Morphing Enterprises and Business Extensions
Traditional chemical firms such as DuPont have created agribusiness divisions to
build markets for their technical innovations (Business, 2002). Classic agribusiness
firms such as Monsanto continue to term the firm “agribusiness,” while their
business models evolve to new forms of enterprise where they acquire and co-market
with pharmaceutical firms, and develop entirely new product categories such as
nutriceuticals (Challener, 2001). Forest product companies such as Boise Cascade
and Weyerhaeuser invest considerable resources in forest husbandry. Rubber
companies grow renewable rubber trees and make extensive investments in glass and
other materials to increase tire strength, longevity, and safety. Aquaculture has
spawned new industries for fish and shellfish farming while managing serious
constraints from ecological concerns (Olofson, 2001).