Monsanto Company and Zeeland Farm Services, Inc. (ZFS) announced today that ZFS will be a participating processor of Monsanto's VISTIVE™ low-linolenic soybeans in 2006 and will market VISTIVE oil for use by the food industry. VISTIVE low-linolenic soybeans will reduce the need for partial hydrogenation of soybean oil, helping food companies reduce the presence of trans fatty acids (trans fats) in their products.

For the 2006 growing season, ZFS will be contracting with growers in Michigan for up to 25,000 acres of VISTIVE soybean production. ZFS will pay a premium to producers who grow VISTIVE soybeans under contract, then will crush and sell the processed soybean oil to food companies.

VISTIVE soybeans, developed through conventional breeding, contain less than three percent linolenic acid compared to the typical eight percent level found in traditional soybeans. The result is a more stable soybean oil, with less need for hydrogenation. Because soybeans with a lower linolenic acid level reduce the need for partial hydrogenation, their application in processed soybean oils will reduce the presence of trans fats in processed soybean oil.

The development of VISTIVE is significant because, beginning Jan. 1, 2006, all food products and dietary supplements bearing a nutritional facts panel that are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and sold in the United States will be required to list trans fat content.

"VISTIVE soybeans represent an innovative approach to addressing the trans fat issue, and we are excited to be part of that solution," said Cliff Meeuwsen, president of ZFS. "VISTIVE soybeans are also an excellent example of creating new market value, which is what U.S. soybean producers are looking for. VISTIVE enables producers to get paid a premium and participate in a process that moves soybeans higher up the value chain in today's market."

"We contracted all available VISTIVE soybeans in 2005, so we know that this product is in demand," said Kerry Preete, Vice President of U.S. Crop Production for Monsanto. "We are very pleased to partner with an industry leader like ZFS to ensure a successful expansion of VISTIVE soybeans in 2006. VISTIVE not only supports growing consumer demand for healthier foods, but also represents an important investment in the future success of the U.S. soybean industry."

Monsanto expects that VISTIVE soybeans will be grown on nearly 500,000 acres in 2006. VISTIVE soybeans have the Roundup Ready® trait and maintain performance parity with other commercial soybean varieties. For 2006, VISTIVE will be available in Monsanto's Asgrow® brand, as well as Stine®, Prairie™ Brand Seed, Latham® Seed, Kruger™ Seed Company, Croplan Genetics®, FS HiSOY®, LG® Seeds, Producers Hybrids®, Midwest Seed Genetics®, Crow's® and NC+® seed brands.

ZFS will process VISTIVE soybeans at its facility in Zeeland, Michigan. Specific information regarding grower opportunities and contract details will be available in the near future.

ZFS, a family owned business with over 50 years of service to the agricultural and transportation industries, operates the largest facility in Michigan that produces meal and oil from soybeans.

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.

Asgrow®, Roundup Ready® and VISTIVE™, Crow's®, NC+® and Midwest Seed Genetic® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC or of a Monsanto affiliated company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2005 Monsanto Company.