Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and Monsanto Company today announced a resolution of the litigation between them stemming from Monsanto's purchase of Cargill's international seed operation last year. The lawsuit, filed by Pioneer in February 1999, alleged that Monsanto had purchased germplasm that Cargill had improperly taken from Pioneer.

The settlement involved the destruction of genetic materials derived from Pioneer inbred lines that were obtained by Cargill from a former Pioneer employee. The agreement also resolved disputed claims regarding other inbred lines through an undisclosed amount of cash and unspecified technology exchanges.

"Germplasm security issues are important to Pioneer. We're pleased we've been able to resolve with Monsanto the dispute over the use of the germplasm contained in the seed lines sold to them by Cargill,'' said Rick McConnell, senior vice president of research at Pioneer.

"We're pleased to have reached an amicable agreement to a complicated situation which will allow us both to go forward with our individual efforts,'' said Hendrik A. Verfaillie, Monsanto's president and chief operating officer.

This settlement does not resolve the pending litigation between Pioneer and Cargill or the pending
litigations between Pioneer and DEKALB Genetics Corp. and Asgrow Seed Co., L.L.C.

Monsanto is a life sciences company, committed to finding solutions to the growing global needs for food and health by sharing common forms of science and technology among agriculture, nutrition and health. The company's 31,800 employees worldwide make and market high-value agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and food ingredients.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., is the world's leading supplier of agricultural genetics and is the leading developer and integrator of agricultural technology. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer develops, produces, and markets a full line of seeds, forage/grain additives and services to grain and livestock producers, grain processors and other customers worldwide.

Company news release
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