ITEM 3.             Key Information

A. Selected Financial Data

The following table presents selected consolidated financial information for our company. The consolidated statements of income (loss) data for the year ended December 31, 2010, the six months ended June 30, 2011 and the years ended June 30, 2012 and 2013 and our balance sheet data as of June 30, 2011, 2012 and 2013 included elsewhere in this annual report have been derived from our consolidated financial statements for the relevant periods, and are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or “U.S. GAAP.” The consolidated statements of income (loss) data for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, which are not included in this annual report. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. You should read the following information in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” included elsewhere in this annual report.

Our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, the six months ended June 30, 2011 and the years ended June 30, 2012 and 2013 have been audited by GHP Horwath, P.C. and our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 have been audited by Ernst & Young Hua Ming. Both GHP Horwath and Ernst & Young Hua Ming are independent registered public accounting firms.

The following table presents a summary of our consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and June 30, 2011, 2012 and 2013:

Exchange Rate Information

This annual report contains translations of RMB amounts into US dollars at specific rates solely for the convenience of the reader. The conversion of RMB into US dollars in this annual report is based on the H.10 statistical release of the US Federal Reserve Board as of June 28, 2013 (being the last business day before June 30, 2013). Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to US dollars and from US dollars to RMB in this annual report were made at a rate of RMB6.1374 to $1.00. We make no representation that any RMB or US dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US dollars or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, at the rates stated below, or at all. The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of RMB into foreign exchange and through restrictions on foreign trade. On October 11, 2013, the noon buying rate was RMB 6.1204 to $1.00.

This annual report contains translations of New Zealand dollar amounts into US dollars at specific rates solely for the convenience of the reader. The conversion of New Zealand Dollars into US dollars in this annual report is based on the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers of New Zealand dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from New Zealand dollars to US dollars and from US dollars to New Zealand dollars in this annual report were made at a rate of $0.7755 to NZ$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect as of June 28, 2013.

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not Applicable.

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not Applicable.

D. Risk Factors

Risks Related to Our Business

We face risks related to PGW’s management, business and operations that may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We expect a substantial portion of our revenues to be derived from PGW, and therefore our revenues have been and will continue to be directly tied to the business and operations of PGW. PGW is New Zealand’s leading provider of agricultural services and its business is spread across the agriculture, livestock, merchandising, insurance, real estate, irrigation and pumping and financial services sectors, all of which may be subject to various risks and factors beyond our control. If PGW’s business and operations are not as successful as we expect or its revenues do not reach levels that we expected when we acquired our shareholding in it, or if PGW’s business and operations are disrupted by changes to its key management without suitable replacements, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

We are dependent on the rural sectors in the markets where PGW operates.

Our revenues and results of operations depend significantly on the prospects of the New Zealand, Australian and South American rural sectors where PGW operates. Our prospects also depend, to a significant extent, on positive farmer sentiment both in New Zealand and the other countries where PGW operates, which can be affected by a wide range of factors outside our control. The following are key factors and risks that can have a material impact on the performance of the rural sector and farmer sentiment and in turn PGW’s business performance:

PGW may not be able to compete successfully in the markets and sectors in which it operates.

The agricultural services sector and other markets in which PGW operates are competitive. The market share of PGW’s competitors may increase, and PGW’s market share may decrease, as a result of various factors, including a change in consumer preferences toward products or services offered by competitors, pricing (including pricing reductions due to “forced sales” by any competitors in financial distress or having an oversupply of products), payment terms, terms of business and promotional strategies implemented by competitors, improved distribution of competitors’ products or services in each market, and enhanced price competitiveness due to exchange rate fluctuations, lower costs pf production or otherwise. Additionally, new competitors may attempt to enter the markets in which PGW operates by offering products or services at lower prices to gain market share, which would negatively impact PGW’s performance.

PGW’s seeds production and trading may be subject to certain risks.

PGW produces and procures seeds from a variety of sources. However, the sources of PGW’s seeds supply are subject to risks associated with growing crops, including natural disasters (such as drought), pestilence, plant diseases, insect infestations and man-made disasters (such as contamination). In addition, seeds inventories can be affected by other man-made interventions, such as arson. PGW’s ability to trade seeds internationally is also dependent on biosecurity controls imposed by importing countries. Changes in regulations or a failure of PGW’s product to meet the required standards could result in PGW being unable to sell seeds or meet customer demand, which would adversely affect the prospects of PGW.

Extreme weather conditions and other natural or man-made disasters could damage our production and adversely affect demand from end users/farmers, which would cause a material reduction in revenues.

The seeds sold by our China seeds business are produced primarily on leased land and through a network of multiple village collectives and production companies in Gansu and other provinces in China. Our production bases are invariably subject to the risks associated with agriculture, including extreme weather conditions and other natural disasters such as drought, flood, snowstorm, earthquake, pestilence, plant diseases and insect infestations. The quality, cost and volume of seeds that we produce could be materially adversely affected by extreme weather conditions or natural disasters; similarly, the end users of our seed products could also be adversely affected and as a result harming our sales and profitability. For example, in July 2012, an extremely strong and unexpected grade 10 typhoon caused severe damage to agricultural activities in certain area of Hebei province, where certain farmers who planted our field corn seed products were severely affected. Our sales in that region were then adversely affected and we have incurred expenses to mitigate the negative impact on the image of the field corn seed varieties sold in that area. Man-made disasters, such as arson or other acts that may adversely affect our inventory in the winter storage season, may also damage our products or our production facilities. Furthermore, natural or man-made disasters may cause farmers to migrate from their farmland, which would decrease the number of end users of our products. We are particularly susceptible to disasters or other incidents in Gansu and Xinjiang provinces, where we have the greatest concentration of our operations. In the event of a widespread failure of a seed crop in these provinces, we would likely sustain substantial loss of revenues and suffer substantial operating losses. We do not have insurance to protect against such risks.

Our seed production in China primarily relies on arrangements with village collectives to produce the corn seed products and we rely on contracts with production companies to produce our edible corn seed products. If we were unable to continue these arrangements or enter into new arrangements with other village collectives or other production companies, our total land acreage devoted to corn seed production would decrease and our growth would be inhibited.

During the year ended June 30, 2013, we outsourced the production of our corn seeds to production companies in Gansu, Xinjiang and Zhejiang provinces. In the year ended June 30, 2013, through our production base in Xinjiang and cooperation with our suppliers, we had access to approximately 1,390 acres of farmland primarily through contractual arrangements with village collectives for corn seed production. In the event that prices for other crops increase, these village collectives and production companies may decide to farm other crops in breach of our leases and seed production agreements with them or, following the expiration of our leases, lease the land to our competitors or other parties. If the land policy changes so that we are unable to continue to lease land, if a significant number of village collectives refuse to lease land to us upon the expiration of their current leases or if a significant number of production companies are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations to us, our business and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected. Any of these disruptions could materially and adversely affect our supply of seeds and our revenues. Such disruptions could also damage our relationships with our distributors and customers if we cannot supply them with the quantities and varieties of seeds that they expect. Moreover, due to competition for land suitable for leasing, we may be unable to lease the same land or other land at commercially reasonable prices. In the event that we have to pay more to lease land or are unable to lease sufficient land, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

The highly fragmented agriculture industry in China makes it difficult to evaluate our future prospects and results of operations.

You should consider our future prospects in light of the risks and uncertainties facing companies in the highly fragmented agricultural industry in China. Some of these risks and uncertainties relate to our ability to:

If we are unsuccessful in addressing any of these risks and uncertainties, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Future acquisitions or divestitures could materially change our business and materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our key strategic priorities require our ongoing efforts in pursuing strategic acquisitions, investments and strategic partnerships both in China and internationally. In April 2011, we completed our acquisition of 50.01% of equity interest in PGW, New Zealand’s largest rural services business, which offers a wide range of products, services and solutions to farmers, growers and processors in New Zealand and internationally. In October 2009, we also entered into a strategic cooperation framework agreement with China National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, or “CNAAS”, providing for future cooperation across the spectrum of agricultural research. In addition, we entered into an investment agreement with CNAAS and its affiliates to invest RMB35.0 million into Beijing Zhongnong Seeds Industry Co., Ltd., or “Zhongnong,” a company wholly-owned by CNAAS and its affiliates. In September 2009, we acquired Beijing Nong Ke Yu Seeding Development Co., Ltd., or “Nong Ke Yu,” a company engaged in research and development, production, distribution and sale of edible corn seeds, and in January 2010, we acquired Tianjin Beiao Seeds Technology Development Co., Ltd., or “BeOK,” a company engaged in research, production and marketing of vegetable seeds. In September 2010, we acquired a 49% equity interest in Ganxin, a corn seed research, development, production and sales company based in Gansu. We are also at various stages of discussions regarding potential investments in seed companies with proprietary seed varieties.

Presented with appropriate opportunities, we may acquire businesses or assets that we believe complement our existing business. Any such acquisitions are invariably subject to associated execution risk including issues relating to the integration of new operations and personnel, geographical coordination, retention of key management personnel, systems integration and the reconciliation of corporate cultures. The acquisition and integration could cause the diversion of management’s attention or resources from our existing business or cause a temporary interruption of or loss of momentum in our business. We could also lose key personnel from the acquired companies. There may be unforeseen or hidden liabilities or we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to offset new costs of acquisitions, investments and strategic partnerships. The execution of international expansion of our operations exposes us to a number of additional risks including difficulties in staffing and managing overseas operations, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, increased costs associated with maintaining the ability to understand local trends, difficulties and costs relating to compliance with the different commercial, legal and regulatory requirements of the overseas locations in which we operate, failure to develop appropriate risk management and internal control structures tailored to overseas operations, inability to obtain, maintain or enforce intellectual property rights, unanticipated changes in economic conditions and regulatory requirements in overseas environment. These risks associated with strategic repositioning, future acquisitions, investments and strategic partnerships could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

In July 2010, we divested P3A to Mr. Zhixin Xue, the president and a director of P3A, by transferring all of our interest in P3A to Mr. Xue. Following the completion of the divestiture, we acquired from Mr. Xue and cancelled shares representing 11.5% of our issued and outstanding share capital immediately prior to the transaction. The leases over nine parcels of land totaling approximately 13,500 acres previously held by P3A have been retained by us. However, we were unable to find commercially viable uses for these land parcels, and subsequent recorded an impairment provision of RMB357.2 million ($58.2 million) for the year ended June 30, 2013, which was the aggregate sum of our unamortized prepayments for the land. We do not anticipate deriving significant future economic benefit from these land parcels in the foreseeable future. Additionally, in line with our strategy to focus on our proprietary corn seed products, we decided to discontinue our commercial arrangement with Ganxin and in May 2013 disposed of our 49% equity interest in Ganxin for a consideration of RMB40.7 million ($6.6 million). A loss on disposal of RMB13.0 million ($2.1 million) was recorded in our results of operation for the year ended June 30, 2013.

Any acquisitions and divestitures may materially affect our operations and business mix. We may also incur costs, suffer losses or incur liabilities in connection with these acquisitions or divestitures. Any acquisitions and divestitures could also result in reduction in our ADS price as result of any of the foregoing or because of market reaction to a transaction and diversion of management’s attention from other concerns. Any such acquisition or divestiture could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operation and financial condition.

Any plans to increase our production capacity and expand into new markets may not be successful, which could adversely affect our operating results.

We have increased production of certain corn and vegetable seed products and develop new seed varieties to our product portfolio. In September 2009, we acquired Nong Ke Yu, a company engaged in research and development, production, distribution and sale of edible corn seeds based in Beijing; in January 2010, we acquired BeOK, a company engaged in research, production and marketing of vegetable seeds based in Tianjin; and in September 2010, we acquired a 49% equity interest in Ganxin, a corn seed research, development, production and sales company based in Gansu. However, in line with our strategy to focus on our proprietary corn seed products, we decided to discontinue our commercial arrangement with Ganxin and in May 2013 disposed of our 49% equity interest in Ganxin for a consideration of RMB40.7 million ($6.6 million). A loss on disposal of RMB13.0 million ($2.1 million) has been recorded in our results of operation for the year ended June 30, 2013. We may make other acquisitions or expansions in the future, which may place substantial demand on our managerial, operational, technological and other resources. Our failure to manage our product offerings, operations and distribution channels effectively and efficiently could materially adversely affect our operating results.

As part of our development, we may expand the geographic areas in which we sell or produce our products. Expansion into new markets may present operating and marketing challenges that differ from those that we currently encounter in our existing markets. For example, in April 2011, we completed a transaction to increase our shareholding in PGW from 19% to a controlling 50.01%, which subsequently increased to 50.22% in June 2011 as a result of share repurchases made by PGW. In March 2011, we established Shanxi Jufeng Seeds Co., Ltd., in Shanxi province, China, for an initial investment of RMB1.11 million. This new company began operations in a seeds business in Shanxi. However, as we were unable to reach a commercially viable long-term supply arrangement with our primary supplier, we ceased operations of this entity in June 2012. If we are unable to anticipate the changing demands that our expanding operations will impose on our management capacities, production systems and distribution channels, or if we fail to adapt our production systems and distribution channels to changing demands in a timely manner, our revenues could decline, our expenses could rise and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Our business depends substantially on the continuing efforts of our management, and our business may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.

Our future success depends significantly upon the continued services of our management, including the management of our operating entities. We rely on our management’s experience in product development, business operations and sales and marketing, as well as on their relationships with distributors and relevant government authorities. If one or more of our key management personnel is unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to replace them easily or at all. On October 9, 2012, our board of directors accepted the notices of resignation of Messrs. Xie Tao and John Layburn from their positions as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, who have expressed their wishes to pursue other opportunities, effective October 10, 2012. In February 2013, Mr. Patrick Wai Yip Tsang was appointed as our chief financial officer, and in March 2013, our board of directors named Mr. Alan Lai, our chairman of the board, as our executive chairman. The loss of the services of our key management personnel, in the absence of suitable replacements, could materially adversely affect our operations and financial condition, and we may incur additional expenses to recruit and train personnel. Each member of our management team has entered into an employment agreement with us, which contains confidentiality and non-competition provisions. If disputes arise between our management and us in light of the uncertainties within the PRC legal system, there is a risk that some of the provisions of these agreements may not be enforced or enforceable in China, where our managers reside and hold most of their assets.

We rely on contractual arrangements with Zhongguan for our China operations, which may not be as effective in providing control over our operating entity as direct ownership.

Because PRC regulations currently restrict foreign ownership of corn seed companies directly in China, we have no equity ownership interest in Zhongguan and must rely on contractual arrangements to control and operate it. Our contractual arrangement with Zhongguan may not be as effective in providing control over the entity as direct ownership. In the future, Zhongguan may fail to take actions required for our business despite its contractual obligation to do so. Zhongguan is able to transact business with parties not affiliated with us. If Zhongguan fails to perform under its agreements with us, we may have to rely on legal remedies under PRC law, which we cannot be sure would be available. In addition, we cannot be certain that the individual equity owners of Zhongguan would always act in our best interest.

Our growth prospects may be materially and adversely affected if we are unable to develop or acquire new products.

The majority of the products provided by our China seeds business are upstream products ultimately used by farmers in China. The profitability of our business depends on sustained and recurring orders from our direct customers, which include distributors, breed improvement and reproductive stations and other intermediaries. Reorder rates are uncertain due to several factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include changing customer preferences, competitive price pressures, failure to develop new products to meet the evolving demands of farmers in China, the development of higher-quality products by our competitors and general economic conditions. If we are unable to develop or acquire additional products that meet the demands of farmers in China, or if our competitors develop products that are favored by farmers in China, our growth prospects may be materially and adversely affected and our revenues and profitability may decline.

One or more of our distributors in China could engage in activities that are harmful to our brand and to our business.

Our seed products in China are sold primarily through distributors, and those distributors are responsible for ensuring that our products have the appropriate licenses to be sold to farmers in their provinces. If those distributors do not obtain the appropriate licenses, their sales of our products in those provinces may be illegal, and we may be subject to government sanctions, including confiscation of illegal revenues and a fine of between two and three times the amount of such illegal revenues. Unlicensed sales in a province may also cause a delay for our other distributors in receiving a license from the authorities for their provinces, which could further adversely impact our sales. In addition, distributors may sell our products under another brand licensed in a particular province if our product is not licensed there. If our products are sold under another brand, the purchasers will not be aware of our brand name, and we will be unable to cross-market other seed varieties or other products as effectively to these purchasers. Moreover, our ability to provide appropriate customer service to these purchasers will be negatively affected, and we may be unable to develop our local knowledge of the needs of these purchasers and their environment. Furthermore, if any of our distributors sell inferior seeds produced by other companies under our brand name, our brand and reputation could be harmed, which could make marketing of our branded seeds more difficult.

Our operating results may fluctuate due to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, and you may not be able to rely on our historical operating results as an indication of our future performance.

Our operating results may fluctuate due to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. Our quarterly and annual revenues and costs and expenses as a percentage of our revenues may differ significantly from our historical rates. Our operating results in future quarters may fall below expectations. Business disruption in key sales periods may significantly impact our full year results. Any unexpected seasonal or other fluctuations could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Future acquisitions or divestitures may also materially change our business mix and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our future profitability depends on our ability to secure sufficient orders from customers. An adverse change in market conditions may materially adversely affect our operating results if we cannot adjust our operating and marketing strategy to respond to such changes. Our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by reduced orders and profit margins in the event of a slowdown in market demand, an increase in business competition, a decrease in government subsidies to farmers, increased costs, or other reasons. As such, we may not be able to maintain a similar level of profitability and you may not be able to rely on our historical operating results as an indication of our future performance.

A severe or prolonged downturn in the global economy or the markets that we primarily operate in could materially and adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.

The global financial markets have experienced significant disruptions since 2008 and the effects of the crisis have persisted to the present. Continued concerns about the systemic impact of potential long-term and wide-spread recession, energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, and the global housing and mortgage markets have contributed to increased market volatility and diminished expectations for economic growth around the world. The grim economic outlook has negatively affected business and consumer confidence and contributed to volatility of unprecedented levels.

We and our subsidiary PGW primarily operate in China, New Zealand, Australia and South America. Weak economic conditions and decreasing agricultural commodity demand and prices across the world may have a negative impact on agricultural production and the rural economies in China, New Zealand, Australia and South America. Lower commodity prices reduce farmers’ income and weaken their confidence in the development of agricultural business. In turn, this may limit their ability or lessen their willingness to use more expensive agricultural products, including the ones we produce. There are still great uncertainties regarding economic conditions and the demand for agricultural commodities. Continued turbulence in the international markets and economies and prolonged declines in agricultural commodity demand and prices in China, New Zealand, Australia and South America may adversely affect our business, revenues and results of operations.

We have limited insurance coverage on our assets in China and any uninsured loss or damage to our property, business disruption or litigation may result in our incurring substantial costs.

The insurance industry in China is still at an early stage of development. Insurance companies in China offer limited insurance products. Other than automobile insurance on certain vehicles and property and casualty insurance for some of our assets, we do not have insurance coverage on our assets or inventories, nor do we have any business interruption, product liability or litigation insurance for our operations in China. We have determined that the costs of insuring for these risks and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical for us to have such insurance. Any uninsured loss or damage to property, business disruption or litigation may result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of our resources, which may materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.

The PRC agricultural market is highly competitive and our growth and results of operations may be adversely affected if we are unable to compete effectively.

The agricultural market in China is highly fragmented, largely regional and highly competitive, and we expect competition to increase and intensify within the sector. We face significant competition in our corn seed business. Many of our competitors have greater financial, research and development and other resources than we have. Competition may also develop from consolidation within the corn seed industry in China or the privatization of corn seed producers that are currently operated by local governments in China. According to the Opinion on Enhancement of Market Supervision regarding Seed Administration Reform issued by the General Office of the PRC State Council in May 2006, local government agricultural administrative offices were required to separate their governmental administrative functions from seed production activities by the end of June 2007 and, therefore, more privately-owned seed companies may emerge in the future. Our competitors may be better positioned to take advantage of industry consolidation and acquisition opportunities than we are. The reform and restructuring of state-owned equity in seed enterprises will likely lead to the reallocation of market share in the seed industry, and our competitors may increase their market share by participating in the restructuring of state-owned seed companies. Such privatization would likely result in increased numbers of market participants with more efficient and commercially viable business models. In addition, the PRC government currently restricts foreign ownership of any domestic seed development and production business to no more than 50%. When and if such restrictions are lifted, multinational corporations engaged in the seed business may expand into the agricultural market in China. These companies have significantly greater financial, technological and other resources than we do and may become our major competitors in China. As competition intensifies, our margins may be compressed by more competitive pricing and we may lose our market share and experience a reduction in our revenues and profit.

If we are unable to estimate farmers’ future needs accurately and to match our production levels to meet the demand of our direct customers, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Due to the nature of the seed industry, we normally produce seeds according to our production plan before we sell them to distributors, which are our direct customers. Farmers, who are the end users of our seeds, generally make purchasing decisions for our products based on market prices, economic and weather conditions as well as other factors that we and our distributors may not be able to anticipate accurately in advance. If we fail to accurately estimate the volume and types of products sought by farmers, we may produce seeds that are not in demand. Unsold inventory could eventually be sold as field corn to end users at much lower prices than those of field corn seeds. Aged inventory could result in asset impairment, which would cause us to suffer a loss and incur an increase in our operating expenses. Conversely, if we underestimate demand, we may not be able to satisfy our distributors’ demand for corn seeds, and as a result damage our customer relations and end-user loyalty. Failure to estimate farmers’ future needs and to match our production to our direct customers’ demands may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The resources we devote to research and development may not result in commercially viable or competitive products.

Our success depends in part on our ability to develop new products. Research and development in the seed industries is generally expensive and prolonged. For example, seed development takes at least five years, as measured from the selection of the variety of seed for product development to the launch of a new seed product on the market. Due to the uncertainties and complexities associated with seed and biotechnological research, seed products may not survive the development process, may not ultimately be commercially viable or may not pass government testing in the relevant provinces. In addition, we have significantly fewer financial resources than many of our international competitors. If the resources we devote to research and development do not result in products that survive the development stage, do not result in products that we can sell to our customers or do not pass government testing, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

We may be subject to intellectual property claims in the future which could result in substantial costs and divert our financial and management resources away from our business.

We are subject to the risk that the products, technology and processes that we have developed in collaboration with institutes and universities will infringe upon patents, copyrights, trademarks or other third-party intellectual property rights. We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims relating to the intellectual property of others. If any such claims arise in the future, litigation or other dispute resolution proceedings may be necessary to allow us to retain our ability to offer our products. Even if we prevail in contesting such claims, this could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s resources and attention. If we are found to have violated the intellectual property rights of others, we may be enjoined from using such intellectual property rights, incur additional costs to license or develop alternative products and be forced to pay fines and damages, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Failure to protect our intellectual property rights may undermine our competitive position, and legal action to protect our intellectual property rights may be costly and divert our management’s resources.

We rely primarily on trademark, trade secret and copyright law and contractual restrictions to protect our intellectual property. These afford only limited protection, and the actions we take to protect our intellectual property rights may not be adequate. Third parties may infringe or misappropriate our proprietary technologies or other intellectual property rights, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. Preventing unauthorized use of proprietary technology can be difficult and expensive. Also, litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. The outcome of such litigation may not be in our favor. Such litigation may be costly and may divert management’s attention as well as consume resources which could otherwise have been devoted to our business. An adverse determination in any such litigation would impair our intellectual property rights and may harm our business, prospects and reputation. In addition, we have no insurance coverage against litigation costs and would bear all costs arising from such litigation to the extent that we are unable to recover them from other parties. The occurrence of any of the foregoing may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Historically, implementation of PRC intellectual property laws has been lacking, primarily because of ambiguities in PRC law and difficulties of enforcement. Accordingly, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as those in the United States or other countries, which increases the risk that we may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property.

We face risks and costs associated with our strategic partnership and investment that may negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In October 2009, we entered into a strategic cooperation framework agreement with CNAAS, which provides for future cooperation across the spectrum of agricultural research. In addition, we entered into an investment agreement with CNAAS and its affiliates to invest RMB35.0 million into Zhongnong, a company wholly owned by CNAAS and its affiliates. We invested RMB11.0 million in Zhongnong from 2009 to 2011. We may not realize the anticipated benefits of our strategic partnership and we face risks, uncertainties and disruptions associated with the integration process, such as diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns. In addition, our operating results may suffer because of costs related to the strategic partnership and potential additional investments required to commercialize the research. Furthermore, CNAAS may partner with other companies in commercializing some of their research.

We hold a 50.22% equity interest in PGW, a public company listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange that is subject to a different set of rules and regulations from U.S. securities laws and the Corporate Governance Rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Therefore, rules and regulations applicable to PGW may prohibit or restrict our ability to take actions with respect to PGW. Any failure to successfully manage our strategic partnership and investment may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our ability to cause PGW to act solely in our interest may be restricted by agreements with the minority shareholders of Agria Asia Investments Limited and other factors.

We control PGW through our majority ownership of Agria Asia Investments Limited, or “Agria Asia Investments,” which indirectly holds a 50.22% shareholding in PGW. However, we have entered into shareholder agreements with Ngai Tahu Capital Limited, or “Ngai Tahu,” and New Hope International (Hong Kong) Limited, or “New Hope International,” the minority shareholders of Agria Asia Investments, which contain provisions protecting the rights of minority shareholders, including those that would require the unanimous shareholder approval for certain decisions. Additionally, certain decisions with respect to PGW may require super-majority shareholder approval, which our 50.22% shareholding does not ensure. Furthermore, we may be ineligible to vote on related party transactions between PGW and us, and such related party transactions may not be approved by PGW’s remaining shareholders. As such, restrictions on our ability to exercise control over PGW may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

PGW is subject to regulatory oversight in its business operations and as a listed issuer.

PGW is subject to regulatory oversight both in its business operations and as a listed issuer on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. PGW’s businesses are required to comply with a wide range of New Zealand statutory and regulatory requirements. A material failure to comply with these requirements could cause material damage to PGW’s reputation and expose PGW to the risk of financial or other penalties. Additionally, the introduction of new, or the variation of existing, standards and regulations in the countries in which PGW operates may require changes to its methods of operation, product performance or specifications. Any such changes are likely to require capital and other expenditures to be incurred by PGW and us to meet any new compliance requirements.

PGW is subject to movements in raw material prices and relies on key suppliers for its raw materials.

PGW is subject to movements in the underlying prices for the raw materials used in the manufacture of its products, commodities related to the distribution of its products and for commodities sold through its stores. Increases in these raw material and commodity prices may adversely affect PGW’s profitability, which will adversely affect our results of operations. We and PGW may not be able to pass on increased costs to consumers, which may have a material adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.

Additionally, PGW has key suppliers of raw materials, products and services in several of the markets which it serves. PGW does not have long-term supply contracts with all of its key suppliers. If any of these key suppliers become unable or unwilling to supply PGW with its products at commercially acceptable prices, or at all, PGW’s business and our results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.

We may not possess all of the licenses required to operate our business, or we may fail to maintain the licenses we currently hold. This could subject us to fines and other penalties, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.

We are required to hold a variety of permits and licenses to conduct our seed businesses in China. We may not possess all of the permits and licenses required for each of our business segments. In addition, the approvals, permits or licenses required by governmental agencies may change without substantial advance notice, and we could fail to obtain the approvals, permits or licenses required to expand our business. If we fail to obtain or to maintain such permits or licenses, or if renewals are granted with onerous conditions, we could be subject to fines and other penalties and be limited in the number or the quality of the products that we could offer. As a result, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

We may be subject to product quality or liability claims, which may cause us to incur litigation expenses and to devote significant management time to defending such claims, and if such claims are determined adversely to us we may be required to pay significant damage awards.

In addition to the genetic traits and the quality of our products, the performance of our products depends on climate, geographic conditions, cultivation method, farmers’ degree of knowledge and other factors. At the same time, the viability of some farmland in China has deteriorated due to toxic and hazardous materials from farmers’ overuse of herbicides. Moreover, different production methods might result in inconsistent quality. These factors can result in sub-optimal production yields. Farmers generally attribute sub-optimal production yields to lower quality agricultural raw materials. In addition, inconsistent quality of products may also result in the unwillingness of consumers to purchase products or pay for products already purchased that they consider to be sub-standard.

We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims from time to time relating to the quality of our products. The defense of these proceedings and claims could be both costly and time-consuming and significantly divert the efforts and resources of our management. An adverse determination in any such proceeding could subject us to significant liability. In addition, any such proceeding, even if ultimately determined in our favor, could damage our reputation and prevent us from maintaining or increasing sales and market share. Protracted litigation could also result in our customers or potential customers deferring or limiting their purchase of our products.

Seed prices and sales volumes may decrease in any given year with a corresponding reduction in sales, margins and profitability.

There have been periods of instability during which seed and other commodity prices and sales volumes have fluctuated significantly. Commodities can be affected by general economic conditions, weather, outbreaks of disease and factors affecting demand, such as the availability of financing, competition and trade restrictions. Our attempts to differentiate our products from those of other seed producers have not prevented some seed markets from having the characteristics of a commodity market. As a result, the price that we are able to demand for our seed depends on the amount of seed available from other producers. Therefore, prices may be volatile even in the absence of significant external events that might cause volatility. As a result, the amount of revenue that we receive in any given year is subject to change. As production levels are determined prior to the time that the volume and the market price for orders is known, we may have too much or too little product available, which may materially and adversely affect our revenues, margins and profitability.

The advent of the genetic modification of corn seeds in China could adversely affect our business, causing us to lose business opportunities, market share and revenues.

We rely upon traditional methods of creating corn seed hybrids to develop new products. There has been a worldwide increase in the development and application of genetically modified agricultural products to increase the quality and quantity of crop yields. Advances in technology are increasingly allowing the use of gene modification to produce seeds that are superior to those produced by traditional methods. The production and commercial sale of genetically modified corn seed have not yet obtained public acceptance and are not encouraged by government authorities in China. However, if government attitude changes to encourage genetically modified corn seeds, demand may develop for these products, and we expect that we will need to produce genetically modified products to meet customer demands.

Should the Chinese government change its attitude with respect to genetically modified corn seeds, our current steps to respond to the potential competitive threat posed by genetically modified agricultural products, including our research and development activities with respect to genetically modified corn seeds, may not allow us to compete successfully. In particular, our competitors may have more advanced technology or may market genetically modified seed more successfully than we do.

Our growth prospects may be affected if we are unable to obtain additional capital to finance new acquisitions.

We may require additional cash resources in order to make acquisitions. In general, we do not know the cost of an acquisition until we analyze the opportunity, complete due diligence and begin negotiations. If the cost of any such acquisition exceeds our cash resources, we will need to seek additional cash resources, and may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or borrow under credit facilities. The sale or issuance of additional equity securities could dilute our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations. We may also not be able to secure, repay or refinance debt incurred to fund acquisitions and purchases of equity interests, especially if the acquisition or equity interest purchase does not result in the benefits anticipated. As a result, our operating results and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

Failure to properly manage our storage system may damage our products, resulting in operating losses.

Seed storage entails significant risks associated with the storage environment, including moisture, temperature and humidity levels, deviations in which may result in damage to seeds in stock. Any significant damage to the products we have in storage could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

If we grant additional employee share options, restricted shares or other share incentives in the future, our net income could be adversely affected.

We have adopted a share incentive plan and granted share options under the plan. We are required to account for share-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification, or “ASC,” 718-10, “Compensation-Stock Compensation: Overall,” which requires a company to recognize, as an expense, the fair value of share options and other share-based compensation to employees based on the fair value of equity awards on the date of the grant, with the compensation expense recognized over the period in which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the equity award. If we grant additional options, restricted shares or other equity incentives in the future, we could incur significant compensation charges equal to the fair value of the additional options, restricted shares and other equity incentives, and our net income could be adversely affected.

We do not maintain insurance on our seed storage facilities; therefore, if a fire or other disaster damages some or all of our stored seeds, we will not receive any compensation.

We store a portion of our seed products from February to September. We do not maintain insurance on our storage facilities in China. A fire or other natural or man-made disaster may damage our stored products, particularly if such event occurs shortly before the peak season for the sales of seeds products, which could materially adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Risks Related to Doing Business in China

If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our Chinese businesses do not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in the seed industry, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.

Most of our operations are conducted through our contractual arrangements with our affiliated entities and their shareholders in China. PRC regulations currently restrict foreign ownership of corn seed companies. For a description of these regulations, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Seed Law, Animal Husbandry Law and Other Relevant Regulations—Seed Law and Other Relevant Regulations.” We have entered into contractual arrangements with our affiliated entity, Zhongguan, and its shareholders, all PRC citizens, which enable us to, among other things, exercise effective control over the affiliated entities. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Contractual Arrangements with Zhongguan and Its Shareholders” and “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Contractual Arrangements with Shenzhen NKY and Shenzhen PGW Seeds and Their Respective Shareholders.”

If we or either of our PRC subsidiaries or affiliated entity or our corporate structure is found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations (for example, if we are deemed to be holding equity interests in an entity in which direct foreign ownership is restricted), the relevant PRC regulatory authorities, including the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or “SAFE,” and relevant agencies of the Ministry of Commerce, would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations, including:

The imposition of any of these penalties could materially adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.

The shareholders of Zhongguan may breach our agreements with them or may have potential conflicts of interest with us, and we may not be able to enter into agreements to derive economic benefits from Zhongguan, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

The shareholders of Zhongguan, our consolidated affiliated entity in the PRC, may breach or refuse to renew the existing contractual arrangements with us that allow us to effectively control Zhongguan, and receive economic benefits from their operations. They may not always act in the best interests of our company. We do not have existing arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these individuals and our company. We rely on these individuals to abide by the contract laws of China and to honor their contracts with us in order for us to effectively control Zhongguan and to receive the economic benefits of Zhongguan. If we cannot resolve any conflicts of interest or disputes that may arise between us and the shareholders of Zhongguan or if the shareholders breach our agreements with them, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which may disrupt our business. There is also substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.

Any limitation of PRC law and regulations on the ability of our subsidiaries and affiliated entity to distribute dividends or make other payments to us could materially adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.

Current PRC regulations permit our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, each of our subsidiaries and our affiliated entity in China is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital, and to further set aside a portion of its after-tax profits to fund the employee welfare fund at the discretion of the shareholders’ meeting or the board. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. Furthermore, if our subsidiaries and our affiliated entity in China incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the loan agreements governing that debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make payments to us according to the contractual agreements. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may require us to adjust our taxable income under the contractual arrangements we have in place in a manner that would materially and adversely affect our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends and other distributions to us. Any limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries and our affiliated entity to distribute dividends or other payments to us could materially limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, or otherwise fund and conduct our business.

Pursuant to the PRC enterprise income tax law that became effective on January 1, 2008, or “2008 EIT Law,” an enterprise established outside of the PRC with “de facto management bodies” within the PRC is considered as a resident enterprise and will be subject to a PRC income tax on its global income. According to the implementing rules of the 2008 EIT Law, or “Implementing Rules,” “de facto management bodies” refer to “establishments that carry out substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel, accounting, properties, etc. of an enterprise.” On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation promulgated a circular setting out the criteria for determining whether “de facto management bodies” are located in China for overseas incorporated, domestically controlled enterprises. However, as this circular only applies to enterprises incorporated under the laws of foreign countries or regions that are controlled by PRC enterprises or groups of PRC enterprises, it remains unclear how the tax authorities will determine the location of “de facto management bodies” for overseas incorporated enterprises that are not controlled by PRC enterprises or groups of PRC enterprises like us. Accordingly, we may be considered a resident enterprise and may therefore be subject to a PRC income tax on our global income. If we are considered a resident enterprise and earn income other than dividends from our PRC subsidiaries, such PRC income tax on our global income could significantly increase our tax burden and materially and adversely affect our cash flow and profitability.

Under the applicable PRC tax laws in effect before January 1, 2008, dividend payments to foreign investors made by foreign-invested enterprises are exempt from PRC withholding tax. Pursuant to the 2008 EIT Law and the Implementing Rules effective as of January 1, 2008, however, dividends generated after January 1, 2008 and payable by a foreign-invested enterprise to its foreign investors will be subject to a 10% withholding tax if the foreign investors are considered non-resident enterprises without any establishment or place within China or if the dividends payable have no connection with the establishment or place of the foreign investors within China, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a different withholding arrangement. The Cayman Islands, where we are incorporated, does not have such a tax treaty with China. China Victory International Holdings Limited, or “China Victory,” our wholly owned subsidiary and the direct holder of 100% equity interest in Aero Biotech Science & Technology Co., Ltd., or “Agria China,” and Agria Brother Biotech (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., or “Agria Brother,” is incorporated in Hong Kong. According to the Arrangement between Mainland China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion in August 2006, or “Mainland and Hong Kong Taxation Arrangement,” and the Notice in Relation to the Dispatch of Schedule of Agreed Tax Rates on Dividends issued by the State Administration of Taxation (State Taxation Circular No. 112 (2008)), dividends paid by a foreign-invested enterprise in China to its direct holding company in Hong Kong will be subject to withholding tax at a rate of 5% (if the foreign investor owns directly at least 25% of the shares of the foreign-invested enterprise).

On October 1, 2009, the Administrative Measures for Non-Residents Enjoying Tax Treaty Benefits (Trial Implementation) became effective. Under these measures, our Hong Kong subsidiary needs to obtain approval from the competent local branch of the State Administration of Taxation in order to enjoy the preferential withholding tax rate of 5% in accordance with the tax treaty. In February 2009, the State Administration of Taxation issued Notice No. 81. According to Notice No. 81, in order to enjoy the preferential treatment on dividend withholding tax rates, an enterprise must be the “beneficial owner” of the relevant dividend income, and no enterprise is entitled to preferential treatment pursuant to any tax treaties if such enterprise qualifies for such preferential tax rates through any transaction or arrangement, the major purpose of which is to obtain such preferential tax treatment. The tax authority in charge has the right to make adjustments to the applicable tax rates, if it determines that any taxpayer has enjoyed preferential treatment under tax treaties as a result of such transaction or arrangement. In October 2009, the State Administration of Taxation issued Notice No. 601 to provide guidance on the criteria to determine whether an enterprise qualifies as the “beneficial owner” of the PRC sourced income for the purpose of obtaining preferential treatment under tax treaties. Pursuant to Notice No. 601, the PRC tax authorities will review and grant tax preferential treatment on a case-by-case basis and adopt the “substance over form” principle in the review. Notice 601 specifies that a beneficial owner should generally carry out substantial business activities and own and have control over the income, the assets or other rights generating the income. Therefore, an agent or a conduit company will not be regarded as a beneficial owner of such income. Since the two notices were issued, it has remained unclear how the PRC tax authorities will implement them in practice and to what extent they will affect the dividend withholding tax rates for dividends distributed by our subsidiaries in China to our Hong Kong subsidiary. Under the 2008 EIT Law and the Implementing Rules, if China Victory is regarded as a resident enterprise, the dividends payable to China Victory from Agria China and Agria Brother will be exempt from the PRC income tax. If China Victory is regarded as a non-resident enterprise and the relevant tax authority determines that China Victory does not qualify as the “beneficial owner” of the dividend income it receives from our PRC subsidiaries and therefore is subject to the higher 10% withholding tax rate, the amount of funds available to us to meet our cash requirements, including the payment of dividends to our shareholders, could be reduced correspondingly.

On April 12, 2013, the State Administration of Taxation (SAT) released the “Opinion on Implementing the Dividends Provision under the Tax Arrangement between Mainland China and Hong Kong in Cases involving Beneficial Ownership (Shuizonghan [2013] No. 165, hereinafter referred to as ‘Opinion 165’)” in response to inquiries made by several Hong Kong companies applying for beneficial ownership status under the dividends provision of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTA) between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Opinion 165 clarifies five of the seven “unfavorable factors” in determining beneficial ownership as addressed in Notice No. 601 discussed above. Those clarifications, however, do not provide additional guidance on whether or not China Victory is a resident enterprise discussed above.

In addition, because uncertainty remains regarding the interpretation and implementation of the 2008 EIT Law and the Implementing Rules, if we are regarded as a PRC resident enterprise, then any dividends to be distributed by us to our non-PRC shareholders or any gains realized by non-PRC shareholders or ADS holders from transfer of our shares or ADSs may be subject to PRC withholding tax. If we are required under the 2008 EIT Law to withhold PRC income tax on the above dividends or gains, the investment in our shares or ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.

We benefit from certain PRC government incentives. Expiration of, changes to, disputes over or challenges against these incentives or protectionism arising from the incentives could adversely affect our operating results.

Prior to January 1, 2008, companies established in China were generally subject to a state and local enterprise income tax, or “EIT,” at statutory rates of 30% and 3%, respectively. However, the Chinese government has provided incentives to high-technology companies and agricultural companies in order to encourage the development of the high-technology and agricultural industries. These incentives include reduced tax rates, subsidies and other measures. Agria China, our wholly-owned subsidiary established in March 2007 in China, was initially granted a full exemption from the EIT for the fiscal years 2007 to 2009. As a result of the 2008 EIT Law and its Implementing Rules, Agria China’s EIT exemption ended on December 31, 2007, and Agria China is subject to EIT at a rate of 25% from 2008 onwards.

Under the 2008 EIT Law, the Implementing Rules, the State Council circulars on implementation of enterprise tax transition preferential policy and relevant rules, foreign-invested enterprises, such as our subsidiary, Agria China, and domestic companies would be subject to EIT at a uniform rate of 25%. Preferential tax treatments will continue to be granted to entities that are classified as “high and new technology enterprises strongly supported by the State” or conduct business in encouraged sectors, whether foreign-invested enterprises or domestic companies. Furthermore, enterprises that were established and that have already enjoyed preferential tax exemption or reduction for a specified term will continue to enjoy them until the expiration of such term. Uncertainty remains with respect to their interpretation and implementation. If the PRC central government challenges the preferential tax treatment enjoyed by some of our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliates, our effective tax rate applied to our income in China will likely increase to a maximum of 25%, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The PRC government has in recent years reduced taxes and increased subsidies and other support across the agricultural industry. For instance, the government subsidizes farmers for their seed purchases, and has increased spending on rural infrastructure. Sales of agricultural products from producers to intermediaries or to farmers are exempt from PRC value-added tax, or “VAT.” Discontinuance of preferential treatments granted by the Chinese government to the seed industry could adversely affect our earnings.

In addition, subsidies may adversely affect our ability to market our products, especially in provinces other than Shanxi where we are planning to increase our sales. Farmers can buy corn seeds designated as “high-quality” at subsidized prices, but the designation of seeds as “high-quality” is at the discretion of the local government, companies owned by the local government and local private seed companies. Because of local protectionism, this policy could result in preferential treatment for local seed producers, with locally produced seeds being designated as “high-quality”, while ours are not designated as such. If such preferential treatment were to occur, the price for our seeds to farmers in those provinces would be higher than the subsidized local seeds, and our sales in those provinces could suffer, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.

We conduct our business primarily through our subsidiaries and affiliated entity in China. Our operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations. Our subsidiaries are generally subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China, and in particular, laws applicable to wholly foreign-owned enterprises. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value.

Since 1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in China. In particular, because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited volume of published decisions and their non-binding nature, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties. In addition, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all) that may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until after the violation. In addition, any litigation in China, regardless of outcome, may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.

SAFE regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may increase our administrative burden and restrict our overseas and cross-border investment activity. If our shareholders and beneficial owners who are PRC residents fail to make required applications and filings under such regulations, we may be unable to distribute profits and may become subject to liability under PRC laws.

SAFE has promulgated several regulations, including Circular No. 75 issued in November 2005, requiring registrations with, and approvals from, PRC government authorities in connection with direct or indirect offshore investment activities by PRC residents. These regulations apply to our shareholders and beneficial owners who are PRC residents.

The SAFE regulations require registration of direct or indirect investments made by PRC residents in offshore companies. In the event that a PRC shareholder with a direct or indirect stake in an offshore parent company fails to make the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that offshore parent company may be prohibited from making distributions of profit to the offshore parent and from paying the offshore parent proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation in respect of the PRC subsidiaries. Further, failure to comply with the various SAFE registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for foreign exchange evasion.

We have requested our shareholders and beneficial owners who are PRC residents to make the necessary applications and filings as required under these regulations and under any implementing rules or approval practices that may be established under these regulations. However, due to the lack of implementing rules and uncertainty concerning the reconciliation of the new regulations with other approval requirements, it remains unclear how these regulations, and any future legislation concerning offshore or cross-border transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. There is a risk that not all of our shareholders and beneficial owners who are PRC residents will comply with our request to make or obtain any applicable registration or approvals required by these regulations or other related legislation. The failure or inability of our PRC resident shareholders and beneficial owners to receive any required approvals or make any required registrations may subject us to fines and legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, as a result of which our acquisition strategy and business operations and our ability to distribute profits to our shareholders could be materially and adversely affected. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Foreign Exchange.”

In addition, under the Implementation Rules of the Administrative Measures for Individual Foreign Exchange, or “Individual Foreign Exchange Rules,” issued on January 5, 2007 by SAFE, PRC citizens who are granted shares or share options by an overseas listed company according to its employee share option or share incentive plan are required, through the PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company or any other qualified PRC agent, to register with SAFE and complete certain other procedures related to the share option or other share incentive plan. Foreign exchange income received from the sale of shares or dividends distributed by the overseas listed company may be remitted into a foreign currency account of such PRC citizen or be exchanged into Renminbi. Our PRC citizen employees who have been granted share options, or “PRC option holders,” are subject to the Individual Foreign Exchange Rules. If we or our PRC citizen employees fail to comply with these regulations, we or our PRC option holders may be subject to fines and legal sanctions.

Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to utilize our revenues effectively.

The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries and our affiliated entity to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from trade-related transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from appropriate government authorities is required where RMB are to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of bank loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also, at its discretion, restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders, including holders of our ADSs.

Fluctuation in the value of the Renminbi and other currencies may materially adversely affect your investment.

The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions and the foreign exchange policy adopted by the PRC government. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the current policy, the Renminbi is permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. Between July 21, 2005 and June 28, 2013, the RMB appreciated by approximately 34.9% against the U.S. dollar, although the pace of appreciation was uneven during the period.

Our financial statements are expressed in Renminbi, which is our reporting currency. The revenues and most of the expenses of our China Seeds division, which are derived from Zhongguan, our consolidated affiliated entity, are denominated in Renminbi. Most of the revenues and expenses of PGW and dividends that we receive from PGW are denominated in the New Zealand dollar. Additionally, our functional currency and the functional currency of Agria Group Limited (formerly known as Aero-Biotech Group Limited), China Victory, Agria Hong Kong Limited, or “Agria Hong Kong,” Agria Asia International Limited, or “Agria International,” Agria Biotech Overseas Limited, or “Agria Overseas,” Agria Asia Investments and Agria (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., or “Agria Singapore,” is the United States dollar. The functional currency of Agria New Zealand and PGW is the New Zealand dollar. The functional currency of Agria China, Agria Brother and our VIEs is the Renminbi. To the extent that we need to convert US dollars or New Zealand dollars into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the US dollar and the New Zealand dollar would adversely affect the Renminbi amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into US dollars for the purpose of dividend distribution or for other business purposes, appreciation of the US dollar against the Renminbi would negatively affect the US dollar amount available to us. Fluctuations in the exchange rate will also affect the relative value of any dividend we issue which will be exchanged into US dollars and earnings from and the value of any US dollar-denominated investments we make.

PGW uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risks arising from operational, financing and investment activities. However, limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. Additionally, the effectiveness of these hedges may be limited so that we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into foreign currency. Additionally, we are exposed to fluctuations in the value of the New Zealand dollar, the Australian dollar, the Euro and the currencies of certain South American countries through our subsidiary PGW. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may materially adversely affect your investment.

We face risks related to health epidemics and other outbreaks or acts of terrorism in China, which could result in reduced demand for our products or disrupt our operations.

Our business could be materially and adversely affected by an outbreak of H1N1 influenza A, avian flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome or another epidemic, or an act of terrorism. From time to time, there have been reports on the occurrences of avian flu in various parts of China, including a few confirmed human cases and deaths. Since 2009, human cases of H1N1 influenza A virus infection have been identified internationally. Any prolonged recurrence of H1N1 influenza A, avian flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome or other adverse public health developments in China or elsewhere in Asia may have a material and adverse effect on our business operations. In addition, terrorist attacks, such as those that took place on September 11, 2001, geopolitical uncertainty and international conflicts, could adversely affect our business operations. Any of these events could adversely affect China’s economy and cause an immediate and prolonged drop in consumer demand. An immediate and prolonged drop in consumer demand could severely disrupt our business operations and adversely affect our results of operations. Furthermore, a significant portion of our revenues are derived from government customers, which may reduce their spending on our products during a crisis, which could adversely affect our results of operations and could probably be difficult to recover once the threat has subsided.

The PRC Property Law may affect the perfection of the pledge in our pledge agreement with Zhongguan and its shareholders.

Under the equity pledge agreement among Zhongguan, the shareholders of Zhongguan and Agria Brother, the shareholders of Zhongguan have pledged all of their equity interests in Zhongguan to Agria Brother. The equity pledge agreement was duly created by recording the pledge on the register of shareholders of Zhongguan in accordance with the PRC Security Law and the PRC Contract Law. The purpose of the Zhongguan equity pledge agreement is to guarantee Zhongguan’s performance of its obligations under the exclusive technology development, technical support and service agreement, the exclusive call option agreement and the loan agreement. However, according to the PRC Property Law, which became effective as of October 1, 2007, a pledge is not effective without being registered with the relevant local Administration for Industry and Commerce. Zhongguan has attempted to register the pledge, but the applications for registration have not been processed due to the lack of registration procedures. Zhongguan will continue to make efforts to register such pledge when the local Administration for Industry and Commerce implements registration procedures. If Zhongguan is unable to do so, the pledge itself may be deemed ineffective under the PRC Property Law. If Zhongguan or its shareholders breach their obligations under the agreements with Agria Brother, there is a risk that Agria Brother may not be able to successfully enforce the pledge and would need to resort to legal proceedings to enforce its contractual rights.

Risks Related to the ADSs

The trading price of our ADSs has been and continues to be highly volatile.

The trading price of our ADSs may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following:

In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially adversely affect the market price of our ADSs.

Substantial future sales or perceived sales of our ADSs in the public market or substantial cancellation of our ADSs could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.

Additional sales of our ADSs in the public market or the perception that these sales could occur could cause the market price of our ADSs to decline. A substantial repurchase of our ADSs may adversely affect the liquidity of our shares. As of the date of this annual report, we had 110,766,600 ordinary shares outstanding, of which 48,830,000 ordinary shares were represented by 24,415,000 ADSs. All ADSs are freely transferable without additional registration requirements under the Securities Act. The remaining ordinary shares not represented by ADSs are available for sale subject to the volume and other restrictions as applicable under Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act. Risks associated with a substantial sale or cancellation of our ADSs could materially and adversely affect the market price of our ADSs and liquidity.

We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of our ADSs or ordinary shares.

Based on the market price of our ADSs and the value and composition of our assets, we believe we were not a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ended June 30, 2013. However, we believe we were a PFIC in certain previous taxable years. A non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC for any taxable year if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for such year is passive income or (2) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such year is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income. We must make a separate determination after the close of each taxable year as to whether we were a PFIC for that year. Because the value of our assets for purposes of the PFIC test will generally be determined by reference to the market price of our ADSs or ordinary shares, our PFIC status may depend in part on the market price of the ADSs or ordinary shares, which may fluctuate significantly. Certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to U.S. Holders (as defined in “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation”) of our ADSs or ordinary shares with respect to any “excess distribution” received from us and any gain from a sale or other disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares if we are or were a PFIC during any taxable year during which you hold ADSs or ordinary shares, as we were in certain previous taxable years. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company.”

You may not have the same voting rights as the holders of our ordinary shares and may not receive voting materials in time to be able to exercise your right to vote.

Except as described in this annual report and in the deposit agreement, holders of our ADSs will not be able to exercise voting rights attaching to the shares represented by our ADSs on an individual basis. Holders of our ADSs will appoint the depositary or its nominee to vote the shares represented by the ADSs. You may not receive voting materials in time to instruct the depositary to vote and you may not have the opportunity to exercise a right to vote. Upon our written request, the depositary will mail to you a shareholder meeting notice that contains, among other things, a statement as to the manner in which you may give your voting instructions, including an express indication that such instructions may be given or deemed given to the depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us if no instructions are received by the depositary from you on or before the response date established by the depositary. However, no voting instruction shall be deemed given and no such discretionary proxy shall be given with respect to any matter as to which we inform the depositary that (i) we do not wish such proxy given, (ii) substantial opposition exists, or (iii) such matter materially and adversely affects the rights of shareholders.

Under our deposit agreement, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our ordinary shares underlying your ADSs at shareholders’ meetings if you do not vote, unless we have instructed the depositary that we do not wish a discretionary proxy to be given or under any of the other situations specified under the deposit agreement. The effect of this discretionary proxy is that you cannot prevent ordinary shares underlying your ADSs from being voted, absent the situations described above, and it may be more difficult for shareholders to influence the management of our company. Holders of our ordinary shares are not subject to this discretionary proxy.

Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may dilute your holdings, and you may not receive cash dividends if it is impractical to make them available to you.

We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make rights available to you in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. Also, under the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will not make rights available to you unless the distribution to ADS holders of both the rights and any related securities are either registered under the Securities Act or exempted from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.

In addition, the depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on our ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary may, at its discretion, decide that it is inequitable or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, the depositary may determine that it is not practicable to distribute certain property through the mail, or that the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may decide not to distribute that property and you will not receive that distribution.

We are a Cayman Islands company and because judicial precedent regarding the rights of shareholders is more limited under Cayman Islands law than that under U.S. law, you may have less protection for your shareholder rights than you would under U.S. law.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Cayman Islands Companies Law and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as that from English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. In addition, some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands.

As a result of all of the above, public shareholders of our company may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders of our company than they would as shareholders of a U.S. public company.

We are controlled by a small group of shareholders, whose interests may differ from other shareholders.

As of the date of this annual report, our principal shareholder, Mr. Guanglin Lai, beneficially owned 44.6% of our total outstanding shares, with another 20.0% owned by the next four biggest shareholders (based on the latest publicly available information known to us). This concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and might reduce the price of our ADSs. In addition, because these shareholders could collectively control our company, they would be able to take actions that may not be in the best interests of other shareholders. These actions may be taken even if they are opposed by our other shareholders. We do not have any existing arrangements with any of our shareholders to address potential conflicts of interests between these shareholders and our company, and none of our shareholders, other than our officers pursuant to the terms of their service agreements, has entered into non-compete agreements. There is a risk that our existing shareholders may not always act in the best interests of our company.

Our memorandum and articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could adversely affect the rights of holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs.

Our memorandum and articles of association include the following provisions that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of our company:

By discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transaction, our memorandum and articles of association could deprive our shareholders of the opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over the prevailing market price.

You may have difficulty enforcing judgments obtained against us.

We are a Cayman Islands company and most of our assets are located outside of the United States. We conduct most of our operations are in the PRC. In addition, most of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. A substantial portion of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in courts judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors, most of whom are not residents in the United States and the substantial majority of whose assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands or the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts.

Our ADSs may not comply with the minimum listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange. Delisting could adversely affect the liquidity of our ADSs and the market price of our ADSs could decrease, and our ability to obtain adequate financing for the continuation of our operations would be substantially impaired.

Our ADSs are currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The New York Stock Exchange has minimum requirements that a company must meet in order to remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange. These requirements include maintaining a minimum average closing price of $1.00 per share over a period of consecutive 30 trading days. We previously fell below NYSE minimum requirements in July 2011 and June 2012 and regained compliance in October 2011 and April 2013, respectively. We may fall below NYSE minimum requirements in the future. If our ADSs are delisted as a result of our failure to comply with any of the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum listing requirements, the liquidity of our ADSs would be adversely affected, the market price of our ADSs could further decrease, and our ability to obtain adequate financing for the continuation of our operations would be substantially impaired, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.