A partnership between a California-based biotechnology company and a leading Chinese producer of stevia plant extracts gives both groups a solid base for further research and development in determining the potential value of stevia extraction, according to company executives."Stevia cultivation is actively expanding into new regions and the market for this product is considerable," Robert Brooke-CEO of Stevia First Corp- told China Daily. "We have established a productive relationship with Qualipride and our distribution agreement provides significant benefits. And as this expansion increases, there will be improvements in the agricultural practices due to shared insights and tools."