In what will be a historic step changing the face of the international cannabis seed market, Amsterdam-based Barney’s Farm Genetics recently announced their merger at MJ BizCon in Las Vegas with cannabis seed pioneer Sensi Seeds and leading US seed bank I Love Growing Marijuana.
The merger will bring three of the most iconic names in cannabis genetics under one corporate roof while retaining separate brand identities.
With the highly anticipated closing in early 2025, this merger represents an unparalleled consolidation in the cannabis seed sector. It melds innovative breeding programs at Barney’s Farm with Sensi Seeds’ prolific genetic library, adding to ILGM’s dominant e-commerce presence and customer base.
Analysts have stated that such a combination could result in the group holding an extremely dominant position in the global cannabis seed market.
Barney’s Farm Genetics, Sensi Seeds and ILGM to Merge Companies
“2025 will be a transformative year, not only for our business but for growers and cannabis connoisseurs worldwide,”
said Derry Brett, founder of Barney’s Farm Genetics and CEO of the newly formed group.
“This is more than a business merger — it’s a game changer, uniting our reputation for prestige genetics with Sensi’s vast library of heritage seed and ILGM’s loyal customer base of home growing enthusiasts. Once combined, we’ll be able to offer growers the most unique, elevated and sought-after cannabis genetics on the market.”
More than seven decades of combined experience in cannabis breeding and cultivation come together in this merger.
Formed in 1985 by Ben Dronkers, Sensi Seeds is often said to be the keeper of the cannabis genetic flame and houses one of the most extensive and diverse cannabis seed banks in the world.
Dronkers stressed above all the cultural stakes of the merger:
“This partnership strikes a balance between honoring the legacy market and shaping a brighter future for the cannabis industry. We are devoted to innovation, quality, and preserving the seeds of this rich, diverse, and extraordinary plant.”
The merger also brings a robust DTC distribution channel and wide-ranging expertise in digital marketing. This union includes ILGM, a relative newcomer that has become one of North America’s largest online seed retailers. ILGM is a popular brand for home growers because of its extensive educational resources and customer service.
“The global community of cannabis growers are the true beneficiaries of this unique collaboration,” said Ernst Rustenhoven, CEO of ILGM. “From the start, ILGM has been committed to empowering home growers with resources, education and access to premium seeds. By partnering with two prestigious heritage brands like Barney’s Farm Genetics and Sensi Seeds, we’re unlocking a new level of potential that will enrich and expand our catalogue of world-class genetics.”
Anticipated strategic benefits from the merger include enabling both businesses to share their capabilities in research and development, offering an accelerated pace of innovation in strain development while maintaining high levels of genetic stability and quality control.
Brands Will Maintain Individual Identities
Each brand will keep its own brand identity and breeding program but have full access to this invaluable wealth of genetic material.
With the integration of production facilities and distribution networks, operations will be smoothed out, enabling substantial economies of scale. It also allows the company to take a more competitive position in servicing emerging markets as cannabis legalization continues to expand globally.
In yet another unmatched move, the group declared its intention to list on a major US-based exchange by mid-2025, becoming the first cannabis seed company to do so.
This offering will provide much-needed capital for further expansion and position the company at the forefront of increased market opportunities as more regions open their doors to cannabis cultivation.
The Ultimate Cannabis Seed Company?
This merger is strategically compelling on many levels. It combines three stand-alone breeding programs, each with its own genetic library, to accelerate innovation in strain development while preserving heritage genetics.
The combined entity will introduce one of the most unique cannabis genetics portfolios. It will offer classic landrace varieties and innovative hybrids, catering to both the commercial and home grower segments.
ILGM’s e-commerce, combined with Barney’s Farm and Sensi Seeds’ traditional distribution channels, will create a seamless global delivery mechanism.
The expanded grow guidance and genetic knowledge will definitely help growers of all levels to have a responsible and successful cannabis cultivation experience.
The release has sent shock waves into the cannabis space, and to most other onlookers it marks the beginning of the sector’s maturation and consolidation. The merger is subject to the usual regulatory clearances.
