Monsanto Company and Minnesota Soybean Processors announced today that Minnesota Soybean Processors 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, Minnesota Soybean Processors will be contracting with growers in southwestern Minnesota, northwestern Iowa and southeastern South Dakota for up to 50,000 acres of VISTIVE soybean production. Minnesota Soybean Processors will pay a premium to producers who grow VISTIVE soybeans under contract, then it will crush and sell the processed soybean oil to food companies.

VISTIVE soybeans, developed through conventional breeding, contain less than three percent linolenic acid as 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.

"We contracted all available VISTIVE soybeans in 2005, so we know that this product is in demand. We are very pleased to partner with Minnesota Soybean Processors to ensure a successful expansion of VISTIVE soybeans in 2006," said Ernesto Fajardo, Vice President of U.S. Crop Production for Monsanto. "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. 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.

Minnesota Soybean Processors will process VISTIVE soybeans at its facilities in Brewster, Minnesota. Specific information regarding grower opportunities and contract details will be available from Minnesota Soybean Processors in the near future.

The Minnesota Soybean Processors is a producer owned 521 Cooperative. The soybean plant processes 38 million bushels on an annual basis. The Minnesota Soybean Processors began operations in December of 2003 and most recently completed construction of a 30 million gallon biodiesel production facility in July of 2005.

Monsanto 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.