Trading Statement

Genus PLC
3 April 2001


For Immediate Release:                         11.00 am, Tuesday 3rd April 2001




                                  GENUS plc



                              TRADING STATEMENT



Following the announcements on 1st and 8th March 2001, relating to the
outbreak of foot and mouth disease, the Board is now in a position to quantify
the expected impact on the results for the year ending 31st March 2001.



Limitations on access to farms in large parts of the United Kingdom from the
third week in February have reduced turnover in the Breeding, Consulting and
Distribution Divisions in aggregate by approximately £2.5 million below the
Board's previous expectations.  The Board acted swiftly to limit the impact on
profitability by reducing costs and sub-contracting some staff to assist MAFF.
  As a result, the Group's operating profit for the year ending 31st March
2001 is forecast to be approximately £1.3 million below the level previously
expected.



However, it is still too early to assess the continuing impact of foot and
mouth disease on trading for the forthcoming year ending 31st March 2002.
Overall, the UK agricultural market is expected to remain depressed for
several months although the impact varies according to sector.  To date, in
the main sector of Genus' business, the culling of beef and dairy cattle
accounts for less than 1% of the UK herd so that the effect will be temporary
and will remain only while access to farms is restricted.  Thereafter, the
Board believes milk and livestock prices will harden, creating a more buoyant
farming economy, with increased demand for dairy bull semen to restock herds.
There will also be opportunities for Genus Consulting to advise farmers
planning the recovery of their businesses or deciding to exit farming.  The
Board believes that foot and mouth disease will accelerate the ongoing process
of consolidation and structural changes in agriculture, with smaller farms
being sold or diversified.  However, the Board believes that the supply and
demand for milk and milk products in the UK will remain unchanged, so there
should be no adverse impact on the ongoing potential of Genus' business in the
long-term.



Richard Wood, Chief Executive, commented:



'A crisis like this has a high cost which affects customers, shareholders,
suppliers and employees.  With the help of our employees, Genus has worked
closely with MAFF, our customers and our suppliers to mitigate the impact of
the disease.  I am grateful to them all for their support during this
difficult period.'





For further information, please contact :


Genus                                                 Tel:  + 44 (0)1270 536501

Richard Wood, Chief Executive


N M Rothschild                                       Tel:   [phone]

Peter Bates


Buchanan Communications                              Tel:  + 44 (0)207 466 5000

Nicola How