Four major companies selling new Bt-corn technology today submitted for regulatory approval a plan recommending a common approach to prevent insect resistance to field corn containing genes derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The Bt genes are registered for use in corn by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The industry insect resistance management (IRM) plan for Bt corn was submitted by Monsanto
Company, Mycogen Seeds/Dow AgroSciences, Novartis Seeds, Inc. and Pioneer Hi-Bred
International, Inc. in conjunction with the National Corn Growers Association. If the EPA approves
expeditiously, registrants say it could be implemented for the 2000 growing season.

"The goal...is to sustain and protect Bt technology while allowing growers and society...to realize
fully the economic and environmental benefits of this technology,'' wrote the companies. The
companies note that their plan is based on an approach recommended by an EPA scientific advisory panel last year and that it "...seeks to... protect Bt technology with the need to establish a practical approach that growers will implement.''

"This uniform IRM plan balances today's scientific knowledge with the real world challenges that
growers face each day,'' says Joe Panetta, chairman, American Crop Protection Association
Biotechnology Committee, which represents the majority of the companies registering and selling
Bt-improved corn hybrids. "It's a practical, flexible and protective plan that everyone -- from
companies to growers -- supports and can make work.''

"Grower needs are addressed by this plan because it is straightforward and incorporates
easy-to-understand instructions that can be applied across diverse cropping practices,'' said Scott McFarland, director of industry relations, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).

Under the plan, refuge requirements will be imposed for all corn growing regions of the United
States. Growers will have to plant a minimum of 20 percent non-Bt corn in the corn belt states and the northern portion of the corn/cotton region. A minimum 50 percent refuge of non-Bt corn will be required in the southern portion of the corn/cotton-growing region. In addition, the plan encourages growers to plant non-Bt corn within one-quarter mile of Bt corn, where feasible, but requires refuges within one-half mile. In limited regions of the corn belt conventional insecticide treatments have historically been used. Growers will have the option of applying these treatments to the non-Bt corn refuge based on economic thresholds. If they do so, they must plant the non-Bt corn within one-quarter mile of their Bt corn plantings.

With the purchase of Bt hybrids, growers will receive a comprehensive guide to IRM measures and must sign a stewardship agreement stipulating they will follow IRM requirements. Annual surveys will be conducted to determine grower adoption. Should any area fall below expectations, the area will be targeted for increased and enhanced grower education.

Sponsoring companies will develop comprehensive programs to inform growers of the IRM plan and its importance. NCGA, the American Crop Protection Association, Biotechnology Industry
Organization, and a number of other organizations will reinforce company education efforts.

A complete copy of the Industry Insect Resistance Management Plan for Bt Field Corn can be
obtained by linking to http://www.ncga.com.

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