then the
minimum royalty will be paid pro-rata to the extent of the failure of seed production;
and
	 
	 	(e)	 	NOBLE recognizes that there are many uncertain factors in the production and
potential use of the LICENSED VARIETY and agrees that the minimum royalties specified
in Paragraph 7.5 may, at the request of CERES, be readdressed by the parties after the
2010 calendar year.

     7.7 CERES shall be responsible for the collection and payment of royalties due to NOBLE for
all seed sold in the LICENSED TERRITORY.

     7.8 CERES shall, in addition to any payments due under Paragraphs 7.1 or 7.2, pay all goods
and service taxes (or other taxes) due on its commercial activity. Where any royalty payments are
subject to a withholding tax then:

	 	(a)	 	where the tax is reclaimable by CERES or any AFFILIATED COMPANY, then CERES
shall make the royalty payment without deduction; and
	 
	 	(b)	 	where the tax is non reclaimable by CERES or any AFFILIATED COMPANY, then CERES
shall pay the net royalty and shall provide to NOBLE proper certificates for such
withholding tax.

     7.9 All sums payable by CERES to NOBLE under this Agreement shall be payable in United States
dollars. Royalties shall be payable by March 31 of each year with respect to the NET SELLING PRICE
received by CERES and any SUBLICENSEE in the preceding calendar year. Payments shall be made by
check to the following address:

Vice President, General Counsel

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

2510 Sam Noble Parkway

Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 12 of 41

 

 

Such payments shall be accompanied by a written report setting forth the production, sales by CERES
(and each SUBLICENSEE) of seed during the calendar year, permitted exclusions, NET SELLING PRICE,
the royalties due, and all uncollected amounts due CERES from all SUBLICENSEES. If no royalties are
due, CERES also shall so report.

     7.10 If LICENSED VARIETIES are commercialized in jurisdictions outside the United States or
CERES exercises its option for any variety of the group of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991 and
NF/GA992, the parties will jointly determine in good faith the applicable royalty rates and minimum
annual royalties (if any). Remuneration for each LICENSED VARIETY in addition to NF/GA993, if any,
in the United States will be reasonably commensurate with the remuneration for NF/GA993.

8. DENOMINATIONS, VARIETY NAMES, TRADE MARKS AND BRAND INTEGRITY.

     8.1 The parties acknowledge that denominations for the subject varieties are established as:
NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and NF/GA993.

     8.2 CERES shall use the denomination of the LICENSED VARIETY to identify that variety and
shall not associate any TRADEMARK or any tradename or similar indication with the denomination.

     8.3 CERES will determine a COMMERCIAL NAME for the LICENSED VARIETY under which the seed of
the LICENSED VARIETY will be marketed and sold.

     8.3.1 CERES will obtain the prior written approval of NOBLE prior to adopting and/or
submitting any (final or proposed) COMMERCIAL NAME for the LICENSED VARIETY for registration
and/or listing, wherein such approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The
parties acknowledge that NOBLE will notify UGARF of such name(s), in confidence, prior to
adoption or (registration) submission.

     8.4 CERES shall use all reasonable endeavors to ensure that all references made by CERES or
any SUBLICENSEE to the LICENSED VARIETY shall use the COMMERCIAL NAME for the LICENSED VARIETY, as
specified in applicable INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, and shall use its best endeavors to ensure
that all references by other parties shall use the same COMMERCIAL NAME and shall use this name in
a manner which distinguishes it from any TRADEMARK. CERES, any AFFILIATED COMPANY or any
SUBLICENSEE shall not falsely represent that any seeds of another variety being sold or offered for
sale are seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY.

     8.5 CERES may determine TRADEMARK(s) associated or intended for use with a LICENSED VARIETY.
CERES shall be the owner of all rights in any such TRADE MARK, chosen, applied to, used or
registered in association with the LICENSED VARIETY.

9. PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES BY NOBLE.

     9.1 NOBLE shall at all times maintain adequate supplies of BREEDER SEED for CERES.

     9.1.1 The EVALUATION PLAN shall establish all volumes, delivery dates and any delivery
instructions for BREEDER SEED.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 13 of 41

 

 

     9.1.2 NOBLE shall at all times maintain adequate supplies of germplasm for the
production of BREEDER SEED.

     9.2 NOBLE will take all necessary measures to ensure that all seed produced pursuant to this
Agreement by NOBLE is handled and stored in such manner as to prevent contamination, theft,
deterioration or unintentional destruction.

10. QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE REGULATIONS.

     10.1 Subject to NOBLE’S obligations under Paragraph 9, CERES shall be responsible for
multiplying seed of the LICENSED VARIETY within the LICENSED PRODUCTION TERRITORY and using
commercially reasonable efforts to produce, market and sell the resultant seed so as to ensure that
COMMERCIAL SEED of the LICENSED VARIETY is commercially available in the United States in
reasonable quantities and at a reasonable price no later than (a) four (4) years for the first
variety licensed under this Agreement and (b) three (3) years for any variety licensed under this
Agreement thereafter from the respective LICENSE COMMENCEMENT DATE of each LICENSED VARIETY.
Availability in foreign markets, if any, of each LICENSED VARIETY shall be determined by CERES no
later than three (3) years after U.S. commercialization of such LICENSED VARIETY.

     10.2 CERES shall meet its own cost of promotion, overseas trials and listing of the LICENSED
VARIETY in the LICENSED TERRITORY.

     10.3 CERES shall use reasonable endeavors to ensure that all seed of the LICENSED VARIETY
offered for sale by CERES, any AFFILIATED COMPANY or SUBLICENSEE shall meet the normally accepted
standards of the seed trade or certifying authorities relating to seed quality within the relevant
jurisdiction of the LICENSED TERRITORY.

     10.4 Where CERES wishes to dispose of seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY without identity, CERES
shall obtain prior written approval by NOBLE before disposing of any seed of the LICENSED VARIETY,
such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. In the event that no response is received within
five (5) working days of the request for approval being made then it shall be deemed that consent
has been granted.

     10.5 CERES shall advise NOBLE of any downgrading of FOUNDATION SEED of the LICENSED VARIETY.

     10.6 When performing activities pursuant to this Agreement, each party shall be responsible
for complying with all applicable laws, rules and regulations and obtaining any and all permits or
authorizations or proceed to any notifications which may be required by such laws, rules and
regulations.

     10.6.1 CERES shall at all times comply with and abide by any governing act, rules,
regulations, by-laws, plant variety rights legislation or the like and/or requirements
relating to the quality and sale of seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY in the relevant
jurisdictions of the LICENSED TERRITORY and shall use all reasonable commercial endeavors to
obtain any necessary regulatory approvals for the LICENSED VARIETY.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 14 of 41

 

 

11. DILIGENCE.

     11.1 CERES will use commercially reasonable efforts to actively market the LICENSED VARIETY in
the LICENSED TERRITORY, wherein such efforts shall be appropriately reflected in the MARKETING
PLAN.

     11.2 CERES shall submit to NOBLE with its annual report under Paragraph 7.7 a report of
progress made by CERES (and any AFFILIATED COMPANY), directly or through its SUBLICENSEES, in
achieving marketing goals of previous years and meeting the objectives of the MARKETING PLAN
submitted and agreed upon for the LICENSED TERRITORY. The MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE will review the
report and may require CERES, from time to time, to amend the MARKETING PLAN.

     11.3 Minimum diligence requirements for each LICENSED VARIETY, if any, shall be satisfied by
the payment of the annual minimum royalty amounts for the prescribed years for only the specific
LICENSED VARIETY set forth in Paragraph 7.5.

     11.3.1 If CERES fails to pay to NOBLE the prescribed annual minimum royalty, NOBLE
shall have the right to convert the license granted to CERES with respect to such LICENSED
VARIETY to non-exclusive, by written notice to CERES, and NOBLE shall then have the ability
to license, on a non-exclusive basis, the right to use, sell and commercially exploit the
seed of the LICENSED VARIETY in the LICENSED TERRITORY under related INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
RIGHTS, if any, to any third party.

12. BOOKS, RECORDS AND RIGHT OF AUDIT.

     12.1 CERES shall keep and shall cause any AFFILIATED COMPANY and any SUBLICENSEE to keep
accurate records of all production and sales of seeds of the LICENSED VARIETY in each country of
the LICENSED TERRITORY where such sales are made. These records should include, at least, the
number of acres of LICENSED VARIETY seed under production, the physical location of each LICENSED
VARIETY production field owned or controlled by CERES, any AFFILIATED COMPANY or any SUBLICENSEE,
the total amount of LICENSED VARIETY seed produced, the total amount of LICENSED VARIETY seed sold,
including specifically the amount of COMMERCIAL SEED sold and the amount of seed sold and/or
disposed of without identity (under Paragraph 10.4 and subject to royalties under Paragraph 7.2(e))
and all invoices or shipping documents relating to such sales.

     12.2 CERES shall allow an independent auditor, reasonably acceptable to CERES, appointed by
and paid for by NOBLE to inspect the records of CERES and any AFFILIATED COMPANY pertaining to the
LICENSED VARIETY for the exclusive purpose of verifying the accuracy of the reports provided. Any
such audit shall occur no more frequently than annually. Any such inspection shall occur during
normal business hours and after NOBLE has provided written notice at least ten business days prior
to the date of the intended inspection. NOBLE agrees that it and its representatives will hold the
information obtained from the inspection in confidence, and not use it for any purpose other than
verification of the royalties required to be paid hereunder.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 15 of 41

 

 

ARTICLE III — GENERAL PROVISIONS

13. ABATEMENT OF INFRINGEMENT.

     13.1 Each party shall notify the other of any suspected infringement of any INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS covering the optioned varieties of the group of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991,
NF/GA992 and NF/GA993 and any LICENSED VARIETY therefrom. During the term of this Agreement, CERES
and NOBLE shall have right, but shall not be otherwise required, to bring suit to abate such
infringement.

     13.1.1 CERES shall have the first option to bring suit alone for infringement of the
LICENSED VARIETY. If elected, in writing, CERES shall be responsible for taking those
actions necessary to enforce the parties’ rights, wherein the expenses and cost of any such
action shall be CERES’. CERES and NOBLE will consult with each other upon a course of action
and enforcement strategy. CERES will be responsible for the conduct of any such enforcement
action, and NOBLE will reasonably cooperate with CERES to effect the enforcement action, and
if appropriate, determine a settlement position. CERES shall be responsible for retaining
counsel and shall promptly notify NOBLE following retention of counsel, and NOBLE agrees to
be represented by such counsel as may be required for any enforcement action or settlement.
For purposes of settlement, CERES shall be the contact with the parties’ counsel as well as
the opposing party(ies) and shall have the right to enter into settlements. CERES shall keep
NOBLE advised as to all developments with respect to the enforcement action and settlement
discussions, which includes supplying to NOBLE copies of all papers received and filed in
sufficient time for NOBLE to comment thereon. NOBLE may attend any and all meetings with the
parties’ counsel and the opposing side for settlement purposes. NOBLE agrees to voluntarily
join in any action brought by CERES as a party plaintiff/defendant, if necessary, at the
expense of CERES. If necessary, NOBLE agrees to enter into a joint defense agreement. Any
damages received by CERES as a result of an enforcement action, after deduction of all
enforcement related costs incurred by CERES, shall be considered as NET SELLING PRICE for
the purpose of royalty payments to NOBLE; provided however that any award that exceeds
compensation for loss of revenue, costs and expenses incurred by CERES (e.g. punitive
damages), after deduction of all enforcement related costs incurred by CERES, will be shared
equally by the parties.

     13.1.2 NOBLE shall have the first option to bring suit alone for infringement of any
optioned varieties of the group of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and NF/GA993 that
is yet to be licensed by CERES pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. If elected, NOBLE
shall solely be liable for all litigation costs.

     13.1.3 In the absence of CERES’ and/or NOBLE’S participation in any such action,
whether individually or jointly, UGARF reserves the right to bring such suit. In such
instance, UGARF shall bear the entire cost of such litigation, including defending any
counterclaims, and shall be entitled to retain the entire amount of any recovery of
settlement.

     13.1.4 Should either party bring suit under the provisions of this Paragraph 13, and
thereafter elects to abandon such action, then the party bringing suit shall give timely
notice to the other party who may, if it so desires, or UGARF may, if it so desires,
maintain the action.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 16 of 41

 

 

Unless the parties agree otherwise at the time of withdrawal, the withdrawing party
shall have no further obligation for expenses for the subject action and shall not benefit
from any subsequent settlement or other financial benefit received as a result of the
subject action.

14. TERM AND TERMINATION.

     14.1 Subject to any other rights of termination under this paragraph, this Agreement shall
have a term equal to the longer of:

	 	(a)	 	on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis and variety-by-variety basis, fifteen
(15) years from the date of the first sale of a LICENSED VARIETY; or
	 
	 	(b)	 	on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis and variety-by-variety basis, the term
of the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS in the respective jurisdiction covering the
LICENSED VARIETY.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties may by mutual agreement, in writing, extend the term of
this Agreement by additional five (5) year periods.

     14.2 Each party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally by giving
written notice of termination to the other party if such other party fails to satisfy its material
obligations, which shall include but are not limited to, making required reports and making
required payments, under this Agreement, and such party subsequently fails to cure such failure(s)
within (a) thirty (30) days for failures to remit payment for amounts due under this Agreement and
(b) ninety (90) days for all other obligations after receipt of written notice from the
non-breaching party specifying such failure.

     14.3 NOBLE will have the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally with thirty (30) days’
written notice to CERES, (a) if CERES seeks protection under any bankruptcy, insolvency,
receivership, trust, deed, creditors arrangement or comparable proceeding or if any such proceeding
is instituted against CERES (and not dismissed within one hundred twenty (120) days); (b) in case
of dissolution or winding up of CERES (excluding any situation where all or substantially all of
CERES’ assets, stock or business to which this Agreement relates are acquired by a third party
(whether by sale, acquisition, merger, operation of law or otherwise)); or (c) with one hundred
twenty (120) days’ written notice to CERES, if the institutional mission, purpose or structure of
NOBLE would change substantially.

     14.4 CERES may, after consultation with NOBLE, terminate this Agreement by written notice if
in the commercially reasonable opinion of CERES the markets for the LICENSED VARIETY change or do
not develop as anticipated, so as to render the production, promotion and sale of the LICENSED
VARIETY uneconomical or impractical or if CERES decides to cease substantially all activities in
SWITCHGRASS; provided however, CERES shall terminate its promotion, marketing and sales of the
LICENSED VARIETY, whether directly or through an AFFILIATED COMPANY and/or SUBLICENSEES.

     14.5 The parties may terminate this Agreement at any time by mutual, written agreement.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 17 of 41

 

 

     14.6 Termination of this Agreement for any reason will not relieve either party of any
obligation or liability accrued under this Agreement before termination or rescind any payments
made or due before termination. Paragraphs 12, 14, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 will survive any
termination of this Agreement.

     14.7 Upon termination by CERES pursuant to Paragraph 14.2 or by NOBLE pursuant to Paragraph
14.3(c), NOBLE will promptly deliver to CERES any and all BREEDER SEED in its possession and
promptly upon harvesting, any of the aforementioned seed from plants which are in the field on the
termination date, and NOBLE will grant CERES access to facilities and fields under its control for
the purpose of collecting germplasm of each LICENSED VARIETY other than seed. Moreover, NOBLE will
provide for the orderly transfer of CERES’ rights under this Agreement directly to UGARF; provided
however, CERES seeks to assume such relationship directly. NOBLE represents that each license
agreement between UGARF and NOBLE under which NOBLE grants options to CERES in this Agreement
contains, or will contain when executed, a provision that if such agreement is terminated UGARF
will directly grant a license to CERES under the same terms and conditions as agreed between NOBLE
and CERES subject to CERES acceptance of such license.

     14.8 If NOBLE terminates this Agreement under the provisions of Paragraph 14.3(a) or 14.3(b)
prior to the RELEASE DATE of a variety from the group of NF/GA001, NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and
NF/GA993, NOBLE shall be relieved of its obligation to offer an option under Paragraph 4.1 and such
variety (or varieties) will be treated as if CERES declined to exercise its option.

     14.9 Immediately upon termination of this Agreement, except termination by CERES on the basis
of Paragraph 14.2 or termination by NOBLE on the basis of Paragraph 14.3(c):

	 	(a)	 	CERES shall either destroy or return all BREEDER SEED and all FOUNDATION SEED
to NOBLE. No compensation shall be due for any seed destroyed or returned pursuant to
this paragraph.
	 
	 	(b)	 	CERES may continue to sell LICENSED VARIETY seed in the ordinary course of
business for a period of one (1) year after the termination date; provided however, the
royalties on such sales are paid in the amounts and in the manner provided in this
Agreement. Following such one (1) year period, all remaining inventory of LICENSED
VARIETY seed must be destroyed, and CERES shall notify NOBLE of the same.

     14.10 Upon termination of this Agreement, no existing sublicenses granted by CERES shall be
affected by such termination, and all such sublicenses shall remain in effect according to their
terms, pursuant to the election of each SUBLICENSEE. Except in case of termination by CERES
pursuant to Paragraph 14.2 or by NOBLE pursuant to Paragraph 14.3(c) and the establishment of a
direct relationship by and between CERES and UGARF, NOBLE shall continue to be entitled to payments
under such sublicenses pursuant to this Agreement, and such SUBLICENSEES, pursuant to the election
of each SUBLICENSEE, shall be become a sublicensee of NOBLE.

     14.11 Termination of this Agreement shall not prevent:

	 	(a)	 	NOBLE from recovering any royalties due as of termination (or thereafter,
pursuant to Paragraph 14.9(b)); and

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 18 of 41

 

 

	 	(b)	 	either party from obtaining a remedy for any breach of the provisions of this
Agreement.

15. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

     15.1 The parties will establish a MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE to supervise the implementation,
execution and progress of this Agreement, including the establishment of appropriate RELEASE DATES.

     15.2 The MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE will consist of four (4) members, two (2) to be appointed by
each party and will meet at least once every six months, in person or by telephone, on dates and at
locations to be mutually agreed. The representatives of each party may invite other employees of
that party to the meeting on an as-needed basis, subject to prior notification of the other party.

     15.3 Decisions of the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE shall be made by unanimous agreement and recorded
in a manner prescribed by the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE as a true record of the decisions. If the
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE cannot come to a unanimous agreement on any matter then the status quo shall
apply.

16. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLICATIONS.

     16.1 As used in this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” shall mean (a) all
non-public-information received by one party from the other in the framework of this Agreement and
(b) any and all information, results (including materials) and observations generated by NOBLE in
the performance of this Agreement. Confidential Information can include, but is not limited to,
information concerning the disclosing party’s operations, research, processes, techniques, data,
and non-public materials.

     16.2 From receipt to five (5) years after the disclosure of the relevant CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION, the receiving party shall not use, except (a) for the benefit of the parties’
collaboration, or (b) such use as is expressly allowed by this Agreement, and/or disclose any
Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written consent of the disclosing
party if the Confidential Information was received from the other party, or the prior written
consent of both parties if the Confidential Information was generated during the performance of
this Agreement, excepting that information described in Paragraph 16.3. Confidential Information
shall only be made accessible to each party’s employees or students on a need-to-know basis.
Manuscripts and papers published in scientific journals and presentations made at public meetings
that include Confidential Information are exempt from the conditions of this paragraph, provided
the parties followed the procedure set forth in Paragraph 16.4.

     16.3 The receiving party shall have no obligations of confidentiality for information that:
can be established through written evidence to be in the possession of the receiving party prior to
the disclosure by the disclosing party; is or becomes public knowledge through no fault of the
disclosing party; is acquired from others not under an obligation of confidentiality to the
disclosing party. In addition, CERES shall have the right to proceed to disclosures of Confidential
Information (a) as required to file for INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS or registration, (b) as
required to exercise its commercialization rights granted in or on the basis of this Agreement and
for related marketing

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 19 of 41

 

 

activities, (c) as required by laws, rules or regulation or court ordering such as, without
limitation, SEC regulations, or (d) in CERES’ reasonable judgment, to (potential) investors and
business partners.

     16.4 The parties agree that the researchers involved in the development of SWITCHGRASS
described herein are permitted to present methods and/or results of the development activities at
symposia and professional meetings and to publish the same in journals or the like, subject to the
obligations of this paragraph. If either party wishes to present results of the evaluation
activities set forth in this Agreement at symposia and professional meetings or publish the same in
journals or the like, the disclosing party must furnish copies of any proposed publication,
presentation, or disclosure (collectively “Disclosure”) to the other party at least thirty (30)
days in advance of the specific submission, presentation, or other disclosure. If the
non-disclosing party raises an objection within such thirty (30) day period with respect to any
part of the proposed Disclosure, the parties will diligently cooperate to modify the objected
matter. The non-disclosing party’s consent will be required for such Disclosure, but such consent
will not unreasonably be withheld. If no objection is raised within the aforementioned thirty (30)
day period, the disclosing party may proceed with the Disclosure.

     16.5 Each party shall be responsible for requiring any and all of its employees or students
who will perform activities under this Agreement to be bound by a written agreement(s) that commits
their inventions, discoveries, and other intellectual property to the party-employer and requires
confidential treatment of party and third-party confidential information. Each party shall further
notify each such employee, in writing, of their obligations and responsibilities under the terms of
this Agreement, including but not limited to the provisions of this Article.

17. PAYMENTS (GENERALLY).

     17.1 Payments required under this Agreement shall, if overdue, bear interest at a per annum
rate of one percent (1%) above the prime interest rate in effect on the due date, as reported in
the Wall Street Journal, from the date the payment is due until it is received.

     17.2 All amounts other than royalties due by CERES to NOBLE pursuant to this Agreement shall
be paid within thirty (30) days after the invoice date.

18. NOTICES.

     Any notices required to be given or which shall be given under this Agreement shall be in
writing and delivered by first class mail or overnight (trackable) courier addressed to the Parties
as follows:

Vice President of Product Development

Ceres, Inc.

1535 Ranch Conejo Blvd.

Thousand Oaks, California 91320

Vice President, General Counsel

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

2510 Sam Noble Parkway

Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 20 of 41

 

 

In the event that notices under this Agreement are sent by certified or registered mail (or
alternatively, by overnight courier) by one party to the other party at its above address, they
shall be deemed to have been given or made as of the date so mailed.

19. WARRANTIES.

     NOBLE represents and warrants that it has the right, under its agreement(s) with UGARF, to
grant rights to CERES as set forth in this Agreement. Copies of relevant agreements by and between
UGARF and NOBLE that concern or relate, directly or indirectly, to the rights transferred to NOBLE
to test, evaluate, produce, use, sell and/or commercially exploit SWITCHGRASS varieties NF/GA001,
NF/GA002, NF/GA991, NF/GA992 and NF/GA993 are included in EXHIBIT E. NOBLE will notify
CERES within ten (10) days, in writing, of any modification to, or notice of termination or
termination of its agreement(s) with UGARF.

20. DISCLAIMERS.

     20.1 EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 19, THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT NEITHER PARTY
HAS MADE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

     20.2 IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS OF PROFIT ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
RIGHTS COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY IS
ADVISED IN ADVANCE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

     20.3 NOBLE shall not be liable under any circumstances, whether in contract, in tort, under
any warranty, in negligence or otherwise, for any incidental, indirect, special or consequential
damages resulting from the exercise of CERES’ rights under the option and/or license granted
pursuant to this Agreement or from the production, sale, storage, use or attempted use of the
LICENSED VARIETY, including, but not limited to, damage to real or personal property, including
land, livestock, crops, plants, seed or feed crop.

     20.4 Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as:

	 	(a)	 	a warranty or representation by either party as to the validity
or scope of any INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, patent rights or plant variety
rights;
	 
	 	(b)	 	a warranty or representation by either party that anything made,
used, sold or otherwise disposed of pursuant to any license granted under this
Agreement is or will be free from infringement of patents of third parties;

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 21 of 41

 

 

	 	(c)	 	any obligations by either party to bring or prosecute actions or
suits against third parties for patent infringement; and
	 
	 	(d)	 	a grant by implication, estoppel, or otherwise of any licenses
under any intellectual property rights of NOBLE or other persons other than as
provided in Paragraph 5.1 hereof.

21. INDEMNIFICATION.

     Excluding those acts directly attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of NOBLE,
CERES agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend NOBLE and UGARF, its trustees, officers,
employees and agents and the breeders (as named in the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, if any)
against any and all liability and/or damages with respect to any claims, suits, demands, judgments
or causes arising out of (a) the production, development, storage, sale or any other use of the
LICENSED VARIETY seed and/or exercise of rights granted hereunder by CERES, its SUBLICENSEES,
distributors, agents, representatives or AFFILIATED COMPANIES; (b) the use by end-users and other
third parties of LICENSED VARIETY seed; and/or (c) any representation, warranty or statement by
CERES, its SUBLICENSEES, distributors, agents, representatives or AFFILIATED COMPANIES, concerning
NOBLE, UGARF, LICENSED VARIETY seed or any INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. In the event any such
claims, demands or actions are made, CERES shall defend NOBLE and/or UGARF at CERES’ sole expense
by counsel selected by CERES and reasonably acceptable to NOBLE. NOBLE shall promptly notify CERES,
in writing, of any such claims, suits or demands upon discovery and shall cooperate with CERES in
the defense, provided that CERES shall have the right to lead the defense including entering into
any settlement. CERES will keep NOBLE informed about the conduct of the defense and consult NOBLE
regarding any settlement proposals.

22. PUBLICITY AND USE OF NAMES.

     22.1 Neither party shall publicize or disclose the terms of this Agreement without the prior
written approval of the other party, subject to the same exceptions as set forth in Paragraph 16.3,
last sentence, (a) through (d).

     22.2 Neither party shall use the names, trademarks, design marks or any markings of UGARF, the
Board of Regents or UGA in any publicity, advertising or news release without the prior written
approval of an authorized representative of UGARF.

     22.3 The parties intend to issue joint press releases regarding this collaboration. Any such
press release and any press release by either party will be subject to the prior written approval
of both parties; provided however, that (a) CERES shall have the right to otherwise disclose
information as may be required in CERES’ judgment to comply with SEC regulations or other laws,
rules or regulations governing disclosure of information and (b) NOBLE shall have the right to
otherwise disclose information as may be required in NOBLE’S judgment to comply with IRS or state
regulations or other laws, rules or regulations governing disclosure of information.
Notwithstanding the unilateral disclosure rights provided for in this paragraph, the disclosing
party shall provide the other party a copy of any such unilateral disclosure preferably prior to
its release.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 22 of 41

 

 

     22.4 CERES, any AFFILIATED COMPANY and any SUBLICENSEE may make known in promotional materials
and technical literature that the LICENSED VARIETY was evaluated and developed for
commercialization at NOBLE and seed is produced, marketed, and sold under a license from NOBLE;
provided, however, that such use shall not state or otherwise imply that NOBLE has any relationship
with CERES outside its publicized relationships (e.g., licensor-licensee, etc.). NOBLE shall have
the right to review and must pre-approve, in writing, any and all such promotional materials and
technical literature that references NOBLE or its employees prior to its public release.

     22.5 CERES, any AFFILIATED COMPANY and any SUBLICENSEE shall include on (or affix to) the seed
packaging (e.g., bag or other container) and promotional materials the NOBLE mark set forth in
EXHIBIT F to this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein.
NOBLE shall have the right to review and must pre-approve, in writing, any and all materials,
including seed packaging, that includes or is intended to include the mark of EXHIBIT F.

23. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND APPLICABLE LAW.

All disputes, differences or questions arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or its
EXHIBITS, or related to the alleged breach, termination, validity, interpretation or violation
thereof, shall be submitted to the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE for resolution, which shall convene,
whether in person or otherwise, to resolve such dispute in a timely manner. Either party may
initiate a resolution procedure by providing written notice (“Dispute Notice”) to the other party,
and any such Dispute Notice must set forth the subject matter of the dispute, difference or
question. If after sixty (60) days the dispute remains unresolved, the presidents of CERES and
NOBLE shall seek to resolve the dispute through negotiation or mediation. If negotiation is
elected, the parties agree that at least eight (8) cumulative hours of negotiations between the
presidents will be undertaken. If mediation is elected, the presidents will meet at a neutral site
for mediation. Unless agreed to otherwise, the neutral site shall be Denver, Colorado. The
mediation shall be conducted in accordance with the then existing Commercial Mediation Rules of the
American Arbitration Association (AAA). The mediator shall be selected by mutual agreement of the
parties. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, AAA shall designate a mediator at the request
of either party. Any mediator so designated must be acceptable to both parties. Fees for the
mediation will be shared equally, and the parties will responsible for their respective expenses.
Settlement reached in mediation or negotiation will not be binding until the parties have signed a
written settlement agreement.

Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or its
EXHIBITS, or related to the alleged breach, termination, validity, interpretation or violation
thereof, not settled by negotiation or mediation in accordance with the terms hereof, shall be
finally settled and determined by arbitration administered by the AAA under its then current
Commercial Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures (including Procedures for Large, Complex
Commercial Disputes) (the “Rules”). The written reasoned award of the arbitrators shall be final
and binding upon the parties, and judgment on or enforcement of the award so rendered may be
sought, had or entered in any court having jurisdiction.

	 	(a)	 	Initiation of Arbitration. Any party may initiate arbitration by filing
a written request for arbitration with the AAA. A copy of the request shall be
furnished to all other parties in accordance with the provisions of the Rules and the
provisions in the agreement between the parties concerning notices. For all purposes
the “commencement of the

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 23 of 41

 

 

	 	 	 	arbitration” shall be deemed to be the date on which any party issues a written
demand for arbitration in accordance with the requirements of Article 18.

	 	(b)	 	Appointment of Arbitrators. Each party shall appoint an arbitrator,
and the two arbitrators so appointed shall appoint the third arbitrator. The party
initiating the arbitration shall appoint its arbitrator at the commencement of the
arbitration. The other party shall appoint its arbitrator within thirty (30) days of
the commencement of the arbitration. If the arbitrators appointed by the parties fail
to appoint the third arbitrator within sixty (60) days of the commencement of the
arbitration, the AAA shall appoint the third arbitrator following consultation with the
parties.
	 
	 	(c)	 	Qualifications of Arbitrators. Each arbitrator so appointed shall have
a reputation as being experienced in the legal and technical matters related to the
dispute, shall be required to disclose, among other disclosures, any prior involvement
with the legal and technical matters related to the dispute and any involvement with a
competitor of any party, and shall not be presently nor in the past have been
affiliated with any party or a competitor of any party. Notwithstanding the method of
their appointment, each arbitrator shall be required to meet the standards contained in
the Rules with respect to impartiality, independence and neutrality.
	 
	 	(d)	 	Location of the Arbitration. The seat of arbitration shall be Denver,
Colorado. The arbitrators may hold hearings at such other locations as the arbitrators
shall determine, after consultation with the parties.
	 
	 	(e)	 	Language of Arbitration. The arbitral proceedings and all pleadings and
written evidence shall be in the English language. Any written evidence originally in a
language other than English shall be submitted in English translation accompanied by
the original or true copy thereof.
	 
	 	(f)	 	Procedural Requirements. The arbitrators shall, after consultation with
the parties, make appropriate provision in the arbitration process for rules specific
to this arbitration which:

	 	(i)	 	require the disclosure of all exhibits expected to be used by the
parties at the arbitration, and the exchange of complete copies of all such
exhibits in advance of the arbitration;
	 
	 	(ii)	 	determine the dates for the exchange of said written disclosures
and copies of said exhibits;
	 
	 	(iii)	 	require the written disclosure of the identity of all witnesses
whom the parties expect to call at the arbitration;
	 
	 	(iv)	 	determine the dates for the exchange of the written disclosures
of the identity of witnesses which the parties expect to call at the
arbitration;
	 
	 	(v)	 	determine the dates for the exchange of sworn narrative
statements containing the testimony of all witnesses whom the parties expect to
call at the arbitration;

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 24 of 41

 

 

	 	(vi)	 	require that the sworn narrative testimony of witnesses be
submitted in substitution for the direct examination of the witness, and that
all witnesses whose sworn testimony is submitted for consideration by the
arbitrators must present him or herself for cross examination at the time and
place of the arbitration hearing, unless some other procedure providing the
parties with a full and complete opportunity for cross-examination has been
established and provided by the arbitrators, the parties and the witness:
	 
	 	(vii)	 	prohibit, except upon a showing of good cause, or for purposes
of rebuttal, the receipt into evidence of any exhibit not disclosed by the
parties, nor shall the arbitrators permit a party to present the testimony of
any witness whose identity and testimony was not exchanged prior to the
arbitration;
	 
	 	(viii)	 	permit discovery as reasonable and necessary for the orderly preparation of
the dispute for hearing and determination of the dispute (said discovery may
include requests for production of documents and depositions of witnesses who
cannot be summoned to the arbitration or are otherwise unavailable to attend the
arbitration); and
	 
	 	(ix)	 	require all parties and experts to maintain all information and
documents they have received , reviewed, exchanged or given testimony about in
confidence pursuant to an appropriate confidentiality undertaking and order.

	 	(g)	 	Limitation on Remedies. The arbitrators are precluded from awarding
punitive or exemplary damages. In no event shall the arbitrators have the powers of an
amiable compositeur.
	 
	 	(h)	 	Resort to the Courts. Nothing in this Agreement prohibits any party
from seeking interim or conservatory relief in any court of competent jurisdiction;
provided however, that neither the filing of an application for a
temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or other interim or conservatory
relief, as necessary, nor the granting of such relief, shall be deemed to be a waiver
of the obligation of the party to have the dispute heard and determined solely and
exclusively by arbitration.
	 
	 	(i)	 	Survival. The rights and obligations of the parties as described
herein shall survive the termination, expiration, non-renewal or rescission of the
Agreement between the parties.

24. GENERAL.

     24.1 Entire Agreement/Modifications. This Agreement together with its EXHIBITS
constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and there are no representations, warranties, covenants or obligations except as set forth
herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings,
negotiations and discussions, written or oral, of the parties hereto relating to the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement may only be amended, modified or superseded by a writing executed by the
authorized representative of the parties hereto. Pursuant to the obligations of this Agreement, the
parties anticipate that EXHIBITS will be attached to and become part of this Agreement during its
term.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 25 of 41

 

 

     24.2 Severability. This Agreement, to the greatest extent possible, shall be
construed so as to give validity to all of the provisions hereof. If any provision of this
Agreement is or becomes invalid, is ruled illegal by a court of competent jurisdiction or is deemed
unenforceable under the current applicable law from time to time in effect during the term of this
Agreement, the remainder of this Agreement will not be affected or impaired thereby and will
continue to be construed to the maximum extent permitted by law. In lieu of each provisions which
is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, there will be substituted or added as part of this Agreement
by mutual written agreement of the parties, a provision which will be as similar as possible, in
economic and business objectives as intended by the parties to such invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provision, but will be valid, legal and enforceable.

     24.3 Waiver. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right or remedy
under this Agreement will waive any provision of this Agreement. Nor will any single or partial
exercise by either party of any right or remedy under this Agreement preclude it from otherwise or
further exercising any rights or remedies which it may have, or any other rights or remedies
granted by any law or any related document.

     24.4 Enforcement. In the event an action is commenced by either party against the
other to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to
recover from the other party reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and necessary disbursements
incurred in connection with such action.

     24.5 Licensor-Licensee Relationship.The relationship of the parties is that of
independent contractors and licensor-licensee. Nothing herein is intended or will be construed to
establish any agency, partnerships, or joint ventures. Neither party has any authority to act for
and/or to bind the other party in any way or to represent that either is in any way responsible for
the acts of the other, except as may be explicitly provided for herein or authorized by the
non-acting party in writing. Neither party is authorized or empowered to act as an agent for the
other party for any purpose, nor shall either party be bound by the acts or conduct of the other
party.

     24.6 Assignablility. This Agreement binds and enures to the benefit of the parties,
their successor or assigns, but may not be assigned by either party without the prior written
consent of the other party; provided however, that CERES shall have the right to assign its rights
and obligations under this Agreement to any AFFILIATED COMPANY and either party shall have the
right to assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a third party in conjunction
with the transfer to the third party of substantially all of the assets of that party associated
with performance under this Agreement without prior consent.

     24.7 Force Majeure. No party shall be responsible to the other party for delay or
failure in performance of any the obligations imposed by this Agreement, provided such failure
shall be occasioned by fire, flood, explosion, lightning, wind storm, hailstorm, earthquake,
subsidence of soil, failure of machinery or equipment or supply of materials, discontinuity in the
supply of power, court order or governmental interference, terrorist attacks, civil commotion,
riot, war, strikes, labor disturbances, transportation difficulties, labor shortage, natural
genetic variation of any living matter or by any other cause of like or unlike nature beyond the
reasonable control and without fault or negligence of such party.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 26 of 41

 

 

     24.8 Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and
interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the principles
of conflicts of law thereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CERES and NOBLE have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as
indicated below.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC.	 	CERES, INC.
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:
	 	/s/ Michael A. Cawley	 	By:	 	/s/ Richard Flavell
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Name:
	 	Michael A. Cawley	 	Name:
	 	Richard Flavell, CBE, FRS
	Title:
	 	President
	 	Title:	 	Chief Scientific Officer
	Date:
	 	19 May 2006	 	Date:	 	19 May 2006
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	By:	 	/s/ Richard Hamilton
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Name:
	 	Richard Hamilton
	 

	 	 	 	Title:
	 	President & Chief Executive Officer
	 

	 	 	 	Date:	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 27 of 41

 

 

EXHIBIT A — LICENSED VARIETY

(Paragraph 1.8)

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	LICENSE COMMENCEMENT	 	INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
	LICENSED VARIETY	 	DATE	 	RIGHTS
	NF/GA993	 	 	 	 

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 28 of 41

 

 

EXHIBIT B — EVALUATION PLAN

(Paragraph 1.24)

SEED PRODUCTION PLAN: PRE-BREEDER AND BREEDER SEED

	•	 	Establish a two (2) acre breeder field at NOBLE’s Dupy Farm and one-quarter (0.25) acre
breeder field at the University of Georgia (UGA), Athens, GA of NF/GA993. Goal: to
produce 300 lbs of breeder seed per year for 2006, 2007, and 2008.

	•	 	Harvest seed from the pre-breeder field of NF/GA001 at Athens, GA. Goal: to produce 15
lbs of pre-breeder seed per year for 2006 and 2007.

	•	 	Establish a 1/16 acre pre-breeder field of NF/GA002 at Ardmore, OK. Goal: to produce 5
lbs of pre-breeder seed per year for 2006, 2007, and 2008.

	•	 	Establish breeder fields of NF/GA991, NF/GA992, NF/GA001, and NF/GA002 as directed by
the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

PLANTING / MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR

NOBLE/CERES SWITCHGRASS BIOMASS PERFORMANCE TRIAL

	•	 	The NOBLE/CERES Switchgrass Performance Trial is a multi-location trial coordinated by
NOBLE.

	•	 	Goal: to determine the biomass yield of NF/GA switchgrass experimentals compared to the
standard checks ‘Alamo’, ‘Kanlow’, and ‘Cave-in-Rock’ at multiple locations throughout the
southern USA and the Southern great plains region.

	•	 	The test locations to be established in 2006 are: Athens, GA, Starkville, MS, Overton,
TX, Ardmore, OK, and Stillwater, OK. NOBLE shall be responsible for contracting with each
site, excluding Ardmore, OK, pursuant to the terms and obligations of this Agreement.

	•	 	At each location, multiple entries will be planted as replicated small plots. Plot size
is 5’ X 15’ with 6 replications (randomized complete block design). However, if the
investigator at each test location prefers wider plots, seed can be supplied to accommodate
plot sizes of 7.5’ X 15’ or 10’ X 15’. The site-investigator and NOBLE will discuss this
matter prior to establishment of the plot and provision of any seed.

	•	 	The core entries that will be evaluated at all test locations are NF/GA991, NF/GA992,
NF/GA993, NF/GA001, NFSG05-1 (NOBLE), Alamo (commercially available), Cave-in-Rock
(commercially available) and Kanlow (commercially available).

	•	 	In addition to the baseline evaluations reference above, the entries Trialblazer (Univ
of Nebraska), Shawnee (Univ of Nebraska), NSL 2001-1 (Oklahoma State Univ), and SL93 2001-1
(Oklahoma State Univ) also will be evaluated at Overton, TX, Ardmore, OK, and Stillwater,
OK.

	•	 	A seeding rate of 5lbs per acre pure live seed (PLS).

	•	 	Below is the NOBLE protocol, developed internally, that will apply to all test locations
for the establishment and management of these trials.

	 	1.	 	Clean-till as soon as possible (April).
	 
	 	2.	 	Roller pack after clean-till.
	 
	 	3.	 	Wait for rain or irrigate to germinate annual weeds (4-5 weeks).

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 29 of 41

 

 

	 	4.	 	After weeds, seed switchgrass no-till at depth of 0.25”.
	 
	 	5.	 	Roller pack again if planter does not have heavy press wheels.
	 
	 	6.	 	Immediately after planting, spray glyphosate within three (3) days to
kill existing weeds.
	 
	 	7.	 	Take notes on seedling emergence (e.g., each week score plots from 1 to 5
with 1=no emergence and 5=excellent emergence). Promptly send such raw data
available to NOBLE for statistical analysis.
	 
	 	8.	 	After the majority of the switchgrass plots reaches 2-3 leaf stage, then
spray 0.15oz Cimarron (Ally) for broadleaf weed control and 1.3pt Dual + Atrazine
for PRE weed control, do not apply crop oil with Atrazine.
	 
	 	9.	 	Fertilize with 125 lbs N per acre as complete fertilizer (P and K amounts
applied to soil test).
	 
	 	10.	 	After switchgrass plants show good tillering, apply 2,4-D as needed.
	 
	 	11.	 	Harvest (dry matter yield) in first year during September — October
period. Promptly send such raw data available to NOBLE for statistical analysis.
	 
	 	12.	 	In the two subsequent years (2007 and 2008), the plan will be the same
from #8 onward with the following exceptions: mow off plants in April and then
apply 0.15oz Cimarron (Ally) for broadleaf weed control and 1.3pt Dual + Atrazine;
apply 125 lbs of N fertilizer per acre (April); harvest again in September-October
period.

DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORTING

	 	i.	 	Statistical analysis of the results will be carried out using standard statistical
analysis of variance procedures.
	 
	 	ii.	 	Noble will provide to the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:

	 	1.	 	Reports summarizing the results of the Performance Trial annually
	 
	 	2.	 	Raw data generated during the performance of the trial annually
	 
	 	3.	 	Samples of breeders seed after the first year

	 	•	 	Noble will report to the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE on a quarterly basis on the status of the
trial.

COSTS AND EXPENSES

Seed Production:

	 	•	 	All expenses will be paid by NOBLE.

Biomass Performance Trials

	 	•	 	Initial number of locations is five (5).
	 
	 	•	 	Direct cost per (non-NOBLE) location is [***] per annum.
	 
	 	•	 	NOBLE will assume any and all expense for any NOBLE site.
	 
	 	•	 	CERES cost per annum (4 test sites): [***].
	 
	 	•	 	Number of years: 3.
	 
	 	•	 	CERES total cost: [***].

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 30 of 41

	 	 	 

	

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

EXHIBIT C — NON-BINDING MARKETING PLAN FOR NF/GA993

(Paragraph 1.25)

	1.	 	TIMING
	 
	 	 	This MARKETING PLAN is to cover NF/GA993 for a five year period and shall be reviewed
annually with adjustments made for further five (5) year periods in line with market
conditions and the agronomic performance of NF/GA993. Production and sales shown below are
estimates based on switchgrass as a forage grass and as a feedstock for bioconversion.
Market conditions may improve if biorefineries are constructed. Construction of such
biorefineries is expected to occur during the next 5 years. (see attached tentative
projections for biomass market)
	 
	2.	 	POSITIONING
	 
	 	 	NF/GA993 will be positioned in the highly productive pasture grass segment with claims of
higher biomass and faster stand establishment than other available switchgrass varieties,
NF/GA993 will also be positioned as the premier feedstock for bioconversion in the vicinity
of any biorefinery using cellulosic biomass as a feedstock around which NF/GA993
demonstrates superior agronomic performance. NF/GA993 may also be positioned as a viable
alternative forage in geographies where agronomic performance is adequate.

	 	 	Sales of NF/GA993 is likely to be best adapted in the southern US from Oklahoma, southern
Kansas, southern Missouri to the east coast and south. CERES and NOBLE will test NF/GA993
farther north into Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, and Nebraska. Testing sites may also be
established in California and Idaho. CERES will work with NOBLE to identify the range of
adaptation for NF/GA993. States colored in blue in the figure have the highest potential
acreage. States in green and red have significant potential but relatively small current
grass acreage based on USDA data as shown in the table below. These areas have significant
biomass yield potential and potential for construction of biorefineries, and it will be
important to evaluate NF/GA993 to determine whether it is adapted to these growing areas.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	Winter	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Hay	 	Wheat	 	Sorghum	 	Total
	State	 	(x1000)	 	(x1000)	 	(x1000)	 	(x1000)
	KS
	 	 	2,200	 	 	 	9,600	 	 	 	2,650	 	 	 	14,450	 
	TX
	 	 	4,700	 	 	 	3,200	 	 	 	2,000	 	 	 	9,900	 
	OK
	 	 	2,700	 	 	 	3,900	 	 	 	230	 	 	 	6,830	 

 
	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 31 of 41

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	Winter	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Hay	 	Wheat	 	Sorghum	 	Total
	State	 	(x1000)	 	(x1000)	 	(x1000)	 	(x1000)
	MO
	 	 	3,700	 	 	 	570	 	 	 	120	 	 	 	4,390	 
	KY
	 	 	2,200	 	 	 	300	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2,500	 
	TN
	 	 	1,850	 	 	 	170	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2,020	 
	ID
	 	 	300	 	 	 	730	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,660	 
	AR
	 	 	1,330	 	 	 	165	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,495	 
	VA
	 	 	1,190	 	 	 	170	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,360	 
	NC
	 	 	680	 	 	 	440	 	 	 	13	 	 	 	1133	 
	CA
	 	 	520	 	 	 	260	 	 	 	12	 	 	 	877	 
	GA
	 	 	650	 	 	 	160	 	 	 	30	 	 	 	840	 
	MS
	 	 	700	 	 	 	90	 	 	 	28	 	 	 	818	 
	AL
	 	 	760	 	 	 	50	 	 	 	6	 	 	 	816	 
	LA
	 	 	400	 	 	 	120	 	 	 	95	 	 	 	615	 
	SC
	 	 	330	 	 	 	170	 	 	 	6	 	 	 	506	 
	FL
	 	 	265	 	 	 	14	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	279	 

	3.	 	PROMOTION
	 
	 	 	Promotional activities will include:

	 	•	 	Articles and advertising in relevant magazines
	 
	 	•	 	Advertising and promotions on the web
	 
	 	•	 	On farm testing and testimonials
	 
	 	•	 	Bulletins of results of state yield trials
	 
	 	•	 	Grower meetings

	4.	 	DISTRIBUTION
	 
	 	 	Several distribution channels are under consideration. Sales and marketing activities are
planned to begin in 2007 and increase as production ramps up:

	 	•	 	Establishment of a sales force and distribution network and/or distribution
through existing distribution systems such as retail outlets and regional seed
companies. This activity is planned to begin in 2006 and expand as needed.
	 
	 	•	 	Direct sales to farmers. This is particularly likely in the vicinity of biomass
conversion facilities
	 
	 	•	 	Web based direct sales

	5.	 	EVALUATION
	 
	 	 	The EVALUATION PLAN is described in detail in Exhibit B.
	 
	6.	 	PROTECTION
	 
	 	 	US PVP filing is planned for 2008 pending data acquisition described in Exhibit B.
	 
	7.	 	SEED SALES
	 
	 	 	All current sales projections are for US sales. Activities will begin in 2008 to determine
whether switchgrass seed can be sold ex-US and in which markets. Sales plans for any
selected markets will be established in 2009. Projections are for COMMERCIAL SEED.
Discounted, unbranded (i.e., variety not stated) sales may occur in case of low purity or
low germination quality.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 32 of 41

 

 

	 	 	The following table summarizes estimated COMMERCIAL SEED production acreage and royalties
based on sales of the LICENSED VARIETY as a forage grass assuming a four (4) pound seeding
rate, wholesale price of $3.00 per pound and a royalty rate of [***]:

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Production	 	Planting	 	Certified	 	Pounds	 	 	 	Projected
	Season	 	Season	 	Acres	 	of Seed	 	Sales	 	Royalty
	2008

	 	2009
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	2009
	 	2010
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	2010
	 	2011
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	2011
	 	2012
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	2012
	 	2013
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	2013
	 	2014
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	2014
	 	2015
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	2015
	 	2016
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	2016
	 	2017
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	2017
	 	2018
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]
	 	[***]

	8.	 	ROYALTY INCOME
	 
	 	 	See table above for non-binding estimated royalty payments and commencement date of payment.
	 
	9.	 	SEED PRODUCTION
	 
	 	 	See table above for non-binding estimated COMMERCIAL SEED production for the pasture grass
segment, land area to be sown, estimated production and harvest date. The attached table
shows non-binding estimates for biomass for bioconversion facilities. CERES will:

	 	•	 	Identify growers and establish grower contracts by spring 2008
	 
	 	•	 	Lease, build or buy a production facility by fall 2008
	 
	 	•	 	Establish quality testing capability by fall 2008

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 33 of 41

	 	 	 

	

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

Tentative projections for biomass market

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	2005	 	2006	 	2007	 	2008	 	2009	 	2010	 	2011	 	2012	 	2013	 	2014
	 	 	Fall	 	Spring	 	Fall	 	Spring	 	Fall	 	Spring	 	Fall	 	Spring	 	Fall	 	Spring	 	Fall	 	Spring	 	Fall	 	Spring	 	Fall	 	Spring	 	Fall	 	Spring	 	Fall
	Pounds of breeders seed
	 	 	15	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	300	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	300	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	540	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	513	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	487	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	463	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	440	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	418	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	397	 
	Percent breeders production
	 	 	 	 	 	 	50	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 
	Percent

foundation 

production
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	80	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 
	Percent R&D
	 	 	 	 	 	 	50	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	20	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	20	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	5	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	5	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	5	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	5	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	5	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	5	%	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Pounds of foundation seed
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	28,000	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	28,000	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	56,000	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	56,000	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	56,000	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	56,000	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	56,000	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	56,000	 
	Percent registered production
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 
	Percent commercial production
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	74	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Percent marketing
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	25	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Pounds of registered seed
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	32,667	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	62,067	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	94,733	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	71,050	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	46,183	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	20,782	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	20,782	 
	Percent commercial production
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	10	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	25	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	35	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	55	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	%	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Pounds of commercial seed
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2,417,333	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	3,523,644	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	3,855,538	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	4,300,828	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	6,954,512	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	10,713,995	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	9,078,784	 
	Percent marketing
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	10	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	10	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	10	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	10	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	10	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	10	%	 	 	 	 
	Percent commercial sale
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	60	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	60	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	60	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	60	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	60	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	60	%	 	 	 	 
	Percent carryover
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	30	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	30	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	30	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	30	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	30	%	 	 	 	 	 	 	30	%	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Pounds breeders seed production
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	350	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	350	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	350	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 
	Pounds foundation seed production
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	28,000	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	28,000	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	28,000	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 
	Pounds registered seed production
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	32,667	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	32,667	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	32,667	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 
	Pounds commercial seed production
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2,417,333	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2,798,444	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2,798,444	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	3,144,167	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	5,664,264	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	8,627,641	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	5,864,585	 
	Total pounds used for marketing
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	7,000	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	241,733	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	352,364	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	385,554	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	430,083	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	695,451	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,071,399	 	 	 	 	 
	Total pounds used for R&D
	 	 	 	 	 	 	7.5	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	60	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	60	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	27	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	26	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	24	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	23.149125	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	22	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	21	 	 	 	 	 
	Total pounds for commercial sale
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,450,400	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2,114,187	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2,313,323	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2,580,497	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	4,172,707	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	6,428,397	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Total new acreage
	 	 	 	 	 	 	4	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	100	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	8,420	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	339,525	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	493,319	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	547,678	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	610,413	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	982,106	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,499,966	 	 	 	 	 
	Breeder’s production acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	1	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 
	Foundation production acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	80	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 
	Registered production acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	93	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 
	Commercial production acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	6,907	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,089	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	7,894	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	8,289	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	8,467	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 
	Marketing acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,400	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	48,347	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	70,473	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	77,111	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	86,017	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	139,090	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	214,280	 	 	 	 	 
	R&D acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	3	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	20	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	20	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	9	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	9	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	8	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	8	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	7	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	7	 	 	 	 	 
	Commercial acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	290,080	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	422,837	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	462,665	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	516,099	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	834,541	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,285,679	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Total acreage
	 	 	 	 	 	 	4	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	104	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	8,524	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	348,047	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	841,286	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,381,961	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,991,265	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2,971,951	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	4,125,587	 	 	 	 	 
	Breeder’s production acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	1	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 
	Foundation production acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	80	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	80	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	80	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 
	Registered production acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	93	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	93	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	93	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 
	Commercial production acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	6,907	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	7,996	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	7,996	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	8,983	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	16,184	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	24,650	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	16,756	 	 	 	 	 
	Marketing acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,400	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	49,747	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	120,220	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	197,330	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	283,347	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	421,037	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	586,970	 	 	 	 	 
	R&D acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	3	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	23	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	43	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	52	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	60	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	66	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	53	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	41	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	39	 	 	 	 	 
	Commercial acres
	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	0	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	290,080	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	712,917	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,175,582	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,691,681	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2,526,223	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	3,521,822	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement
	 	Page 34 of 41

 

EXHIBIT D — (MODEL) SUBCONTRACTOR EVALUATION AGREEMENT

(Paragraph 2.2.1)

	A.	 	Recipient:
	 
	B.	 	Address:
	 
	C.	 	Plant Material:

	 	 	 	 	 
	SPECIES	 	CODE/DESCRIPTION	 	WEIGHT
	 
	 	 	 	 

	D.	 	Research Purpose: Variety production evaluation and
performance testing with          .
	 
	E.	 	Location for Conduct of Research:

The <<INSTITUTION>> (“Provider”) will provide the Recipient the Plant Material subject
to the following terms and conditions:

     1. The Recipient shall use the Plant Material solely for the Research Purpose.

     2. Provider is (i) owner of all or a portion of the intellectual property rights in the Plant
Material and/or (ii) licensee of all or a portion of the intellectual property rights in the Plant
Material.

     3. Without the prior written consent of Provider, the Recipient shall not use the Plant
Material, seed, or any product derived therefrom in any form of reselection, breeding, sexual
crossing, seed production, back crossing, tissue culturing, mutagenesis, genetic transformation or
any biotechnological process, except as specifically approved in this Agreement.

     4. The Recipient shall not supply or otherwise transfer the Plant Material or any products or
progeny derived therefrom, be it seed or vegetative material, to any other person or entity without
the prior written permission from an authorized representative of Provider.

     5. The Recipient shall take all precautions to prevent theft or pilferage of any material
related to and including the Plant Material.

     6. The Recipient shall voluntarily provide Provider the results of any evaluation using this
Plant Material, including any proposed publication concerning the Plant Material.

     7. The Recipient will be free to publish the research results from the evaluation contemplated
by this Agreement; provided however, the Recipient must provide Provider any proposed publication
at least thirty (30) days prior to submission. Provider will review such proposed publication for
the need of intellectual property protection and/or to identify any inadvertent disclosure of
proprietary information. If necessary, the Recipient agrees to (i) delay publication by no more
than sixty (60) days to enable the filing of an application for intellectual property protection
and/or (ii) remove any proprietary information identified by Provider.

     8. Provider represents that it has the right to transfer the Plant Material under this
Agreement.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 35 of 41

 

 

     9. At the end of the evaluation trial, the Recipient shall, at the option of Provider, (i)
return to Provider all unused Plant Material supplied by Provider and all materials, regardless of
type, produced from the Plant Material or (ii) destroy all unused Plant Material supplied by
Provider and all materials, regardless of type, produced from the Plant Material. The Recipient
agrees that all such unused Plant Material and all materials, regardless of type, produced from the
Plant Material are the property of Provider.

     10. The Recipient acknowledges and agrees that Provider shall not be liable for any damages or
loss that may arise from testing of the Plant Material.

     11. The Recipient acknowledges and accepts that the Plant Material is being supplied with no
warranties, expressed or implied. In particular, as the use of the Plant Material is limited to the
furtherance of the Research Purpose, there is no basis for and no warranty given for fitness for a
particular purpose or merchantability.

Organization:

Recipient:

                                                            

                                        Date

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 36 of 41

 

 

EXHIBIT E — COPIES OF UGARF-NOBLE LICENSE AGREEMENTS 

FOR THE LICENSED VARIETY

(Paragraph 19)

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 37 of 41

 

 

License Agreement

     THIS AGREEMENT, dated the 15th day of May, 2006 (“Effective Date”), is made between
the UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC., a Georgia nonprofit corporation with an office
located in the Boyd Graduate Studies Research Center, Athens, Georgia 30602-7411 (hereinafter
referred to as “UGARF”), and THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC., an Oklahoma nonprofit
corporation with principal offices at 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 (hereinafter
referred to as “NOBLE”).

WITNESSETH

     WHEREAS, UGARF and NOBLE are parties to a Material Transfer, Testing, and Parental Crossing
Agreement, dated May 1, 2004 (“MTA”), which permitted the initial transfer to NOBLE of seed for
certain cultivars (“Selections”), which included a switchgrass Selection hereinafter referred to as
“GA993”; and

     WHEREAS, UGARF is the assignee of all right, title, and interest in inventions, including the
Selections, developed by employees of The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
(hereinafter “Board of Regents”) working at The University of Georgia (“UGA”) and is responsible
for the protection and commercial development of such inventions; and

     WHEREAS, UGA researcher(s), during the course of their employment at UGA, developed GA993,
which is suitable as a forage, range management crop and/or biomass crop; and

     WHEREAS, NOBLE, through its facilities and experience, has the ability to produce, evaluate
and improve GA993 and, through its market relationships, has the ability to market GA993 in the
appropriate marketplaces; and

     WHEREAS, NOBLE wishes to obtain certain exclusive rights to use, produce and sell GA993 seed
directly and/or indirectly through a Sublicensee(s); and

     WHEREAS, UGARF desires to grant such rights through this Agreement, subject to the terms and
obligations set forth herein, which supersedes any prior or contemporaneous representations,
understandings and agreements, whether oral or written relating to the subject matter hereof;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the parties hereto
agree as follows:

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

     1.1 “Licensed Variety” means the GA993 switchgrass variety developed at UGA, a sample of which
seed will be submitted to the Plant Variety Protection Office of the United

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 1 of 13

 

 

States Department of
Agriculture, wherein this provision will be amended by letter agreement
after the Effective Date to reflect the date of such submission and the related application number
for any plant variety rights (e.g., United States plant variety protection certificate).

     1.2 “Breeder Seed” means seed of Licensed Variety that is identified by the breeder as being
of a suitable standard of physical and genetic purity to produce Foundation Seed.

     1.3 “Foundation Seed” means that seed produced from plants grown directly from Breeder Seed,
cultivated according to certification regulations and meets the specifications of the official seed
certifying agency of the state in which said seed is/was produced.

     1.4 “Registered Seed” means that seed produced from plants grown directly from Foundation
Seed, cultivated according to certification regulations and meets the specifications of the
official seed certifying agency of the state in which said seed is/was produced.

     1.5 “Certified Seed” means that seed produced from plants grown directly from Foundation Seed
or Registered Seed, cultivated according to certification regulations and that meets the
specifications of the official seed certifying agency of the state in which said seed is/was
produced.

     1.6 “Non-certified Seed” means seed produced from plants cultivated according to certification
regulations of the official seed certifying agency of the state in which said seed was grown, but
which such seed does not meet the specifications of Certified Seed but may still be sold as the
Licensed Variety.

     1.7 “Commercial Seed” means Registered Seed, Certified Seed or Non-certified Seed produced
directly from Foundation Seed or Registered Seed that is sold for purposes other than seed
production.

     1.8 “Sublicenses” mean licenses granted by NOBLE to third parties (“Sublicensees”), as
authorized by this Agreement.

     1.9 “Indemnitees” mean UGARF, UGARF’s officers and directors, the Board of Regents, and the
Board of Regents’ employees at UGA.

     1.10 “Licensed Sales Territory” shall mean the United States and all other countries of the
world.

     1.11 “Licensed Production Territory” shall mean the United States and all other countries of
the world.

     1.12 “Affiliate” means any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control
with Licensee, where “control” means beneficial ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the
outstanding shares or securities or the ability otherwise to elect a majority of the board of
directors or other managing authority.

     1.13 “Net Selling Price” means the actual wholesale price for seeds of the Licensed Variety
received by NOBLE or a Sublicensee for the sale of such seed, excluding seed for

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 2 of 13

 

 

further seed
production, less any (a) customary trade, quantity, or cash discounts; (b) amounts
repaid or credited by reason of rejection or return; (c) any sales, use, tariff, customs
duties, V.A.T. and/or other taxes, duties and similar governmental assessments (except taxes based
on income); and (d) outbound transportation, shipping, packing, costs of insurance in transit paid
by NOBLE or a Sublicensee; subject in all cases to (a) to (d) being separately charged on customer
invoices or credit notes. Where there is no identifiable sale price or when a Licensed Variety is
sold to other than bona fide, arms length customers of NOBLE or a Sublicensee, NOBLE or the
Sublicensee shall be deemed to have received the Net Selling Price calculated based only on the
final sale of the seed (wholesale level) to an independent third party, otherwise referred to as
net wholesale price payable by dealers. If no such current price is available, a hypothetical fair
market value price will be determined by the parties jointly in good faith for the purpose of
calculating Net Selling Price.

     1.14 “Marketing Plan” means a detailed written plan for production, distribution, selling and
promotion of each Licensed Variety prepared by or on behalf of NOBLE and submitted to UGARF. A
Marketing Plan may be (a) binding, i.e., in lieu of the payment of minimum royalties, the
performance of NOBLE (through NOBLE, any Affiliated Company and any Sublicensee) shall be
reasonably compared to forecasts and/or projections therein, or (b) non-binding, i.e., the
performance of NOBLE (through NOBLE, any Affiliated Company and any Sublicensee) shall not be
compared by forecasts and/or projections therein and such forecasts and/or projections are merely
advisory. Each Marketing Plan shall include at least the information outlined in EXHIBIT A, and the
actual, adopted Marketing Plans shall be attached as further exhibits to this Agreement as adopted.

ARTICLE II. GRANT OF LICENSE

     2.1 License. Subject to compliance with the obligations of this Agreement, UGARF
hereby grants NOBLE:

     (a) The exclusive right to produce all seed of the Licensed Variety in the Licensed
Production Territory, including Breeder Seed and Foundation Seed; and

     (b) The exclusive right to use, sell and commercially exploit the seed of the Licensed
Variety in the Licensed Sales Territory.

     2.2 Sublicenses. NOBLE shall have the right to grant Sublicenses within the Licensed
Sales Territory for the production, use, sale and commercial exploitation of the seed of the
Licensed Variety, provided that:

     (a) The terms and obligations of any such Sublicense shall be consistent with the terms
and obligations of this Agreement. Notwithstanding, NOBLE shall remain responsible for the
operations of its Sublicensees relevant to this Agreement as if such operations were
conducted and carried out by NOBLE, including, but not limited to, the payment of all fees
and royalties due under this Agreement.

     (b) NOBLE further shall deliver to UGARF for informational purposes (and under an
obligation of confidentiality) a true and correct copy of each Sublicense granted

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 3 of 13

 

 

by NOBLE,
and any modification or termination thereof, within thirty (30) days after execution,
modification or termination.

     (c) NOBLE shall use commercially reasonable effort to collect any and all amounts due
to NOBLE under any Sublicense for the sale of seed of the Licensed Variety.

     2.3 No Implied License. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as conferring by
implication, estoppel, or otherwise any license or rights under any plant variety rights by, or
licensed to, UGARF other than the one(s) reference in Paragraph 1.1 and any foreign counterparts.

ARTICLE III. SEED PRODUCTION

     3.1 NOBLE agrees to use its reasonable efforts to produce Breeders Seed of the Licensed
Variety for seed production, whether directly or through its Sublicensees.

     3.2 Production and processing of seed of the Licensed Variety shall be under the supervision
of NOBLE, and such production and processing shall be available for inspection by UGARF
representatives.

ARTICLE IV. CONSIDERATION FOR LICENSE

     4.1 In partial consideration for the rights granted hereunder, NOBLE agrees to prepare and
file, or have prepared and filed, any and all applications in the name of UGARF for plant variety
rights for the Licensed Variety in the United States and, at NOBLE’s discretion, in any other
jurisdiction.

     4.1.1 UGARF shall have a right to review any such filing made under this paragraph
prior to its submission and be informed of all actions relating to such filings.

     4.1.2 NOBLE shall be responsible for any and all fees and expenses incurred in filing,
examining, certifying and maintaining any such plant variety rights.

     4.1.3 If NOBLE intends to abandon any plant variety rights, pending or otherwise in any
jurisdiction, NOBLE shall first give sufficient written notice to UGARF to permit UGARF the
opportunity to assume such filing, examination and/or maintenance without prejudice.

     4.1.4 Any application for plant variety rights shall reflect the complete name of the
Licensed Variety. In consultation with UGARF, a preferred name for the Licensed Variety will
be determined under which the seed will be marketed and sold. NOBLE shall be responsible for
any and all fees and expenses in obtaining any trademarks or other registrations to secure
or reserve such preferred name. NOBLE shall be responsible for the registration or
reservation of such preferred name, wherein NOBLE and/or the primary marketer of the
Licensed Variety shall be the owner(s) of the same.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 4 of 13

	 	 	 

 

 

     4.2 In partial consideration for the rights granted hereunder, NOBLE agrees to pay to UGARF
[***] of any and all remuneration it receives from its Sublicensees, excluding royalties based on
the Net Selling Price.

     4.3 In partial consideration for the rights granted hereunder, NOBLE agrees to pay to UGARF
for any sales made by NOBLE, any Affiliated Company, and any Sublicensees for seed of the LICENSED
VARIETY, a royalty of:

     (a) [***] of the Net Selling Price for the naked seed weight (exclusive of any coating
materials that may be applied) of all Commercial Seed of the Licensed Variety sold in the
United States in that calendar year up to and including two million (2,000,000) lbs;

     (b) [***] of the Net Selling Price for the naked seed weight (exclusive of any coating
materials that may be applied) of all Commercial Seed of the Licensed Variety sold in the
United States in that calendar year in excess of two million (2,000,000) lbs and up to three
million (3,000,000) lbs;

     (c) [***] of the NET SELLING PRICE for the naked seed weight (exclusive of any coating
materials that may be applied) of all Commercial Seed of the Licensed Variety sold in the
United States in that calendar year in excess of three million (3,000,000) lbs and up to
four and a half million (4,500,000) lbs; and

     (d) [***] of the Net Selling Price for the naked seed weight (exclusive of any coating
materials that may be applied) of all Commercial Seed of the Licensed Variety sold in the
United States in that calendar year in excess of four and a half million (4,500,000) lbs.

     4.4. NOBLE shall have the right to sell, directly or through any Affiliated Company and any
Sublicensee, limited quantities of seed of the Licensed Variety as “variety not stated” for
inventory control and disposal of seed that does not satisfy the standards of Commercial Seed.
NOBLE agrees to pay to UGARF for sales made by NOBLE, any Affiliated Company, and any Sublicensee a
royalty determined in accordance with Paragraph 4.3 for annual seed of the Licensed Variety sold in
the United States.

     4.4.1 “Limited quantities” shall not exceed 10% of the annual production of Commercial
Seed in each year.

     4.4.2 “Variety not stated” seed cannot be associated with, directly or indirectly, any
Commercial Name or include any other designations that identify such material as the
Licensed Variety.

     4.5 Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement and irrespective of the
level of sales of seeds of the Licensed Variety under this Agreement, NOBLE shall pay to UGARF for
each calendar year of the term hereof a minimum royalty with respect to the Licensed Variety,
according to the following schedule. Payment of this minimum royalty shall be due on or before
March 31 of the succeeding year for which the payment is due.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 5 of 13

 
	 	 	 

	

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

	 	 	 
	Minimum Royalties:
	Calendar Year	 	Minimum Royalty (USD)
	2009
	 	[***]
	2010
	 	[***]
	2011
	 	[***]
	2012
	 	[***]
	2013
	 	[***]
	2014
	 	[***]
	2015
	 	[***]
	2016
	 	[***]
	2017
	 	[***]
	2018
	 	[***]

     4.6 The minimum royalty of Paragraph 4.5 shall not carry forward to subsequent calendar years
as royalty credit against future sales. For clarification, the following rules shall guide the
relationship between royalties and minimum royalties:

     (a) If the royalty payments due under Paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 are less than the minimum
royalty of Paragraph 4.4 in a given year, then only the minimum royalty of Paragraph 4.4
shall be payable;

     (b) If the royalty payments due under Paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 exceed the minimum royalty
of Paragraph 4.4 in a given year, then the minimum annual royalty shall not be payable;

     (c) Should there be a failure in production of seed of the Licensed Variety where NOBLE
can evidence that sufficient acreage was established to produce adequate seed for payment of
the minimum royalty of Paragraph 4.5 and production of seed failed due to circumstances
beyond the control of NOBLE, NOBLE’S contract grower(s) or its Sublicensees then the minimum
royalty will be paid pro-rata to the extent of the failure of seed production; and

     (d) UGARF recognizes that there are many uncertain factors in the production and
potential use of the Licensed Variety and agrees that the Minimum Royalties specified in
Paragraph 4.5 may, at the request of NOBLE, be readdressed by the parties after the 2010
calendar year.

     4.7 NOBLE shall be responsible for the collection and payment of royalties due to UGARF for
all seed sold in the Licensed Sales Territory.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 6 of 13

	 	 	 

	

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

     4.8 NOBLE shall, in addition to any payments due under Paragraph 4.2, pay all goods and
service or other taxes due hereon.

     4.9 Payments, payable in U.S. dollars, for each calendar year (ending December 31) shall be
delivered to UGARF on or before the following April 15 at the following address:

Director, TCO

The University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.

Boyd Graduate Studies Research Center

6th Floor

Athens, Georgia 30602-7411

     Such payments shall be accompanied by a written report setting forth the production and sales
by NOBLE (and each Sublicensee) of seed during the calendar year and the royalties due. If no
royalties are due, NOBLE also shall so report.

     4.10 Payments required under this Agreement shall, if overdue, bear interest at a per annum
rate of one percent (1%) above the prime interest rate in effect on the due date, as reported in
the Wall Street Journal, from the date the payment is due until it is received.

ARTICLE V. BOOKS AND RECORDS

     5.1 NOBLE shall keep, and require each Sublicensee to keep, accurate records of all production
and sales of seed of the Licensed Variety. These records should include, at least, the number of
acres of seed of the Licensed Variety under production, the physical location of each Licensed
Varity production field owned or controlled by NOBLE or a Sublicensee(s), the total amount of
Licensed Varity seed produced, the total amount of seed of the Licensed Variety sold, and all
invoices or shipping documents relating to such sales.

     5.2 NOBLE shall allow UGARF (and/or its representatives or agents) to inspect NOBLE’s records
pertaining to the Licensed Variety for the exclusive purpose of verifying the accuracy of the
reports provided pursuant to Article IV. Any such inspection shall occur during normal business
hours and after UGARF has provided written notice at least ten business days prior to the date of
the intended inspection. UGARF agrees that it and its representatives will hold in confidence, and
not use for any purpose other than verification of the royalties required to be paid hereunder, any
and all information derived from NOBLE’s records.

ARTICLE VI. DILIGENCE

     6.1 NOBLE shall use commercially reasonable efforts to actively market, whether directly or
through its Sublicensees, the seed of the Licensed Variety in the Licensed Sales Territory.

     6.2 On or before February 28 of each year of this Agreement, NOBLE shall provide UGARF a copy
of a Marketing Plan and related forecasts for the current year.

     6.3 Minimum diligence requirements for the Licensed Variety shall be satisfied by the payment
of the annual minimum royalty amounts set forth in Paragraph 4.4.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 7 of 13

 

 

     6.4 NOBLE shall be responsible for all activities of this Article being conducted in
compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.

     6.5 NOBLE shall be responsible for all bags or containers supplied by the NOBLE (or its
Sublicensees) using the approved name for the Licensed Variety. Further, NOBLE shall use best
endeavors that all references made by NOBLE (or its Sublicensees) to the Licensed Variety shall use
the approved, complete name of the Licensed Variety.

ARTICLE VII. ABATEMENT OF INFRINGEMENT

     7.1 NOBLE and UGARF shall each inform the other party of any suspected infringement of any
plant variety rights covering the Licensed Variety. During the term of this Agreement, NOBLE/UGARF
shall have right, but shall not be otherwise required, to bring suit to abate such infringement.

     7.1.1 NOBLE shall have the first option to bring suit alone. If elected, NOBLE shall
solely be liable for litigation costs. After recovering all enforcement related costs from
any and all amounts received as a result of an enforcement action, NOBLE agrees to pay to
UGARF [***] of any and all remaining amounts from such recovered damages.

     7.1.2 If NOBLE elects not to bring such suit alone, the parties may jointly bring such
suit. In such event, NOBLE shall promptly notify UGARF of its desire to bring such action so
that UGARF may have the opportunity to participate in and equally share costs and recoveries
from said suit. If jointly pursued, NOBLE shall be responsible for retaining counsel and
overseeing the action. NOBLE shall be required to notify UGARF following retention of
counsel. For purposes of settlement, NOBLE shall be the primary contact with the opposing
party(ies). NOBLE shall keep UGARF advised as to all developments with respect to the
enforcement action and settlement discussions, which includes supplying to UGARF copies of
all papers received and filed in sufficient time for it to comment thereon. UGARF may
participate in any and all meetings with the parties’ counsel and the opposing side for
settlement purposes.

     7.1.3 In the absence of NOBLE’s participation in any such action, whether individually
or jointly, UGARF may bring such suit. UGARF shall bear the entire cost of such litigation,
including defending any counterclaims brought against NOBLE and paying any judgments
rendered against NOBLE, and shall be entitled to retain the entire amount of any recovery of
settlement.

     7.1.4 Should either UGARF or NOBLE bring suit under the provisions of Paragraphs 7.1.1,
7.1.2 or 7.1.3, and thereafter elect to abandon such action, the abandoning party shall give
timely notice to the other party who may, if it so desires, maintain the action. Unless the
parties agree otherwise at the time of withdrawal, the withdrawing party shall have no
further obligation for expenses for the subject action and shall not benefit from any
subsequent settlement or other financial benefit received as a result of the subject action.

     7.2 Except as provided in Paragraph 8.1, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a
warranty or representation as to the validity or scope of any plant protection rights.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 8 of 13

	 	 	 

	

Confidential Treatment Requested and the Redacted Material has been separately filed with the Commission

 

 

ARTICLE VIII. WARRANTIES

     8.1 UGARF warrants that it is the sole owner of all right, title, and interest in the Licensed
Variety, it will be the sole owner of all right, title, and interest in any related plant variety
rights for the Licensed Variety, and it has the right to enter into this Agreement.

     8.2 UGARF warrants that it has no knowledge of any claim, or that the basis for any claim
exists, that the Licensed Variety, or the possession, production, marketing, or sale thereof,
infringes upon the rights of any person or entity or that the exercise by NOBLE of its rights
hereunder will violate the rights of any person or entity.

ARTICLE IX. DISCLAIMERS

     9.1 Disclaimer of Specific Warranties. Nothing in this Agreement is or shall be
construed as:

     (a) A warranty or representation by UGARF as to the validity or scope of any plant
variety protection certificate;

     (b) A warranty or representation that anything made, used, sold or otherwise disposed
of under any license granted in this Agreement is or will be free from infringement of the
intellectual property rights of third parties;

     (c) An obligation to bring or prosecute actions or suits against third parties for
infringement, except to the extent and in the circumstances described in Article VII; or

     (d) A grant by implication, estoppel, or otherwise of any licenses under any
intellectual property rights of UGARF or other persons other than as provided in Paragraph
2.1 hereof.

     9.2 Disclaimer of Other Warranties. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT,
UGARF MAKES NO REPRESENTATION AND EXTENDS NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPIED,
INCLUDING WARRANTIES AS TO TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

     9.3 Disclaimer of Liability. In no event will UGARF be liable for any incidental,
special or consequential damages resulting from the exercise of NOBLE’s rights under the license
granted pursuant to this Agreement or the use or attempted use of the Licensed Variety.

ARTICLE X. INDEMNIFICATION

     NOBLE agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Indemnitees against any and all
liability and/or damages with respect to any claims, suits, demands, judgments or causes arising
out of (a) the production, development, storage, sale or any other use of the Licensed Variety seed
and/or exercise of rights granted hereunder by NOBLE, its Affiliates or Sublicensees, distributors,
agents or representatives; (b) the use by end-users and other third parties of Licensed Variety
seed; and/or (c) any representation, warranty or statement by NOBLE or its Affiliates,
Sublicensees, distributors, agents or representatives, concerning UGARF, Licensed Variety seed or
the related plant variety protection certificates. In the event any such

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 9 of 13

 

 

claims, demands or actions
are made, NOBLE shall defend UGARF at NOBLE’s sole expense by counsel agreeable to UGARF.

ARTICLE XI. TERM AND TERMINATION

     11.1 Subject to any other rights of termination under this paragraph, this Agreement shall
have a term (the “Term”) equal to the longer of:

     (a) On a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, fifteen (15) years from the date of the
first sale of a Licensed Variety; or

     (b) On a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, the term of any plant variety rights in
the respective jurisdiction covering the Licensed Variety.

     11.2 Subject to the procedural requirements of Paragraph 11.3, UGARF shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement upon the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:

     (a) Failure of NOBLE to make full payment required under this Agreement when due;

     (b) Failure of NOBLE to render written reports as required under this Agreement when
due;

     (c) Failure of NOBLE to comply with Article VI of this Agreement; or

     (d) Failure of NOBLE to comply with any of its other material obligations under this
Agreement.

     11.3 UGARF may exercise its right to terminate for cause by giving NOBLE thirty (30) days
prior written notice of their election to terminate and the basis for such election. Upon
expiration of such notice period, this Agreement shall automatically terminate unless NOBLE cures
the state basis for the termination within the 30-day notice period.

     11.4 In the event this Agreement is terminated by UGARF, Noble shall destroy all production
fields and all seed of Licensed Variety and notify UGARF of such action.

     11.5 NOBLE may terminate this Agreement upon written notice of termination if in the
reasonable opinion of the NOBLE the markets for the Licensed Variety changes so as to render the
production, promotion, and sale of the Licensed Variety uneconomical or commercially impractical.

     11.6 In the event this Agreement is terminated by NOBLE, NOBLE shall destroy all production
fields of Licensed Variety seed and notify UGARF of such action. NOBLE may continue to sell
Licensed Variety seed in the ordinary course of business for a period of one (1) year after the
termination date; provided however, the royalties on such sales are paid in the amounts and in the
manner provided in this Agreement. Following such one (1) year period, all remaining inventory of
Licensed Variety seed must be destroyed, and NOBLE shall notify UGARF of the same.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 10 of 13

 

 

     11.7 Upon termination of this Agreement, no existing Sublicense granted by NOBLE shall be
affected by such termination, and all such Sublicenses shall remain in effect according to their
terms, pursuant to the election of each Sublicensee to become a Licensee of UGARF.

     11.8 The provisions of Articles VIII, IX and X and Paragraph 11.6 shall remain in full force
and effect notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement.

     11.9 Termination of this Agreement shall not prevent: (a) UGARF from recovering any royalties
due as of termination (or thereafter, pursuant to Paragraph 11.6); and (b) either party obtaining a
remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement.

ARTICLE XII. NOTICES

     Any notices required to be given or which shall be given under this Agreement shall be in
writing and delivered by first class mail or overnight (trackable) courier addressed to the parties
as follows:

	 	 	 
	UGARF:	 	NOBLE:
	Director, TCO

	 	General Counsel
	University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.

	 	The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
	Boyd Graduate Studies Research Center

	 	2510 Sam Noble Parkway
	6th Floor

	 	Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401
	Athens, Georgia 30602-7411

	 	Facsimile: 580.224.6208
	Facsimile: 706.542.5638
	 	 

In the event that notices, statements, and payments required under this Agreement are sent by
certified or registered mail (or alternatively, by overnight courier) by one party to the other
party at its above address, they shall be deemed to have been given or made as of the date so
mailed.

ARTICLE XIII. PUBLICITY AND USE OF NAMES

     NOBLE shall not use the names, trademarks, design marks or any markings of UGARF, the Board of
Regents or UGA in any publicity, advertising or news release without the prior written approval of
an authorized representative of UGARF.

ARTICLE XIV. GENERAL

     14.1 Entire Agreement/Modifications. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the license of certain rights in the Licensed Variety,
and there are no representations, warranties, covenants or obligations except as expressly set
forth herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings,
negotiations and discussions, written or oral, of the parties hereto relating to the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement may only be amended, modified or superseded by a writing executed by the
authorized representative of the parties hereto.

     14.2. Severability. This Agreement, to the greatest extent possible, shall be
construed so as to give validity to all of the provisions hereof. Any provisions of this Agreement
found to be

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 11 of 13

 

 

invalid, illegal, unenforceable, or otherwise prohibited by law shall be ineffective to
the extent of such prohibition without invalidating any other part of this Agreement.

     14.3. Waiver. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right or remedy
under this Agreement will waive any provision of this Agreement. Nor will any single or partial
exercise by either party of any right or remedy under this Agreement preclude it from
otherwise or further exercising any rights or remedies which it may have, or any other rights or
remedies granted by any law or any related document.

     14.4 Assignability. This Agreement is personal to NOBLE, and the NOBLE shall not
assign, mortgage or otherwise dispose of the rights granted hereunder without the prior written
consent of UGARF; provided however, NOBLE may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any
person that acquires all or substantially all of the assets and business of NOBLE. This Agreement
shall be assignable by UGARF to the Board of Regents or any other legal entity that promotes
education or research at UGA. No such assignment shall release UGARF from their respective
obligations hereunder unless so agreed in writing by NOBLE.

     14.5 Licensor-Licensee Relationship. No partnership, agency, or other joint
relationship is created by this Agreement. Neither party has any authority to act for and/or to
bind the other party in any way or to represent that either is in any way responsible for the acts
of the other, except as may be explicitly provided for herein or authorized by the non-acting party
in writing.

     14.6 Governing Law. This Agreement and all amendments, modifications, alterations, or
supplements hereto, and the rights of the parties hereunder, shall be construed under and governed
by the laws of the State of Georgia applicable to agreements made and fully performed within the
State of Georgia.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed in
duplicate by its duly authorized officers or representatives:

THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 
	By:  	                 /s/ David Lee
 	 
	 	David Lee, Executive Vice President 	 

Date: 5/16/06

THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 
	By:  	                     /s/ Michael A. Cawley
 	 
	 	Michael A. Cawley, President 	 

Date:

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 12 of 13

 

 

EXHIBIT A

MARKETING PLAN

(Paragraph 1.14)

	1.	 	TIMING
	 
	 	 	The Marketing Plan is to cover a five year period and shall be reviewed annually with
adjustments made for further five year periods in line with market conditions (or
projections of the same) and the agronomic performance of the Licensed Variety.

	2.	 	POSITIONING
	 
	 	 	An assessment of the potential of the Licensed Variety in an identified market.

	3.	 	PROMOTION
	 
	 	 	Details of all project promotional activities, plus anticipated, related expenditures, that
are intended to the Licensed Variety achieves its maximum market potential.

	4.	 	DISTRIBUTION
	 
	 	 	Details of the proposed distribution network and activities for supporting the distributor
or retailer plus anticipated promotion activities of the distributor/retailer. NOTE: If the
anticipated distribution network includes the creation of a new seed company, details
regarding this important component should be included here.

	5.	 	EVALUATION
	 
	 	 	Details of planned evaluation and demonstration, if any.

	6.	 	PROTECTION
	 
	 	 	Anticipated intellectual property protection requirements.

	7.	 	SEED SALES
	 
	 	 	Estimated sales including grade of seed, volume and price and country of destination.

	8.	 	ROYALTY INCOME

	 	a.	 	Estimated royalty payments; and
	 
	 	b.	 	Commencement date of payment.

	9.	 	SEED PRODUCTION
	 
	 	 	Estimated production, including grade of seed, land area to be sown, estimated production
and harvest date.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 13 of 13

 

 

TESTING AND EVALUATION

AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT, dated the 15th day of March, 2006 (“Effective Date”), is made
between the UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC., a Georgia nonprofit corporation with
an office located in the Boyd Graduate Studies Research Center, Athens, Georgia 30602-7411
(hereinafter referred to as “UGARF”), and THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, INC., an Oklahoma
nonprofit corporation with principal offices at 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401
(hereinafter referred to as “NOBLE”).

WITNESSETH

     WHEREAS, UGARF and NOBLE are parties to a Material Transfer, Testing, and Parental Crossing
Agreement, dated May 1, 2004 (“MTA”), which permitted the initial transfer to NOBLE of seed for the
cultivars defined in Exhibit A to this Agreement (individually and collectively the
“Selections”);

     WHEREAS, UGARF is the assignee of all right, title, and interest in inventions, including the
Selections, developed by employees of The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
(hereinafter “Board of Regents”) working at The University of Georgia (“UGA”) and is responsible
for the protection and commercial development of such inventions; and

     WHEREAS, the Selections have not been released by UGA; and

     WHEREAS, NOBLE wishes to exclusively test and evaluate the Selections for possible
commercialization and to use the Selections as parents in its crossing programs; and

     WHEREAS, UGARF wishes to provide NOBLE, for a defined period, an exclusive option to license
one or more Selections and a license to certain cross-progeny incorporating one or more of the
Selections;

     NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed, as follows:

	1.	 	UGARF hereby grants NOBLE an exclusive license for the term of this Agreement to test and
evaluate the Selections with an exclusive option to obtain an exclusive, world-wide license to
have access to, produce, use, sell and commercially exploit seed of one or more Selections, as
elected by NOBLE, wherein this grant is subject to the following conditions:

	 	a.	 	Selections are provided solely for testing and evaluation purposes, and NOBLE
will not make use of Selections for direct commercial purposes.
	 
	 	b.	 	NOBLE may undertake limited propagation of Selections solely to facilitate
multi-site testing and evaluation to assess the geographic scope and useful range of
the Selections.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 1 of 7

 

 

	 	c.	 	NOBLE may provide, without approval of UGARF, a limited quantity of material
to:

	 	(i)	 	Third party, not-for-profit institutions for the limited
purposes of gaining performance and yield data as part of a multi-site testing
and evaluation program. The transfer of any such material to such third parties
shall be subject to written agreements including terms and obligations
consistent with the form set forth in Exhibit B to this Agreement.
	 
	 	(ii)	 	Third parties for the limited purposes of analyzing the
relative quality, composition and/or functional value of the material, wherein
NOBLE shall take reasonable efforts to render the provided material incapable
of propagation and any such transfer shall be governed by a written agreement
(a) preventing further transfer and (b) destruction of any material not used in
such analysis.

	 	d.	 	All plant material from a Selection must be destroyed unless the option of
Paragraph 2 is exercised for such Selection.
	 
	 	e.	 	NOBLE shall be solely responsible for the expense and cost of testing and
evaluating the Selections, which the parties acknowledge could be considerable. In
consideration of the exclusive option granted by this Agreement, NOBLE will report the
results of all evaluations to UGARF on an annual basis, by January 31 of each year (for
the prior year’s activities), as long as any Selection is under evaluation.

	2.	 	NOBLE may exercise its option to license any Selection at any time within the term of this
Agreement. This exclusive option shall be exercised, in writing, to UGARF specifying the
Selection(s), and UGARF and NOBLE shall negotiate in good faith an exclusive, world-wide
license/commercialization agreement, including the right to sublicense, for such Selection.
The license/commercialization agreement may contain the normal terms and considerations and
shall be commensurate with other similar license/commercialization agreements between the
parties for such crops, such terms and considerations including but not being limited to:

	 	a)	 	A license fee, if applicable; and
	 
	 	b)	 	A sales royalty and, if applicable, an annual minimum royalty; and
	 
	 	c)	 	Term and termination of the license/commercialization agreement.

	3.	 	Consistent with the terms of the MTA, UGARF grants NOBLE the right to use the Selections in
NOBLE crossing programs.
	 
	4.	 	NOBLE is granted a royalty-free license to make cross-progeny using the Selections.

	 	a.	 	In the event any such resulting cross-progeny contains less than twenty-five
percent (25%) Selections by pedigree, NOBLE may use and commercially exploit such
cross-progeny without further obligation, including any royalty obligation, to UGARF
for the same.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 2 of 7

 

 

	 	b.	 	In the even any such resulting cross-progeny contains twenty-five percent (25%)
or more Selections by pedigree, UGARF and NOBLE shall jointly own such cross-progeny.
For clarification, progeny resulting from a cross containing 25% Selection and another
25% Selection will be deemed to contain 50% total Selections contribution by pedigree.
	 
	 	c.	 	NOBLE shall not commercialize or release any cross-progeny containing
twenty-five percent (25%) or more Selections by pedigree without a separate
license/commercialization agreement with UGARF.

	 	(i)	 	Any such license/commercialization agreement may contain the
normal terms and considerations and shall be commensurate with other similar
license/commercialization agreements between the parties for such crops, such
terms and considerations including but not being limited to, the consideration
to be paid to UGARF for an exclusive license to NOBLE of UGARF’s rights and
interest in the cross-progeny.
	 
	 	(ii)	 	UGARF hereby grants NOBLE an exclusive license to test and
evaluate any cross-progeny produced pursuant to the terms of this Agreement
with an exclusive option to obtain an exclusive, world-wide license to have
access to, produce and sell seed any such cross-progeny consistent with the
terms and obligations of Paragraph 1 and its subparagraphs.

	5.	 	NOBLE assumes all responsibility to comply with all applicable laws and regulations,
including current guidelines relating to the growing of a crop comprised of or containing the
Selections and the disposition of product produced from said crop.
	 
	6.	 	No partnership, agency, or other joint relationship is created by this Agreement. Neither
party has any authority to act for and/or to bind the other party in any way or to represent
that either is in any way responsible for the acts of the other, except as may be explicitly
provided for herein or authorized by the non-acting party in writing.
	 
	7.	 	UGARF MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO ANY SELECTION, INCLUDING ANY
WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHICH ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMED.
	 
	8.	 	NOBLE IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CLAIMS OR LIABILITIES WHICH MAY ARISE AS A RESULT OF ITS
EVALUATION OF SELECTIONS AND THE CROSS-PROGENY CONTAINING SELECTIONS AND THE PRODUCTS PRODUCED
FROM SELECTIONS AND CROSS-PROGENY CONTAINING SELECTIONS. NOBLE AGREES TO HOLD UGARF, ITS
OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS, HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES RESULTING
FROM OR ARISING OUT OF NOBLE’S USE OF SELECTIONS.
	 
	9.	 	No license or right in a Selection(s) is conveyed or granted hereunder by UGARF to NOBLE
under any proprietary rights owned or controlled by UGARF, except as provided in this
Agreement.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 3 of 7

 

 

	10.	 	NOBLE will not use UGARF or UGA’s name for any advertising or product labeling without prior
written authorization from UGARF.
	 
	11.	 	The term of this Agreement shall be thirty-six (36) months from the Effective Date.

	 	a.	 	NOBLE shall have the right to request the extension of this Agreement and all
rights granted hereunder for twelve (12) months if NOBLE (i) continues to fulfill all
its obligations and requirements provided herein during such extension period and (ii)
provides a written request for extension to UGARF after thirty (30) months from the
Effective Date but at least thirty (30) days prior to the original date of termination
of this Agreement. The decision to extend the term of this Agreement shall be in
UGARF’s sole discretion and will depend on the status of the UGA switchgrass breeding
program at the time of the request for extension.
	 
	 	b.	 	UGARF has the right to terminate this Agreement upon breach by NOBLE. UGARF
will send notice to NOBLE of the breach and NOBLE will have sixty (60) days to affect a
cure.
	 
	 	c.	 	The parties may mutually agree, in writing, to terminate this Agreement at any
time.

	12.	 	If this Agreement expires or is terminated pursuant to the terms of Paragraph 11, NOBLE shall
be subject to the obligations of and entitled to the rights and privileges granted in the MTA.
	 
	13.	 	If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, in whole or in part, the other
provisions or the remaining portion of such provisions shall not be affected and shall remain
in full force and effect.
	 
	14.	 	This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties and shall be amended only in
writing agreed to by both parties.
	 
	 	 	IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this AGREEMENT the day and first year written
above.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA	 	THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE
	RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.	 	FOUNDATION, INC.
	 
	By:

	 	/s/ David Lee
	 	By:
	 	/s/ Michael A. Cawley
	 

	 	Name:
	 	Dr. David Lee
	 	 	 	Name:
	 	Michael A. Cawley
	 

	 	Title:
	 	Executive Vice President
	 	 	 	Title:
	 	President
	 

	 	Date:
	 	5/16/06
	 	 	 	Date:	 	 

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 4 of 7

 

 

EXHIBIT A

SWITCHGRASS

GA991

GA992

GA001

GA002

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 5 of 7

 

 

EXHIBIT B

PREFERRED FORM OF VARIETY EVALUATION AGREEMENT

	 	A.	 	Recipient:
	 
	 	B.	 	Address:
	 
	 	C.	 	Plant Material:

	 	 	 	 	 

	SPECIES
	 	CODE/DESCRIPTION
	 	WEIGHT

	 	D.	 	Research Purpose: Variety production evaluation and performance testing with .
	 
	 	E.	 	Location for Conduct of Research:

The <<INSTITUTION>> (“Provider”) will provide the Recipient the Plant Material subject
to the following terms and conditions:

     1. The Recipient shall use the Plant Material solely for the Research Purpose.

     2. Provider is (i) owner of all or a portion of the intellectual property rights in
the Plant Material and/or (ii) licensee of all or a portion of the intellectual property
rights in the Plant Material.

     3. Without the prior written consent of Provider, the Recipient shall not use the
Plant Material, seed, or any product derived therefrom in any form of reselection,
breeding, sexual crossing, seed production, back crossing, tissue culturing,
mutagenesis, genetic transformation or any biotechnological process, except as
specifically approved in this Agreement.

     4. The Recipient shall not supply or otherwise transfer the Plant Material or any
products or progeny derived therefrom, be it seed or vegetative material, to any other
person or entity without the prior written permission from an authorized representative
of Provider.

     5. The Recipient shall take all precautions to prevent theft or pilferage of any
material related to and including the Plant Material.

     6. The Recipient shall voluntarily provide Provider the results of any evaluation
using this Plant Material, including any proposed publication concerning the Plant
Material.

     7. The Recipient will be free to publish the research results from the evaluation
contemplated by this Agreement; provided however, the Recipient must

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 6 of 7

 

 

provide Provider any proposed publication at least thirty (30) days prior to
submission. Provider will review such proposed publication for the need of intellectual
property protection and/or to identify any inadvertent disclosure of proprietary
information. If necessary, the Recipient agrees to (i) delay publication by no more than
sixty (60) days to enable the filing of an application for intellectual property
protection and/or (ii) remove any proprietary information identified by Provider.

     
8. Provider represents that it has the right to transfer the Plant Material under
this Agreement.

     
9. At the end of the evaluation trial, the Recipient shall, at the option of
Provider, (i) return to Provider all unused Plant Material supplied by Provider and all
materials, regardless of type, produced from the Plant Material or (ii) destroy all
unused Plant Material supplied by Provider and all materials, regardless of type,
produced from the Plant Material. The Recipient agrees that all such unused Plant
Material and all materials, regardless of type, produced from the Plant Material are the
property of Provider.

     
10. The Recipient acknowledges and agrees that Provider shall not be liable for any
damages or loss that may arise from testing of the Plant Material.

     
11. The Recipient acknowledges and accepts that the Plant Material is being
supplied with no warranties, expressed or implied. In particular, as the use of the
Plant Material is limited to the furtherance of the Research Purpose, there is no basis
for and no warranty given for fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability.

Organization:

Recipient:

 

Date

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 7 of 7

 

 

EXHIBIT F — NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE TO AND TERMS OF USE FOR “NOBLE RESEARCH” MARK

(Paragraph 22.5)

Terms and Conditions for Non-exclusive License Agreement

for

     1. Recitals.

     1.1 NOBLE owns and uses the trademark NOBLE Research (the “Mark”) in connection with
plants, plant seed, plant material and research tools developed by or improved directly
through NOBLE research efforts (“Qualifying Products”).

     1.2 NOBLE acknowledges and intends that the LICENSED VARIETY be promoted, marketed and
sold under one or more primary marks specific to CERES and/or the LICENSED VARIETY.

     2. Grant of License. NOBLE hereby grants to CERES a non-exclusive, world-wide,
royalty-free license to use the Mark in connection with the LICENSED VARIETY to promote, market,
sell and deliver LICENSED VARIETY to SUBLICENSEES, distributors and consumers.

     3. Reservation of Rights. NOBLE hereby reserves any and all rights not expressly and
explicitly granted in these terms and conditions, including NOBLE’S right to authorize or license
use of the Mark or any other trademarks or names containing NOBLE, to any third party for use in
connection with any goods and services. Without limiting the rights reserved in this paragraph,
NOBLE hereby reserves any and all rights to use, authorize use or license use of the Mark or any
other trademarks or names containing the Marks in any geographic territory and in any language.

     4. Ownership of Mark. CERES hereby acknowledges that NOBLE is the owner of the Mark,
and any trademark applications and/or registrations thereto, agrees that it will not challenge the
validity of or NOBLE’S ownership of the Mark, and agrees that all use of the Mark by CERES shall
inure to the benefit of NOBLE. CERES agrees that nothing in these terms and conditions shall give
CERES any right, title or interest in the Mark other than the right to use the Mark in accordance
with this Agreement and as permitted by law. CERES agrees not to register or attempt to register or
use the Mark, or the term NOBLE, as a trademark, service mark, Internet domain name, trade name
excepted as permitted herein.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 38 of 41

 

 

     5. Use of the Mark; Protection of the Mark.

     5.1 Proper Use.

     5.1.1 CERES may use the Mark in connection with the promotion, marketing and
selling of the LICENSED VARIETY, and CERES agrees that all use of the Mark shall only
occur in connection with the LICENSED VARIETY and shall be in compliance with the
terms of this EXHIBIT.

     5.1.1 CERES may only use the Mark as a collective whole (as shown above) and
shall not separately use any element or elements of the Mark. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, CERES may make fair uses of specific terms (e.g., “research”) comprising
the Mark.

     5.1.2 The Mark is not to be altered and must be reproduced from the supplied
artwork as provided by NOBLE from time to time. The Mark is not to be used in
conjunction with any other mark or design, i.e., the Mark must stand alone in terms
of its commercial impression generated by the particular usage; provided however, the
parties acknowledge and agree that the Mark will appear on packaging and other
related promotional material with other trademarks, service marks, and/or trade names
(e.g., the CERES mark).

     5.1.3 CERES has no right to sublicense the use of the Mark other than as
described herein.

     5.1.4 CERES may not use the Mark in connection with or for the benefit of
non-Qualifying Products, whether CERES’ or another third party’s.

     5.1.5 CERES must not use as its own trademark any word(s) or design(s)
confusingly similar to the Mark.

     5.1.6 NOBLE shall have the right to review and must pre-approve, in writing, any
and all materials, including seed packaging, that includes or is intended to include
the Mark.

     5.2 Monitoring. CERES acknowledges that NOBLE has the right to monitor CERES’
use of the Mark in conjunction with the LICENSED VARIETY. Upon reasonable request by NOBLE,
CERES shall provide NOBLE with representative samples of each CERES use of the Mark. If
NOBLE determines in good faith that CERES is using the Mark improperly, NOBLE shall notify
CERES, and CERES shall use reasonable efforts to remedy the improper use within thirty (30)
days following receipt of such notice.

     5.3 Legend. CERES must identify the Mark as a trademark of NOBLE with each
usage in the following format:

     “NOBLE Research is a trademark of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.”
 

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 39 of 41

 

 

CERES must exercise care in the use of the Mark so as not to indicate to the public: that
CERES is more than a licensee of NOBLE (i.e., not a part or affiliate of NOBLE or otherwise
related to NOBLE) or that the LICENSED VARIETY is produced or has been tested or approved by
NOBLE.

     6. Protection of Interests. In the event CERES becomes aware of any unauthorized use
of the Mark by a third party, CERES agrees to promptly notify NOBLE and to cooperate fully, at
NOBLE’S expense, in the enforcement of NOBLE’S rights against such a third party. Nothing
contained in this paragraph of this EXHIBIT shall be construed as to require NOBLE to enforce any
rights against a third party or to restrict NOBLE’S rights to license or consent to such a third
party’s use of the Mark.

     7. Indemnification. NOBLE agrees to indemnify and hold CERES, and its officers,
agents, directors employees, attorneys, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, and
licensees, harmless from any and all liability, loss, damages, claims or causes of action,
including reasonable legal fees and expenses, that may be incurred by CERES or one of the foregoing
parties arising out of assertions or claims by a third party that CERES’ use of the Mark in
accordance with the license granted in this EXHIBIT infringes such third party’s rights in the
Mark. CERES shall provide NOBLE with prompt written notice of any claim for which indemnification
is sought, and shall cooperate fully with and allow NOBLE to control the defense and settlement of
such claim at NOBLE’S sole expense. NOBLE shall have the exclusive right to settle any such claim.

     8. Termination; Suspension.

     8.1 Term of Agreement. Unless sooner terminated under the provisions of this
Paragraph of this EXHIBIT, the license granted in this EXHIBIT shall remain in effect until
such time as (a) the termination of the Agreement or (b) NOBLE provides written notice of
its intent to terminate no less than ninety (90) days prior to the intended termination
date. Termination pursuant to this Paragraph may be for any reason or no reason.

     8.2 Termination for Default or Action. Either party shall have the right to
terminate the license grant in this EXHIBIT if (a) the other party materially defaults on
any of its obligations under the terms of this EXHIBIT, including without limitation a
material breach by CERES of its obligations under Paragraphs 5.2 unless (i) such breach is
cured within the thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice of such breach from
NOBLE or (ii) CERES provides NOBLE, within such thirty (30) day period, a written plan to
remedy such breach that is acceptable to NOBLE, in its sole discretion; (b) CERES decides
not to develop and launch the LICENSED VARIETY pursuant to the terms of the MRA and/or this
Agreement; or (c) the LICENSED VARIETY is discontinued and removed from the marketplace.

     8.3 Effect of Termination. Upon termination of the license granted in this
EXHIBIT, CERES shall immediately cease use of the Mark. In the event of termination in
accordance with Paragraph 8.1 or Paragraph 8.2(a) of this EXHIBIT, CERES may continue to use
the Mark to deplete any stock of packaging and promotional materials it has on hand at the
time of such termination, so long as such use is in compliance with the terms of this
EXHIBIT.

     8.4 Suspension. Notwithstanding Paragraph 8.2 of this EXHIBIT, if in its
reasonable discretion, NOBLE determines that as a result of a breach of the terms set forth
in

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 40 of 41

 

 

this EXHIBIT that NOBLE will be materially and adversely affected in a substantial manner
by failing to immediately suspend the license granted in this EXHIBIT, NOBLE may suspend the
licenses hereunder until such breach is appropriately cured, in the sole determination of
NOBLE.

	 	 	 

	CERES-NOBLE EVA, PROD & LIC Agreement

	 	Page 41 of 41

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00193-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00193-of-00352.parquet"}]]