Paris, Francde
July 26,  2001

Today Bayer France S.A. has taken legal action against certain beekeepers who have publicly repeated false allegations against Gaucho®. The company rejects the totally unfounded allegation that the sunflower seed treatment Gaucho is responsible for the death of bees in some regions in France.

Numerous studies conducted both by Bayer and by independent research institutes have clearly demonstrated that no causal relationship can be established between Gaucho and the depopulation of hives reported by French beekeepers.

Bayer has therefore decided to file claims for damages with the various regional courts to counter the repeated public allegations by certain beekeepers that are detrimental to the company's interests and jeopardize the good reputation of the product Gaucho.

Bayer will follow with interest the progress of the epidemiological survey, being conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and remains willing to cooperate in any study aimed at determining the real cause of the French bee problem.

Company news release
N3670a