Monsanto''s R&；D Pipeline Set to Deliver Valuable Products to Farmers Well Into Next Decade

　　ST. LOUIS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Substantial progress and momentum behind its research-and-development (R&D) pipeline has Monsanto (NYSE: MON - News) poised to deliver several new blockbuster products to farmers by 2012, company leaders will tell investors today. The remarks will come as part of a series of presentations on the company''s R&D pipeline in New York and Boston.

    "It''s rewarding to see such innovation in the pipeline right now," said Steve Padgette, vice president of biotechnology for Monsanto. "This is the most progress I''ve seen in my 23 years at the company. Our data demonstrates these cutting-edge innovations can deliver new value to farmers well into the next decade."

    As part of the presentations, scheduled over the next two days, Padgette will discuss the progress and momentum behind a number of key projects in the R&D pipeline. Key highlights include:

    -- YieldGard VT PRO, one of the primary components of SmartStax technology, is primed to offer farmers a broader spectrum of insect control and improved durability when compared with the company''s first-generation corn borer offering. The second-generation corn borer technology is in Phase IV of the company''s R&D pipeline and currently awaiting regulatory approvals. -- YieldGard Rootworm III is designed to provide two modes of action for improved spectrum control and enhanced durability against the corn rootworm pest. The technology incorporates cutting-edge RNA interference (RNAi) technology and novel protein identification. RNAi is a mechanism used naturally by cells to regulate gene expression. By harnessing this natural machinery, RNAi technology can help plants protect themselves from insects. -- Omega-3 enriched soybeans, which are expected to offer a land-based source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids, continues to demonstrate comparable consumer acceptability in recent results between SDA soy oil and conventional soy oil in food uses. The product also continues to demonstrate solid yield performance when compared to controls. -- Drought-tolerant cotton, which is designed to minimize risk in cotton farming by providing yield stability in water stressed environments, demonstrated strong performance across multiple gene leads. With these results in hand, Monsanto now believes there are a number of product leads to create a family of drought traits in cotton.

    A live webcast of Monsanto''s R&D presentations will be available through Monsanto''s web site at: http://www.monsanto.com/investors. Following the live broadcast, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Monsanto web site for two weeks. To access presentation slides and the simultaneous audio webcast of the presentation, visitors may need to download Windows Media Player(TM) prior to listening to the webcast.

    To listen to comments from Padgette and Robb Fraley, Monsanto''s chief technology officer and executive vice president, on the progress in the pipeline, please visit: http://www.monsanto.com/investors/pipeline/.

    Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information, please visit: http://www.monsanto.com.

    Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

    Certain statements contained in this presentation are "forward-looking statements," such as statements concerning the company''s anticipated financial results, current and future product performance, regulatory approvals, business and financial plans and other non-historical facts. These statements are based on current expectations and currently available information. However, since these statements are based on factors that involve risks and uncertainties, the company''s actual performance and results may differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, among others: continued competition in seeds, traits and agricultural chemicals; the company''s exposure to various contingencies, including those related to intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance and the speed with which approvals are received, and public acceptance of biotechnology products; the success of the company''s research and development activities; the outcomes of major lawsuits, including proceedings related to Solutia Inc.; developments related to foreign currencies and economies; successful completion and operation of recent acquisitions; fluctuations in commodity prices; compliance with regulations affecting our manufacturing; the accuracy of the company''s estimates related to distribution inventory levels; the company''s ability to fund its short-term financing needs and to obtain payment for the products that it sells; the effect of weather conditions, natural disasters and accidents on the agriculture business or the company''s facilities; and other risks and factors detailed in the company''s most recent periodic report to the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this presentation. The company disclaims any current intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements or any of the factors that may affect actual results.

    Source: Monsanto