Feature News

TORONTO, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) sees a significant growth opportunity in continuing to create more yield for farmers worldwide through its R&D investment in plant biotechnology and breeding. This message and other key comments will be delivered to investors by Robb Fraley, Monsanto's executive vice president and chief technology officer, as part of the Canaccord Adams Conference today in Toronto.

"Even as we live through a global recession, we believe the demand for grain continues. That demand can only be met by harvesting more yield, more sustainably off of the same acre," Fraley said. "Monsanto has committed to doubling yields in corn, soybeans and cotton by 2030 in our technology, and the innovation unlocked from breeding and biotechnology can help deliver seed technologies to farmers that provide yield and value."

Fraley's presentation will discuss products in Monsanto's R&D pipeline, as well as 2008 harvest yield data.

Roundup Ready 2 Yield(TM) Soybeans

Monsanto recently completed a preliminary review of its yield trials and research confirmed that in 100's of comparisons Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans delivered a 7 percent to 8 percent yield advantage of more than 3.5 to 4 bushels per acre as compared to competitive Roundup Ready soybean varieties. Fraley will discuss how this technology will bring a step-change function in yield to soybean production, pulling forward in one year with one trait what would have taken six years or more with conventional breeding.

"Our field trials clearly demonstrate that Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans provided a consistent yield advantage in this year's challenging growing season," Fraley said. "Our products need to perform consistently in the varied weather conditions our growers face every season. Consistency equals more yield and return for growers and for our investors."

As further evidence of growing interest and acceptance of this technology, Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans achieved a major milestone last week when the technology received regulatory approval in the European Union for importation. Roundup Ready 2 Yield will be introduced on 1 million to 2 million U.S. acres for the 2009 season as part of a controlled commercial release, followed by a large-scale product launch on 5 million to 6 million acres scheduled for 2010.

DEKALB Corn

Fraley will also announce that Monsanto has finalized its 2008 corn yield data confirming that Monsanto's DEKALB corn seed products consistently delivered a 9.6-bushel-per-acre yield advantage over national competitor products in more than 15,300 comparisons, with a three-year rolling average at nearly 9 bushels per acre.

Fraley noted that Monsanto's R&D pipeline is currently being assessed and analyzed based on 2008 field trials, and he anticipates multiple projects to advance. Monsanto will discuss its annual R&D pipeline review during its first quarter earnings call on Jan. 7, 2009.

Webcast Information

Fraley's presentation slides and simultaneous audio webcast of the presentation may be accessed by visiting the company's Web site at http://www.monsanto.com/investors. Following today's live broadcast set for 9:30 a.m. ET, a replay of the webcast will be available for two weeks.

About Monsanto Company

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large- scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: http://www.monsanto.com/.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements contained in this release are "forward-looking statements," such as statements concerning the company's anticipated financial results, current and future product performance, regulatory approvals, business and financial plans and other non-historical facts. These statements are based on current expectations and currently available information. However, since these statements are based on factors that involve risks and uncertainties, the company's actual performance and results may differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, among others: continued competition in seeds, traits and agricultural chemicals; the company's exposure to various contingencies, including those related to intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance and the speed with which approvals are received, and public acceptance of biotechnology products; the success of the company's research and development activities; the effect of weather conditions, natural disasters and accidents on the agriculture business or the company's facilities; and other risks and factors detailed in the company's most recent periodic report to the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this release. The company disclaims any current intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements or any of the factors that may affect actual results.

Note to editor: Roundup Ready 2 Yield, Roundup Ready and DEKALB are trademarks of Monsanto Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries.