AGM Statement

Genus PLC
21 August 2003


IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 21 August 2003


                                   GENUS plc

                             Annual General Meeting


At the Annual General Meeting of Genus plc ('Genus') to be held today at 2.30
pm, the Chairman, John Beckett, will make the following statement:

'Turning now to the future, we believe that we have demonstrated that the
Company can grow in the hostile, competitive and declining agricultural markets
which have prevailed over the last six years. This has been achieved by
differentiating products and keeping costs down through targeted research and
development, supported by the strength of Bovine Genetics' international
business spread.

We believe that our targeted biotechnology research will improve our competitive
edge over time and we will use this advantage to drive niche opportunities for
increasing market share in our established markets of the UK, USA, Europe and
Latin America.

For future potential, we are developing opportunities both through organic
growth and by acquisition in new and emerging markets as well as in a few
markets not previously fully exploited by Genus. We have a territorial
acquisition strategy in place with the Australian acquisitions, made in the
reported year, being the first on the list.

It is too early to comment on trading, given that the major trading season does
not start until September and runs to November. However, I can say that, whilst
prices are slightly below last year, the order book is buoyant'.


For further information:

Genus
Richard Wood, Chief Executive                   Tel: + 44 (0)1256 347 101
Philip Acton , Acting Finance Director          Tel: + 44 (0)1256 347 102

Buchanan Communications                         Tel: + 44 (0)20 7466 5000
Charles Ryland
Catherine Miles


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