Boise, Idaho
2 July 2002

In October 2001 Syngenta Seeds announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the re-registration petition for Syngenta’s ROGERS^® Brand Bt ATTRIBUTE® sweet corn with YieldGard^® insect protection. The decision allows U.S. sweet corn growers continued access to hybrids that are helping them fight crop pests.

The new registration includes insect resistance management requirements that Syngenta and growers must follow. Under the new agreement, growers are required to read an "ATTRIBUTE Grower Guide", sign a "Stewardship Agreement" and follow the EPA’s guidelines for growing and harvesting Bt sweet corn.

Summaries of the changes under the new EPA guidelines are as follows:

• ATTRIBUTE hybrids may be sold only to professional growers but there is no minimum number of acres required.

• Prior to seed delivery the grower must sign a Stewardship Agreement indicating he has read and understood the Grower Guide. Previously no grower signature was required.

• Sprayable Bt products may be used with the ATTRIBUTE hybrids.

The following requirements have not changed:

• Growers must scout for target and non-target pests and use of IPM strategies to prevent economic loss.

• Growers must scout for resistant European corn borers and corn earworms, reporting any potential resistance occurrence to Syngenta.

• ATTRIBUTE stalks must be destroyed within 30 days, preferable within 14 days, following harvest. Accepted methods of destruction include rotary mowing, discing or plow down.

• Double cropping ATTRIBUTE hybrids is not permitted.

The EPA conducted a two-year reassessment of the environmental safety of Bt products. The reassessment included substantial new scientific research confirming Bt crops:

• Have shown no adverse human health effects;

• Have shown no insect resistance after five years of commercialization;

• Have shown no adverse effects to non-target wildlife, plant or beneficial invertebrates under typical agricultural conditions;

• Have provided significant benefits to growers, the public and the environment.

ATTRIBUTE Grower Guides which include the Stewardship Agreement form are available through authorized seed distributors of ATTRIBUTE sweet corn or available for download from the ROGERS® web site – www.rogersadvantage.com.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness. The company ranks first in crop protection, and third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2001 were approximately US $6.3 billion. Syngenta employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative Research and Technology. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange and in London, New York and Stockholm. Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.