St. Louis, Missouri
February 25, 2002
A Brazilian appellate court
recessed today prior to reaching a decision regarding
injunctions that prevent the Brazilian government from granting
commercial approval of agricultural biotechnology crops.
In a lengthy decision delivered in open court, Judge Selene
Maria de Almeida, the reporter judge,
addressed the complex legal and technical issues in the case and
voted to lift the injunctions. Citing
the complexity of the case, the two remaining judges requested
more time to prepare their votes and
the hearing recessed.
"The company supports the ongoing efforts of the Brazilian
government to clarify the legal issues
relating to biotechnology," said Belmiro Ribeiro, Monsanto's
Brazilian Public Affairs Director.
"Monsanto remains committed to bringing the benefits of
biotechnology to Brazilian growers," Mr.
Ribeiro said.
Monsanto Company (NYSE:
MON) is an 85-percent owned subsidiary of Pharmacia Corporation
(NYSE: PHA). Pharmacia has announced plans to spin off its
ownership interest in Monsanto to
Pharmacia shareowners during the fourth quarter of 2002.
Monsanto is a leading provider of agricultural solutions to
growers worldwide. Monsanto's employees
provide top-quality, cost-effective and integrated approaches to
help farmers improve their productivity
and produce better quality foods.
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