Winnipeg, Manitoba
April 29, 2002

Monsanto Canada today announced details of its 2002 scholarship program for high school students across Canada.

Now in its 12th year, the Monsanto Canada Opportunity Scholarship program (formerly Agri-business Scholarship program) provides up to $90,000 in scholarships to deserving high school students across the country. The renaming of the scholarship program this year reflects a wider scope of educational opportunities now available within the program and targets a range of skills required by Monsanto and other agri-businesses.

Up to 60 scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each will be awarded to high school students who meet the following criteria:

• * Students must be from an agricultural or forestry family farming operation with plans to enter their first year of post-secondary education in agricultural sciences or forestry program;
• Students must have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership capabilities and a keen interest and involvement in their local communities;
• Applications must be post-marked no later than July 12, 2002.

"Monsanto Canada is proud to support deserving, young students who have an interest in pursuing careers in agriculture or forestry," said Peter Turner, vice-president and general manager of Monsanto Canada. "The scholarship program continues to attract keen interest from the best and brightest students across Canada and this bodes well for the future of agriculture in this country."

Scholarship application forms in both French and English have been distributed to high schools, 4-H Clubs, provincial and federal agriculture offices, farm retail outlets, media and seed companies. Application forms and brochures are also available from Monsanto's CustomCare line at 1-800-667-4944 or they can be accessed online at www.farmcentral.com. 

An independent panel of judges will review all applications postmarked by July 12, 2002. Successful applicants will be announced by July 31, 2002.

Monsanto Canada, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a leading provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve productivity.