Three Monsanto Genuity Corn Traits Receive Mexican Import Approval

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 25, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mexico, a major importer of U.S. corn grain and dried distillers grains, has given full regulatory authorization for importation of grain from three Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) Genuity™ corn traits: Genuity™ SmartStax™, Genuity™ VT Triple PRO™, and Genuity™ VT Double PRO™.

The approvals by Mexico for Genuity™ SmartStax and Genuity™ VT Triple PRO are the final major global regulatory import approvals necessary to enable U.S. and Canadian farmers who plant these corn trait technologies to fully market their grain in 2010. Additionally, farmers who planted Genuity™ VT Triple PRO as part of a limited commercial demonstration in 2009 may now fully market their grain.

Genuity™ SmartStax and Genuity™ VT Triple PRO have regulatory authorizations in the United States, Canada, Japan and Korea, among other countries. Genuity™ VT Double PRO has full regulatory approval in the United States, Canada, and Japan. Monsanto anticipates approval in Korea for Genuity™ VT Double PRO during the 2010 growing season. The Genuity™ brand is Monsanto's system of traits under one platform, making it easier for farmers to select the traits best suited for their farms.

"Farmers who plant these innovative technologies are the real winners here," said Jerry Hjelle, Monsanto Vice President of Global Regulatory. "Increasing global demand for corn grain means they need to get more from every acre. These demands will be met through corn products that improve yield and reduce resource use such as Genuity™ SmartStax, Genuity™ VT Triple PRO and Genuity™ VT Double PRO."

Genuity™ SmartStax: The Industry's Most Advanced, All-in-One Corn Trait Platform

Increased yield from a reduced refuge, improved pest control through multiple modes of action and superior germplasm combine to make Genuity™ SmartStax the highest yielding corn product available. 

The multiple modes of action in Genuity™ SmartStax are the only proven means to reduce structured refuge to support long-term durability of corn Bt trait technologies. Farmers who adopt Genuity™ SmartStax will be able to plant a single above- and below-ground structured refuge of 5 percent in Canada and in the U.S. Corn Belt, and 20 percent in the Cotton Belt.

Monsanto plans to launch Genuity™ SmartStax across all of its brands on more than 4 million acres in 2010.

SmartStax is the outcome of a cross-licensing agreement and research and development collaboration between Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company.  The technology is the result of best-in-class trait integration that combines each company's industry-leading corn traits to provide growers the broadest spectrum of above- and below-ground protection against pests and weeds.

Genuity™ VT Triple PRO: Higher Yield Potential Through Increased Grain Quality

Corn farmers in the cotton growing regions of the South can benefit from higher yield potential as well as improved grain quality with Genuity™ VT Triple PRO.  The corn technology provides superior control of ear-feeding insects, which can result in reduced levels of mycotoxins.  

Genuity™ VT Triple PRO provides above- and below-ground pest control and Roundup Ready® technology.  Through its dual modes of action, the next-generation technology sets a new standard for consistency, as well as enhanced durability and reduced potential for insect resistance.  Genuity™ VT Triple PRO has been approved for a reduction in the refuge requirement for corn borer in the South from 50 percent to 20 percent. This means farmers can protect more of their acres with higher yielding Genuity™ VT Triple PRO compared with non-Bt corn hybrids.

Genuity™ VT Double PRO: Double-stack Technology with 5 Percent Refuge

To provide farmers the most profitable products that fit their risk profile, Monsanto brands are offering Genuity™ VT Double PRO with an appropriate stewardship plan in 2010. The corn technology contains Monsanto's second-generation corn borer technology and the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 technology.  Genuity™ VT Double PRO provides a profitable opportunity for growers within select regions who are experiencing low rootworm pressure.

The dual modes of action in Genuity™ VT Double PRO offer farmers best-in-class protection from European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, fall armyworm, and corn earworm while offering tolerance to Roundup agricultural herbicides.  Farmers who experience this technology in 2010 can benefit from greater whole farm yield; Genuity™ VT Double PRO is the only double-stack product currently on the market to qualify for an above-ground only 5 percent refuge.

About Monsanto Company

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com . Follow our business on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MonsantoCo, or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed .

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, such as statements concerning the company's 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: the success of the company's research and development activities; the costs of and the company's abilities to access and enforce intellectual property needed for the collaboration; the costs and requirements of regulatory compliance and the speed with which approvals are received; public acceptance of biotechnology products; 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.

Note to editors: SmartStax ™ multi-event technology developed by Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto.  

Genuity, SmartStax, the SmartStax Logo, VT Triple PRO, VT Double PRO and Roundup Ready are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.

SOURCE Monsanto Company

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