22nd Century, the biotech company that modifies tobacco plants to create low- and high-nicotine variants, will export its proprietary seeds to contract growers in Central America, the company said.

Initial shipments are intended for testing and possible expended production, the New York-based company said in a statement. 22nd Century obtained a Department of Agriculture phytosanitary certificate, often required for import of regulated items, to facilitate the exports. Contract growers are expected to harvest the first crop in early 2016.
“Our Central American growing program may enable 22nd Century to provide price-conscious smokers in many parts of the world with incredibly important products that no other company can provide,” said Chief Executive Henry Sicignano. 22nd Century has a licensing agreement with British American Tobacco, the company said.