Cerevel Therapeutics 10-Q 10 Jul 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	Jul. 08, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document End Date	May 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	Ceres, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	767,884
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,032,222

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,429	$ 3,423
Marketable securities	3,653	24,579
Prepaid expenses	688	633
Accounts receivable	$ 661	370
Inventories		84
Other current assets	$ 513	240
Total current assets	10,944	29,329
Property and equipment, net	2,369	2,996
Other assets	98	99
Total assets	13,411	32,424
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,157	4,278
Other current liabilities	797	374
Current portion of long-term debt	28	70
Total current liabilities	3,982	4,722
Other non-current liabilities	$ 61	75
Long-term debt, net of current portion		18
Total liabilities	$ 4,043	$ 4,815
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock and additional paid in capital, $0.01 par value; 240,000,000 shares authorized; 6,032,222 shares issued and outstanding at May 31, 2015; 6,024,109 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2014	$ 333,886	$ 332,109
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(631)	(595)
Accumulated deficit	(323,887)	(303,905)
Total stockholders' equity	9,368	27,609
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 13,411	$ 32,424

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Common Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	240,000,000	240,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	6,032,222	6,024,109
Common Stock, shares outstanding	6,032,222	6,024,109

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Product sales	$ 201	$ 163	$ 300	$ 229
Collaborative research and government grants	924	643	1,568	1,835
Total revenues	1,125	806	1,868	2,064
Cost and operating expenses:
Cost of product sales	860	575	3,436	2,440
Research and development	2,516	3,595	7,469	11,579
Selling, general and administrative	$ 3,639	3,887	$ 10,949	10,732
Other		464		464
Total cost and operating expenses	$ 7,015	8,521	$ 21,854	25,215
Loss from operations	(5,890)	(7,715)	(19,986)	(23,151)
Interest expense	(20)	(25)	(32)	(44)
Interest income	8	13	37	39
Loss before income taxes	$ (5,902)	$ (7,727)	(19,981)	(23,156)
Income tax expense			(1)	(1)
Net Loss	$ (5,902)	$ (7,727)	$ (19,982)	$ (23,157)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	$ (0.98)	$ (1.35)	$ (3.31)	$ (5.76)
Weighted average outstanding common shares used for net loss per share :
Basic and diluted	6,063,326	5,744,475	6,032,347	4,020,656

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (5,902)	$ (7,727)	$ (19,982)	$ (23,157)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	225	51	(46)	91
Net unrealized gains on marketable securities	1	(12)	10	(3)
Total comprehensive loss	$ (5,676)	$ (7,688)	$ (20,018)	$ (23,069)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (19,982)	$ (23,157)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Net gain on disposal of assets	$ (21)	(108)
Loss on assets held for sale		464
Depreciation	$ 505	1,191
Amortization of premiums on marketable securities	131	227
Non-cash interest income	(156)	(266)
Stock compensation	1,777	2,800
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses	(69)	(144)
Accounts receivable	(346)	501
Inventories	69	21
Other assets	(358)	36
Accounts payables and accrued expenses	(683)	94
Other liabilities	426	109
Other	181	343
Net cash used in operating activities	(18,526)	(17,889)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(333)	(628)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	25	118
Purchases of marketable securities	(720)	(30,313)
Maturities of marketable securities	21,500	25,000
Net cash provided by investing activities	20,472	(5,823)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt	$ (40)	(123)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		20,751
Net cash used in financing activities	$ (40)	20,628
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash	100	93
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,006	(2,991)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,423	8,881
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 5,429	$ 5,890

The Company

The Company	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
The Company [Abstract]
The Company	1) The Company Ceres, Inc. (Company) is an agricultural biotechnology company that develops and markets seeds and traits to produce crops for animal feed, sugar and other markets. The Company uses a combination of advanced plant breeding, biotechnology and bioinformatics to develop seed products and biotechnology traits to address many of the current limitations and future challenges facing agriculture. These technology platforms, which can increase crop productivity, improve quality, reduce crop inputs and improve cultivation on marginal land, have broad application across multiple end markets, including food, feed, fiber and fuel. The Company's bioinformatics technologies can also improve and accelerate discovery and development in biomedical research and diagnostics. In January 2010, the Company formed a subsidiary, Ceres Sementes do Brasil Ltda. The Company's ownership in this subsidiary is 99.9 99.9 On April 8, 2015, the Company filed an amendment to its amended and restated certificate of incorporation which effected a 1 for 8 reverse stock split of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock. The par value of the common stock was not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. All issued and outstanding shares of common stock, warrants, and stock options and per share amounts contained in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements have been retroactively adjusted to reflect this reverse stock split for all periods presented. The Company has incurred substantial net losses from operations since its inception and its accumulated deficit as of May 31, 2015 was $ 323,887 During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, management commenced the implementation of a plan (Plan) intended to further align expenditures with the Company's near-term commercial opportunity in Brazil, shift Northern Hemisphere sorghum breeding activities from College Station, Texas to a more appropriate location, de-emphasize research and development for U.S. cellulosic feedstocks, reduce costs and conserve cash. The actions taken under the Plan, which included, among others, a workforce reduction that impacted 16 On March 10, 2014, the Company completed a registered public offering of 2,875,000 375,000 8.00 20.8 As of May 31, 2015, the Company plans to finance its operations for the next four to six months with cash and marketable securities on hand, and with cash inflows from collaboration and grant funding and from product sales. The Company intends to seek additional funds through public or private debt or equity financings, collaborations, licensing arrangements, government programs and the sale of intellectual property, technology or other assets. The Company cannot provide any assurances that additional sources of funding will be available on terms acceptable to the Company or at all, or that it will be successful in entering into collaborations or license agreements, receiving funds under government grants or selling intellectual property, technology or other assets. If the Company is unable to raise additional funds, the Company will not have adequate liquidity to fund its operations and will be forced to significantly curtail or cease its operations.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 20, 2014. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures are unaudited, have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. The condensed consolidated results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or for any other future year or interim period. Principles of Consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates In preparing the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the valuation of property and equipment, common stock and stock options. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated financial statements are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels that are directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to the valuation of these assets or liabilities are as follows: • Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. • Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. • Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The following tables present the Company's financial assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 by level within the fair value hierarchy: May 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Financial Assets Money Market Funds $ 2,176 $ — $ — $ 2,176 Certificates of Deposit—available for sale — 499 — 499 Corporate Bonds—available for sale — 3,214 — 3,214 Total $ 2,176 $ 3,713 $ — $ 5,889 All of the money market funds and $ 60 August 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Financial Assets Money Market Funds $ 2,114 $ — $ — $ 2,114 Certificates of Deposit—available for sale — 4,240 — 4,240 Commercial Paper—available for sale — 5,249 — 5,249 Corporate Bonds—available for sale — 15,150 — 15,150 Total $ 2,114 $ 24,639 $ — $ 26,753 All of the money market funds and $ 60 Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable represents amounts owed to the Company from product sales and collaborative research and government grants. The Company had no amounts reserved for doubtful accounts at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 as the Company expects full collection of the accounts receivable balances. Inventories Due to early stage of commercialization and the minimal amount of sales of the Company's seeds, at May 31, 2015 all seed inventory was written-off based on the lower of cost or market. At August 31, 2014, seed inventory consisted of work–in–process costs and finished goods for costs related to the Company's sorghum seeds in Brazil. When inventory costs exceed expected market value due to obsolescence or lack of demand, inventory write-downs are recorded for the difference between the cost and the market value in the period based on the Company's evaluation of such inventory with any excess cost recognized during the period within cost of product sales. Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the remaining life of the lease. Depreciation periods for the Company's property and equipment are as follows: Automobiles and trucks 3 5 Office, laboratory, farm and warehouse equipment and furniture 3 5 Leasehold improvements 3 10 Buildings 14 39 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. To the extent that an impairment indicator has occurred, recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. For the reporting periods presented herein there was no impairment. Foreign Currency Translation The Brazilian Real is the functional currency of the Company's subsidiary in Brazil. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of those operations are translated into United States dollars using the current exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and equity accounts are translated into United States dollars using historical rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted average rate of exchange during the reporting period. Gains and losses from foreign currency translation adjustments are represented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The Company's unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments represents the components of comprehensive loss and have been disclosed in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss during the nine months ended May 31, 2015: Unrealized Accumulated Foreign Gains Other Currency (Losses) Comprehensive Translation on Securities Loss Balance at August 31, 2014 $ (584 ) $ (11 ) $ (595 ) Comprehensive income (loss) (46 ) 10 (36 ) Balance at May 31, 2015 $ (630 ) $ (1 ) $ (631 ) Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common share equivalents then outstanding, to the extent they are dilutive. Potential common shares consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants (using the treasury stock method). Dilutive net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share for all periods presented because the effects of potentially dilutive items were anti-dilutive. The following potentially dilutive, common share equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share because their effect was antidilutive for each of the periods presented: May 31, 2015 2014 Options to purchase common stock 423,082 415,925 Warrants to purchase common stock 320,255 320,256 Total 743,337 736,181

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	(3) Marketable Securities Marketable securities classified as available for sale consisted of the following: May 31, 2015 Available for sale securities Amortized Gross Gross Fair Value Certificates of Deposit $ 500 $ — $ (1 ) $ 499 Corporate Bonds 3,214 — — 3,214 Total $ 3,714 $ — $ (1 ) $ 3,713 August 31, 2014 Available for sale securities Amortized Gross Gross Fair Value Certificates of Deposit $ 4,244 $ — $ (4 ) $ 4,240 Commercial Paper 5,249 — — 5,249 Corporate Bonds 15,157 — (7 ) 15,150 Total $ 24,650 $ — $ (11 ) $ 24,639 At May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, $ 60 All marketable securities at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 are due to mature in one year or less.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	(4) Inventories Due to the early stage of commercialization and minimal amount of sales of the Company's seeds, at May 31, 2015 all seed inventory was written-off based on the lower of cost or market. Inventories at August 31, 2014 consisted of the following: August 31, 2014 Seed - work in process $ 20 Seed inventory 64 Total inventories $ 84

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	(5) Property and Equipment Property and equipment are summarized as follows: May 31, August 31, Land $ 43 $ 43 Automobiles and trucks 843 1,113 Buildings 1,215 1,215 Office, laboratory, farm and warehouse equipment and furniture 11,628 12,718 Leasehold improvements 5,659 5,659 19,388 20,748 Less accumulated depreciation (17,019 ) (17,752 ) Property and equipment, net $ 2,369 $ 2,996

Accounts Payable and Accrued Ex

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	(6) Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following: May 31, August 31, Accounts payable $ 1,348 $ 1,406 Accrued payroll and related expenses 1,520 2,303 Research and development contracts 169 123 Accrued grower commitments 21 54 Other 99 392 $ 3,157 $ 4,278

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	(7) Long-Term Debt Long-term debt is summarized as follows: May 31, August 31, 2015 2014 Capital leases $ 28 $ 88 Less current portion (28 ) (70 ) Long term debt (capital leases) $ - $ 18

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	(8) Stock-Based Compensation Stock Option and Stock Issuance Plans The Company has established three equity plans: the Ceres, Inc. 2000 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan (2000 Plan), the Ceres, Inc. 2010 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan (2010 Plan) and the Amended and Restated Ceres, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (2011 Plan, and collectively with the 2000 Plan and the 2010 Plan, Equity Plans). The Equity Plans provide for grants of Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) to employees and Nonqualified Stock Options (NSOs), stock and restricted stock to employees, directors, and consultants. In addition, the 2011 Plan provides for the grant of other equity based awards such as restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and deferred stock to employees, directors and consultants. The option term, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors, may not exceed ten years. Vesting, also determined by the Company's Board of Directors, generally occurs ratably over four to five years. ISOs and NSOs may be granted at a price per share not less than the fair market value at the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses are as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended May 31, May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Stock-based compensation expense $ 572 $ 949 $ 1,780 $ 2,804 Fair value changes of collaboration warrants - (13 ) (3 ) (4 ) $ 572 $ 936 $ 1,777 $ 2,800 There were no stock options exercised during the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014. Stock Option Activity The following table summarizes the stock option transactions under the Equity Plans during the nine months ended May 31, 2015: Shares Weighted Options outstanding at August 31, 2014 396,504 $ 46.62 Options granted 40,643 3.80 Options forfeited (14,065 ) 37.37 Options outstanding at May 31, 2015 423,082 $ 42.82 No tax benefits have been recorded on compensation costs recognized for options exercised. As of May 31, 2015, there was $ 2,005 1.23 Restricted Stock Activity The following summarizes the restricted stock transactions under the Equity Plans during the nine months ended May 31, 2015: Shares Weighted Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at August 31, 2014 37,818 $ 32.58 Restricted stock granted 9,125 4.20 Restricted stock vested (7,051 ) 45.14 Restricted stock forfeited (2,650 ) 5.57 Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at May 31, 2015 37,242 $ 25.17 As of May 31, 2015, there was $ 146 1.0 Stock Activity There were no stock grants during the nine months ended May 31, 2015. During the fiscal year 2014, the Company granted 2,288 7.28 16.7

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	(9) Stockholders' Equity Common Stock On March 7, 2014, the Company held its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Annual Meeting). At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders approved an amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation which decreased the total number of shares of common stock of the Company from 490,000,000 240,000,000 Preferred Stock Pursuant to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 Warrants issued in connection with Noble Agreement In May 2006, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (Noble) (Noble Agreement) to establish a research program (see Note (12)). In connection with this collaboration, the Company granted Noble a warrant to purchase 16,667 240.00 4,167 May 19, 2009 May 19, 2011 May 19, 2013 May 19, 2015 two 624.4 16,667 In June 2011, the Company and Noble agreed to modify the warrants issued to Noble as follows: the warrant vests in equal installments of 4,167 May 19, 2013 May 19, 2015 five May 18, 2017 Warrants issued in connection with TAMU Agreement In August 2007, the Company entered into a sponsored research and intellectual property rights agreement with The Texas A&M University System (TAMU) to establish a research program (see Note (12)). In connection with this collaboration, the Company granted TAMU a warrant to purchase 8,333 240.00 August 28, 2017 0 0 0.78 70.55 2.24 0 In December 2011, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Intellectual Property Rights Agreement (IP Rights Agreement) (see Note (12)), the Company issued warrants to TAMU to purchase 8,333 114.40 September 24, 2026 4.2 9.6 2.12 89.2 11.32 0 Warrants issued in connection with March 10, 2014 registered public offering On March 10, 2014 the Company issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 60,000 March 4, 2015 March 4, 2019 12.00 305 1.64 84.2 5 0

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(10) Income Taxes No provision for U.S. income taxes has been made, net of the valuation allowance, with the exception of minimum statutory amounts, because the Company has incurred losses since its inception. The Company has deferred tax assets consisting primarily of net operating loss carryforwards that have been fully offset by a valuation allowance.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	(11) Commitments and Contingencies The Company leases certain of its facilities and equipment under various noncancelable operating leases expiring through 2023 In connection with one of its facilities leases, the Company received a reimbursement for leasehold improvements of $ 270 166 111 422 283 Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases as of May 31, 2015 are as follows: Operating Remaining three months of fiscal year 2015 $ 178 2016 682 2017 643 2018 618 2019 682 Total minimum lease payments $ 2,803

Research Collaboration Agreemen

Research Collaboration Agreements	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Research Collaboration Agreements [Abstract]
Research Collaboration Agreements	(12) Research Collaboration Agreements The Company has a number of research agreements with academic collaborators, including among others, TAMU, Noble, and the Institute of Crop Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. In connection with these agreements, the Company receives certain exclusive options or licensing rights to technology and intellectual property developed under these agreements. The Company expenses amounts under these agreements to research and development expense in the period in which the services are rendered. The Company also licenses technology from third parties. Initial payments under these license agreements are capitalized and expensed on a straight-line basis over the license term. Noble Agreement In May 2006, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with Noble to establish a research program. Under the Noble Agreement, the Company agreed to fund certain research activities undertaken by Noble in an amount up to $ 3,800 July 31, 2012 16,667 240.00 Under the collaboration agreement, in August 2012 the Company agreed to fund certain research activities undertaken by Noble through July 31, 2013 82.7 85.3 TAMU Agreement In August 2007, the Company entered into a Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights agreement with TAMU to establish a research program. Under the agreement, the Company agreed to fund certain research activities undertaken by TAMU in an amount up to $ 5,100 8,333 240.00 On September 24, 2011, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Sponsored Research Agreement and the IP Rights Agreement with TAMU which both expire on September 23, 2026 8,333 114.40 Future minimum payments under the Company's research collaboration agreements as of May 31, 2015 are as follows: Remaining three months of fiscal year 2015 $ 171 2016 544 2017 88 $ 803

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	(13) Subsequent Events On June 19, 2015, the Company announced the continued realignment of its business to focus on food and forage opportunities and biotechnology traits for sugarcane and other crops. As part of the realignment, the Company is restructuring its Brazilian seed operations and exploring discussions with local partners and collaborators to support the continued development and commercialization of the Company's technology in Brazil. The restructuring of the Company's Brazilian seed operations, which is expected to be substantially completed by October 31, 2015, includes, among other actions, a workforce reduction that will impact 14 2 0.6 0.1 0.5

Summary of Significant Accoun20

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 20, 2014. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures are unaudited, have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. The condensed consolidated results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or for any other future year or interim period.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates In preparing the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the valuation of property and equipment, common stock and stock options. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated financial statements are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels that are directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to the valuation of these assets or liabilities are as follows: • Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. • Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. • Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The following tables present the Company's financial assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 by level within the fair value hierarchy: May 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Financial Assets Money Market Funds $ 2,176 $ — $ — $ 2,176 Certificates of Deposit—available for sale — 499 — 499 Corporate Bonds—available for sale — 3,214 — 3,214 Total $ 2,176 $ 3,713 $ — $ 5,889 All of the money market funds and $ 60 August 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Financial Assets Money Market Funds $ 2,114 $ — $ — $ 2,114 Certificates of Deposit—available for sale — 4,240 — 4,240 Commercial Paper—available for sale — 5,249 — 5,249 Corporate Bonds—available for sale — 15,150 — 15,150 Total $ 2,114 $ 24,639 $ — $ 26,753 All of the money market funds and $ 60
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable represents amounts owed to the Company from product sales and collaborative research and government grants. The Company had no amounts reserved for doubtful accounts at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 as the Company expects full collection of the accounts receivable balances.
Inventories	Inventories Due to early stage of commercialization and the minimal amount of sales of the Company's seeds, at May 31, 2015 all seed inventory was written-off based on the lower of cost or market. At August 31, 2014, seed inventory consisted of work–in–process costs and finished goods for costs related to the Company's sorghum seeds in Brazil. When inventory costs exceed expected market value due to obsolescence or lack of demand, inventory write-downs are recorded for the difference between the cost and the market value in the period based on the Company's evaluation of such inventory with any excess cost recognized during the period within cost of product sales.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the remaining life of the lease. Depreciation periods for the Company's property and equipment are as follows: Automobiles and trucks 3 5 Office, laboratory, farm and warehouse equipment and furniture 3 5 Leasehold improvements 3 10 Buildings 14 39
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. To the extent that an impairment indicator has occurred, recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. For the reporting periods presented herein there was no impairment.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The Brazilian Real is the functional currency of the Company's subsidiary in Brazil. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of those operations are translated into United States dollars using the current exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and equity accounts are translated into United States dollars using historical rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted average rate of exchange during the reporting period. Gains and losses from foreign currency translation adjustments are represented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The Company's unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments represents the components of comprehensive loss and have been disclosed in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss during the nine months ended May 31, 2015: Unrealized Accumulated Foreign Gains Other Currency (Losses) Comprehensive Translation on Securities Loss Balance at August 31, 2014 $ (584 ) $ (11 ) $ (595 ) Comprehensive income (loss) (46 ) 10 (36 ) Balance at May 31, 2015 $ (630 ) $ (1 ) $ (631 )
Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share	Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common share equivalents then outstanding, to the extent they are dilutive. Potential common shares consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants (using the treasury stock method). Dilutive net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share for all periods presented because the effects of potentially dilutive items were anti-dilutive. The following potentially dilutive, common share equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share because their effect was antidilutive for each of the periods presented: May 31, 2015 2014 Options to purchase common stock 423,082 415,925 Warrants to purchase common stock 320,255 320,256 Total 743,337 736,181

Summary of Significant Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	May 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Financial Assets Money Market Funds $ 2,176 $ — $ — $ 2,176 Certificates of Deposit—available for sale — 499 — 499 Corporate Bonds—available for sale — 3,214 — 3,214 Total $ 2,176 $ 3,713 $ — $ 5,889 August 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Financial Assets Money Market Funds $ 2,114 $ — $ — $ 2,114 Certificates of Deposit—available for sale — 4,240 — 4,240 Commercial Paper—available for sale — 5,249 — 5,249 Corporate Bonds—available for sale — 15,150 — 15,150 Total $ 2,114 $ 24,639 $ — $ 26,753
Schedule of Depreciation Period for Property and Equipment	Automobiles and trucks 3 5 Office, laboratory, farm and warehouse equipment and furniture 3 5 Leasehold improvements 3 10 Buildings 14 39
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Unrealized Accumulated Foreign Gains Other Currency (Losses) Comprehensive Translation on Securities Loss Balance at August 31, 2014 $ (584 ) $ (11 ) $ (595 ) Comprehensive income (loss) (46 ) 10 (36 ) Balance at May 31, 2015 $ (630 ) $ (1 ) $ (631 )
Schedule of Potentially Dilutive, Common Share Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share	May 31, 2015 2014 Options to purchase common stock 423,082 415,925 Warrants to purchase common stock 320,255 320,256 Total 743,337 736,181

Marketable Securities (Tables)

Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities	May 31, 2015 Available for sale securities Amortized Gross Gross Fair Value Certificates of Deposit $ 500 $ — $ (1 ) $ 499 Corporate Bonds 3,214 — — 3,214 Total $ 3,714 $ — $ (1 ) $ 3,713 August 31, 2014 Available for sale securities Amortized Gross Gross Fair Value Certificates of Deposit $ 4,244 $ — $ (4 ) $ 4,240 Commercial Paper 5,249 — — 5,249 Corporate Bonds 15,157 — (7 ) 15,150 Total $ 24,650 $ — $ (11 ) $ 24,639

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	August 31, 2014 Seed - work in process $ 20 Seed inventory 64 Total inventories $ 84

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Property and Equipment	May 31, August 31, Land $ 43 $ 43 Automobiles and trucks 843 1,113 Buildings 1,215 1,215 Office, laboratory, farm and warehouse equipment and furniture 11,628 12,718 Leasehold improvements 5,659 5,659 19,388 20,748 Less accumulated depreciation (17,019 ) (17,752 ) Property and equipment, net $ 2,369 $ 2,996

Accounts Payable and Accrued 25

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	May 31, August 31, Accounts payable $ 1,348 $ 1,406 Accrued payroll and related expenses 1,520 2,303 Research and development contracts 169 123 Accrued grower commitments 21 54 Other 99 392 $ 3,157 $ 4,278

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Debt	May 31, August 31, 2015 2014 Capital leases $ 28 $ 88 Less current portion (28 ) (70 ) Long term debt (capital leases) $ - $ 18

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Costs Included in Operating Expenses and Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised	Three months ended Nine months ended May 31, May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Stock-based compensation expense $ 572 $ 949 $ 1,780 $ 2,804 Fair value changes of collaboration warrants - (13 ) (3 ) (4 ) $ 572 $ 936 $ 1,777 $ 2,800
Summary of Stock Option Transactions under Option Plans	Shares Weighted Options outstanding at August 31, 2014 396,504 $ 46.62 Options granted 40,643 3.80 Options forfeited (14,065 ) 37.37 Options outstanding at May 31, 2015 423,082 $ 42.82
Summary of Restricted Stock Transactions under Option Plans	Shares Weighted Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at August 31, 2014 37,818 $ 32.58 Restricted stock granted 9,125 4.20 Restricted stock vested (7,051 ) 45.14 Restricted stock forfeited (2,650 ) 5.57 Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at May 31, 2015 37,242 $ 25.17

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments under Noncancelable Operating Leases	Operating Remaining three months of fiscal year 2015 $ 178 2016 682 2017 643 2018 618 2019 682 Total minimum lease payments $ 2,803

Research Collaboration Agreem29

Research Collaboration Agreements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Research Collaboration Agreements [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments under Company's Research Collaboration	Remaining three months of fiscal year 2015 $ 171 2016 544 2017 88 $ 803

The Company (Details)

The Company (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Apr. 08, 2015Rate	Mar. 10, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	May. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)positions
Organization [Line Items]
Reverse stock split, conversion ratio | Rate	12.50%
Accumulated deficit | $			$ (323,887)	$ (303,905)
Workforce reduction, number of positions impacted | positions				16
Shares issued at public offering, shares		2,875,000
Underwriters exercise of public offering over-allotment, shares		375,000
Shares issued at public offering, price per share | $ / shares		$ 8
Proceeds from public offering | $		$ 20,800
Ceres Sementes do Brasil Ltda [Member]
Organization [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership			99.90%
CS Semillas de Mexico, S.de L. de C.V. [Member]
Organization [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership			99.90%

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale	$ 3,713	$ 24,639
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Certificates of deposit	60	60
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	5,889	26,753
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market funds	2,176	2,114
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale	499	4,240
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale		5,249
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale	3,214	15,150
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	2,176	2,114
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market funds	$ 2,176	$ 2,114
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	$ 3,713	$ 24,639
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market funds
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale	$ 499	$ 4,240
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale		5,249
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale	$ 3,214	$ 15,150
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market funds
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale

Summary of Significant Accoun32

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Depreciation Periods for Property and Equipment) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Automobiles and Trucks [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	3 years
Automobiles and Trucks [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Office, Laboratory, Farm and Warehouse Equipment and Furniture [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	3 years
Office, Laboratory, Farm and Warehouse Equipment and Furniture [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	3 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	10 years
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	14 years
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	39 years

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at August 31, 2014	$ (595)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(36)
Balance at February 28, 2015	(631)
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at August 31, 2014	(584)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(46)
Balance at February 28, 2015	(630)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at August 31, 2014	(11)
Comprehensive income (loss)	10
Balance at February 28, 2015	$ (1)

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Potentially Dilutive, Common Share Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share) (Details) - shares	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	743,337	736,181
Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	423,082	415,925
Warrants [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	320,255	320,256

Marketable Securities (Details)

Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 3,714	$ 24,650
Gross Unrealized Gain
Gross Unrealized Loss	$ (1)	$ (11)
Fair Value	3,713	24,639
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Certificates of deposit	60	60
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 500	$ 4,244
Gross Unrealized Gain
Gross Unrealized Loss	$ (1)	$ (4)
Fair Value	499	4,240
Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		$ 5,249
Gross Unrealized Gain
Gross Unrealized Loss
Fair Value		$ 5,249
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 3,214	$ 15,157
Gross Unrealized Gain
Gross Unrealized Loss		$ (7)
Fair Value	$ 3,214	$ 15,150

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Seed - work in process		$ 20
Seed inventory		64
Total inventories		$ 84

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment gross	$ 19,388	$ 20,748
Less accumulated depreciation	(17,019)	(17,752)
Property and equipment, net	2,369	2,996
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment gross	43	43
Automobiles and Trucks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment gross	843	1,113
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment gross	1,215	1,215
Office, Laboratory, Farm and Warehouse Equipment and Furniture [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment gross	11,628	12,718
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment gross	$ 5,659	$ 5,659

Accounts Payable and Accrued 38

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 1,348	$ 1,406
Accrued payroll and related expenses	1,520	2,303
Research and development contracts	169	123
Accrued grower commitments	21	54
Other	99	392
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 3,157	$ 4,278

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Capital leases	$ 28	$ 88
Less current portion	$ (28)	(70)
Long term debt (capital leases)		$ 18

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock grant expense	$ 572,000	$ 949,000	$ 1,780,000	$ 2,804,000
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized stock compensation expense	2,005,000		$ 2,005,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted average period of recognition			1 year 2 months 23 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized stock compensation expense	$ 146,000		$ 146,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted average period of recognition			1 year
Ceres, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock granted during period					2,288
Weighted average grant date fair value of common stock					$ 7.28
Stock grant expense					$ 16,700

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Costs Included in Operating Expenses and Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 572	$ 949	$ 1,780	$ 2,804
Fair value changes of collaboration warrants		(13)	(3)	(4)
Stock-based compensation costs	$ 572	$ 936	$ 1,777	$ 2,800

Stock-Based Compensation (Summa

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock Option Transactions under Option Plans) (Details) - 9 months ended May. 31, 2015 - Options [Member] - $ / shares	Total
Shares
Options outstanding at August 31, 2014	396,504
Options granted	40,643
Options forfeited	(14,065)
Options outstanding at February 28, 2015	423,082
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at August 31, 2014	$ 46.62
Options granted	3.80
Options forfeited	37.37
Options outstanding at February 28, 2015	$ 42.82

Stock-Based Compensation (Sum43

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Restricted Stock Transactions under Option Plans) (Details) - 9 months ended May. 31, 2015 - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares	Total
Shares
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at August 31, 2014	37,818
Restricted stock granted	9,125
Restricted stock vested	(7,051)
Restricted stock forfeited	(2,650)
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at February 28, 2015	37,242
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at August 31, 2014	$ 32.58
Restricted stock granted	4.20
Restricted stock vested	45.14
Restricted stock forfeited	5.57
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at February 28, 2015	$ 25.17

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)

Mar. 10, 2014

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Aug. 31, 2007

May. 31, 2006

May. 31, 2015

May. 31, 2014

May. 31, 2015

May. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

May. 07, 2014

May. 06, 2014

Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items]

Common Stock, shares authorized

240,000,000

240,000,000

240,000,000

240,000,000

490,000,000

Preferred stock, shares authorized

10,000,000

Change in value of warrants recognized as research and development expense

$ 2,516,000

$ 3,595,000

$ 7,469,000

$ 11,579,000

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]

Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items]

Warrant issued to purchase stock

16,667

Exercise price of warrants issued

$ 240

Warrant issued, number of shares vesting in equal installments

4,167

4,167

Warrant issued, earliest exercisable period

5 years

2 years

Change in value of warrants recognized as research and development expense

$ 624,400

Warrant issued, vested

16,667

16,667

Warrant issued, expiration date

May 18, 2017

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member] | Period 1 [Member]

Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items]

Class of warrant or right number of shares vesting in equal installments, date

May 19, 2013

May 19, 2009

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member] | Period 2 [Member]

Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items]

Class of warrant or right number of shares vesting in equal installments, date

May 19, 2015

May 19, 2011

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member] | Period 3 [Member]

Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items]

Class of warrant or right number of shares vesting in equal installments, date

May 19, 2013

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member] | Period 4 [Member]

Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items]

Class of warrant or right number of shares vesting in equal installments, date

May 19, 2015

Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants [Member] | Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights Agreement [Member]

Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items]

Warrant issued to purchase stock

8,333

Exercise price of warrants issued

$ 240

Change in value of warrants recognized as research and development expense

$ 0

Estimated fair value of warrants

$ 0

$ 0

Estimated fair value of warrants, risk free rate

0.78%

Estimated fair value of warrants, volatility rate

70.55%

Estimated fair value of warrants, expected term

2 years 2 months 26 days

Estimated fair value of warrants, dividend yield rate

0.00%

Warrant issued, expiration date

Aug. 28, 2017

Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants [Member] | Ip Rights Agreement [Member]

Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items]

Warrant issued to purchase stock

8,333

Exercise price of warrants issued

$ 114.40

Change in value of warrants recognized as research and development expense

$ 4,200

Estimated fair value of warrants

$ 9,600

$ 9,600

Estimated fair value of warrants, risk free rate

2.12%

Estimated fair value of warrants, volatility rate

89.20%

Estimated fair value of warrants, expected term

11 years 3 months 25 days

Estimated fair value of warrants, dividend yield rate

0.00%

Warrant issued, expiration date

Sep. 24, 2026

2014 Public Offering Warrants [Member]

Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items]

Warrant issued to purchase stock

60,000

Exercise price of warrants issued

$ 12

Estimated fair value of warrants

$ 305,000

Estimated fair value of warrants, risk free rate

1.64%

Estimated fair value of warrants, volatility rate

84.20%

Estimated fair value of warrants, expected term

5 years

Estimated fair value of warrants, dividend yield rate

0.00%

Warrant issued, date from which warrants are exercisable

Mar. 4, 2015

Warrant issued, expiration date

Mar. 4, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies45

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Operating lease expiration period			2,023
Reimbursement for leasehold improvement			$ 270
Rental expense	$ 166	$ 111	$ 422	$ 283

Commitments and Contingencies46

Commitments and Contingencies (Summary of Future Minimum Payments under Noncancelable Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015USD ($)
Operating leases
Remaining three months of fiscal year 2015	$ 178
2,016	682
2,017	643
2,018	618
2,019	682
Total minimum lease payments	$ 2,803

Research Collaboration Agreem47

Research Collaboration Agreements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Sep. 24, 2011	Aug. 31, 2007	May. 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2011
Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]
Collaboration Agreements [Line Items]
Warrant issued to purchase stock				16,667
Exercise price of warrants issued				$ 240
Noble Research Program Agreement [Member]
Collaboration Agreements [Line Items]
Funding of research expenses				$ 3,800,000
Collaboration agreement date				Jul. 31, 2012
Noble Research Program Agreement [Member] | Collaboration Agreement July Thirty One Twenty Thirteen [Member]
Collaboration Agreements [Line Items]
Funding of research expenses	$ 82,700
Collaboration agreement date	Jul. 31, 2013
Noble Research Program Agreement [Member] | Collaboration Agreement July Thirty One Twenty Fourteen [Member]
Collaboration Agreements [Line Items]
Funding of research expenses	$ 85,300
Collaboration agreement date	Jul. 31, 2014
Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights Agreement [Member]
Collaboration Agreements [Line Items]
Funding of research expenses			$ 5,100,000
Agreement expiry date		Sep. 23, 2026
Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights Agreement [Member] | Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants [Member]
Collaboration Agreements [Line Items]
Warrant issued to purchase stock			8,333
Exercise price of warrants issued			$ 240
Ip Rights Agreement [Member]
Collaboration Agreements [Line Items]
Agreement expiry date		Sep. 23, 2026
Ip Rights Agreement [Member] | Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants [Member]
Collaboration Agreements [Line Items]
Warrant issued to purchase stock					8,333
Exercise price of warrants issued					$ 114.40

Research Collaboration Agreem48

Research Collaboration Agreements (Summary of Future Minimum Payments under Company's Research Collaboration) (Details) - Research Collaboration Agreements [Member] $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015USD ($)
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Remaining three months of fiscal year 2015	$ 171
2,016	544
2,017	88
Contractual Obligation, Total	$ 803

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Jun. 19, 2015 - Subsequent Event [Member] $ in Millions	USD ($)positions
Workforce reduction [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated total charges to be incurred in next five months	$ 0.6
Severance costs	$ 0.1
Workforce reduction [Member] | Brazil [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of workforce | positions	14
Workforce reduction [Member] | U.S [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of workforce | positions	2
One-time severance cost [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Severance costs	$ 0.5