Orlando, Florida
June 26, 2002

Plant biotechnology is an important tool to help address nutrition needs in the developing world, as well as chronic lifestyle- and diet-related diseases in the developed world, Monsanto's chief scientist said today at the 10th Annual International Association for Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology (IAPTC&B) Congress.

"Clearly we need new technologies as a tool to provide the basic staples so desperately needed in the developing world, and we also need to continue research that will make it possible to provide a variety of nutritious and wholesome foods so consumers around the world can optimize their health," said Robb Fraley, Ph.D., chief technology officer of Monsanto, in a speech to the conference in Orlando.

"Over the next 20 years, the global demand for food will increase approximately 75 percent. This is a daunting technological challenge," he said.

"Plant biotech holds promise to address diseases and nutritional imbalances that exist around the world today."

In the developing world, Fraley said, staple crops like rice and mustard are being enhanced through biotechnology to contain increased levels of beta- carotene. These hold promise to significantly reduce Vitamin A deficiency among the poor in India and China, he said.

"Biotech crops are a cost-effective and convenient tool to ensure increased access to the nutrients people need to improve their health and quality of life," said Fraley.

"The best sources of nutrients are unavailable or too expensive for many people in developing countries. We must continue to find ways to share this powerful technology in these regions to encourage self-reliance and prosperity."

Fraley said biotechnology also has the potential to address chronic health problems in the developed world through enhanced oils and modified proteins.

"There are not enough fish in the ocean to ensure that all humans get enough 'good' fatty acids. We need to develop a land-based source of this valuable nutrient to fortify the diets of all consumers," he said.

"Researchers are currently looking at ways to use biotechnology to enhance crops and food products so that they are more nutritious and, in turn, can reduce risks like obesity and cardiovascular disease."

During his speech, Fraley addressed the current benefits of biotechnology, including increased yields, reduced reliance on pesticides, and the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices.

In the future, Fraley said new biotech products will contain enhanced nutritional qualities and traits that help crops withstand environmental stress, including drought.

"The pipeline of potential new products emerging across the ag-biotech industry is astonishingly broad and innovative," Fraley said.

"We must continue developing products that benefit growers, and ensure new products deliver tangible benefits to consumers, including enhanced nutrition and taste."

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is a leading provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.