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ST. LOUIS, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) announced today that Robert A. Paley, 60, Vice President and Treasurer, will retire from the company effective Jan. 31, 2009. Tom D. Hartley, 49, has been named Vice President and Treasurer effective Dec. 8, 2008. In order to affect an orderly transition, Paley will serve Monsanto as Special Assistant and Advisor to the CFO through Jan. 31, 2009.

"On behalf of the Monsanto management team and employees, I thank Bob for his 38 years of service to our company," said Terry Crews, Chief Financial Officer. "As treasurer, he played an instrumental role in strengthening our balance sheet, managing our financial risks, and enhancing the cash flow generation capabilities of the Company. Bob has also been responsible for developing and coaching numerous members of Monsanto's finance organization."

Paley joined Monsanto's predecessor in June 1970 as a Manufacturing Cost Analyst. He served in a variety of roles at the company, including numerous positions in the finance organization, as well as positions in human resources, product management, sales, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning. Paley served as a vice president and the company's treasurer since 2002.

Most recently, Hartley was Director, International Finance for the company. He joined Monsanto's predecessor in January 1992 and has had broad finance experience supporting Monsanto's commercial business and technology organizations. Hartley also has experience in the company's controllership, treasury, financial reporting and accounting departments. Prior to joining Monsanto, he was a Manager with Deloitte & Touche, LLP. Hartley holds B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from Duke University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

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/.