Good news for North American growers as approvals allow for continued trade

The Chinese government's approval today of the required safety certificate for the importation of Roundup Ready canola is great news for growers who plant canola improved through biotechnology.

China is a very important market for Canadian and U.S. canola where imports have continued under an interim process for the past two years. Issuance of this important safety certificate by the Chinese Government will allow for a more predictable process for traders and continued trade of Roundup Ready canola. The Roundup Ready canola event - GT73 - was approved by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and validated from April 6, 2004 to April 6, 2007.

"This is important news for growers who plant biotech crops. Another major importer has agreed that these products are safe and will be accepted," said Carl Casale, vice-president of Monsanto Company.

Earlier in the year, Monsanto received safety certificates from China for import of five commercial products in soybeans, corn, and cotton, thereby allowing farmers greater choice in how they produce their crops, control insects and decrease weeds. Specifically, the certificates received by Monsanto included Roundup Ready soybeans, one version of Roundup Ready corn, YieldGard Corn Borer, Bollgard cotton, and Roundup Ready cotton.

In 2002, China issued new regulations requiring safety certificates for imported grain derived from crops improved through biotechnology. Monsanto submitted extensive safety information for these products, which have been approved in many countries globally. "Many Pacific Rim countries are important markets for these products. The approvals in China send a clear message to North American growers and industry that biotech canola is welcome. China now joins an extensive list of countries that include Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines," said Casale.

Roundup Ready crops allow growers to use Roundup glyphosate-based agricultural herbicides over the top of growing plants, thereby offering more effective weed control with an herbicide that has a favorable environmental profile. YieldGard corn and Bollgard cotton protect themselves from certain insect pests, thereby greatly reducing the amount of chemical insecticides necessary to control those insects.

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is a leading provider of agricultural solutions to growers worldwide. Monsanto's employees provide top-quality, cost-effective and integrated approaches to help farmers improve their productivity and produce better quality foods.