The five-year collaboration will focus on broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce and spinach. Plant breeding will be used to improve the nutrition, flavour, colour, texture, taste and aroma of these vegetables.

Any new products realised from this collaboration could be commercialised by Dole in North America.

"The consumer wins because Dole's market knowledge combined with our research and development capabilities will help bring new healthy and flavourful products to consumers," said David Stark, vice president of consumer traits at Monsanto.

"We are very excited and pleased to bring this focus to our business via this collaboration with Dole and its strong brand."

This type of collaboration combines the strengths of the two industry leaders, each bringing their unique capabilities to the partnership.

Monsanto's agricultural expertise that improves the speed and accuracy of new and beneficial characteristics will be guided by Dole's knowledge of consumer needs and marketing.