Des Moines, Iowa
August 27, 2002

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., has reinforced the importance of health and safety performance of contractors working at its facilities by inviting key representatives of its major contractors to attend two-day safety courses called PINS (Partners in Safety) training at Pioneer's Johnston Campus.

More than 80 persons have attended the workshop, offered both in June and August, including employees from Pioneer's three Iowa contractors: Graham, Baker Electric and Baker Group.

"We sent 10 employees through the June training and another 10 in August," said Gary Bridgewater, vice president of the Baker Group's mechanical division. "We're committed to supporting Pioneer's efforts to adopt an aggressive safety strategy and going through the training helps us to understand what's expected of us as a Pioneer contractor. There is no down-side to Pioneer's program. It's good for our employees and makes us a safer contractor."

At the end of the course, participants will earn a 10-hour OSHA card and a Pioneer Partners in Safety card.

In addition to funding the instruction, accommodations and supplemental learning materials of the program, Pioneer is paying contractors regular, full-day wages for their time during the two-day workshop.

"We don't look at the costs of putting on this seminar as an expense," said Jim O'Hare, director of Risk Management for Pioneer. "This is truly an investment in the physical well-being of our business partners. The return on investment will be prevented injuries and lives saved."

The workshop curriculum meets OSHA regulations and furthers safety efforts by incorporating safety standards specific to Pioneer. Most guidelines are familiar to contractors and are generally followed even outside of Pioneer jobs.

"We've had a great response from our contractors so far," said Mark Miller, Pioneer's director of corporate services. "They realize the inherent risks involved with many of their jobs and are glad to work with a company that keeps safety top of mind."

This year, more than 84,000 injury-free hours of work have been completed by vendors and contractors supporting Pioneer Operations in the Des Moines/Johnston area. This is a credit to the business value Pioneer and its contractors place on safety.

"We appreciate Pioneer's interest in the well-being of our employees," said Dave Hearn, president, Baker Electric. "Any enhancement to the safety of our employees is a benefit to us."

In addition to the formal training seminar, all Pioneer contractors worldwide, from copy machine technicians and painters to electricians and interior designers, will be informed of Pioneer safety precautions prior to any assignment. Upon arriving at Pioneer facilities, contractors will be presented with a safety handbook and advised of precautions specific to their task. Contractors will then have to verify by signature that he or she is aware of and will abide by the safety handbook guidelines.

Pioneer has a Risk Management department comprised of 14 safety experts dedicated to ensuring the safety of its employees worldwide. The Risk Management team strives to provide and maintain safe work environments for employees and contractors alike -- both on and off the job.

Pioneer shares the DuPont company goal of zero accidents. The company's philosophy is that all accidents are preventable. The deeply engrained belief dates back to the founder, E.I. du Pont, who implemented strict safety guidelines when he founded the explosives company 200 years ago. The attention to safety created by the company's founder has been a trademark of success and a critical guiding principal of DuPont.

"We have always been confident in our safety efforts at Pioneer, but we've learned from our relationship with DuPont that we can raise the bar," said Miller. "That has helped us shape our contractor safety program."

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. During 2002, DuPont is celebrating its 200th year of scientific achievement and innovation -- providing products and services that improve the lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Del., DuPont delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people's lives in the areas of food and nutrition, health care, apparel, home and construction, electronics and transportation.