Atlantic, Iowa
July 13,  2001

Calling farmers "the single largest environmental group in America today," Monsanto Chief Technology Officer Robert Fraley praised U.S. farmers for their daily contributions to preserving and protecting the environment.

Speaking at a grower summit in Atlantic, Iowa, Fraley noted that while there are many groups working on behalf of the environment, U.S. farmers deserve credit for the daily contributions they make to conservation by the very nature of their livelihood.

"There is a reality that most people are missing," Fraley told the farmers in attendance.

"The American grower has invented, established and practiced the concept of stewardship," he said. "Farmers are among the only people in the world that still work with their hands in the soil every day and rely on the sustainability of the Earth for the sustainability of their livelihood."

Fraley also noted that applied technology -- like biotechnology, conservation tillage and the development of biofuels -- are advancing agriculture along the frontiers of conservation.

One of the most important tools farmers are employing as environmental stewards of the environment is conservation tillage, Fraley said. Conservation tillage -- a farming practice that reduces or eliminates the plow -- is one of the most widely adopted, environmentally important practices in use today.

"The practice of conservation tillage has tremendous benefits for the environment by conserving soil moisture, reducing nutrient and pesticide runoff by more than 70 percent, and reducing soil erosion by up to 90 percent," Fraley said.

Last year, conservation tillage was used on more than 109 million acres in the United States, more than one-third of U.S. acres.

Biotechnology is another widely-adopted tool farmers are using that is helping to benefit the environment, Fraley said.

"Biotechnology has earned the right to be considered a legitimate tool of sustainable agriculture," he said. "In spite of all the perceived controversy, the reality is biotechnology is growing."

While there has been a great deal of coverage of the risks of biotechnology, those risks remain theoretical and remote, Fraley said. However, the benefits of biotechnology are more quantifiable than ever and are helping farmers to push the frontiers of conservation, he said.

"The growth in biotech acres isn't a trivial numbers game, but reflects the fact that there are thousands of individual growers each making the decision that biotech is the best alternative on their individual farm."

Fraley also underscored Monsanto's commitment to helping U.S. farmers maintain their role as the preeminent conservation group in America.

"At Monsanto, I believe we are as committed to conservation as you are," he said.

"Everyone knows you feed the world. We should also recognize that you don't receive enough credit for your hands-on role in preserving the world -- by protecting and preserving the piece of the environment where you work and earn your living."

Monsanto's commitment to delivering the benefits of important technologies like biotechnology and conservation tillage is embodied in the New Monsanto Pledge, a commitment to people around the world, that we will develop and sell our products in a safe and socially responsible manner. More specifically, we are committed to dialogue with interested parties; transparency with information and regulation; respect for religious, cultural and ethical concerns; sharing of knowledge and technology; and benefits for growers and the environment. To see the Pledge in its entirety or for more information, visit: http://www.monsanto.com/monsanto/about--us/monsanto-- pledge/default.htm .

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is a leading provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information on Monsanto, visit www.monsanto.com .

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