Des Moines, Iowa
October 18, 2002

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., is the first major agricultural seed producer in the U.S. to receive
accreditation under the National Seed Health System (NSHS), a government and industry collaboration. This landmark accreditation authorizes Pioneer to conduct plant health inspections and tests in compliance with international phytosanitary regulations, previously reserved for only government officials. This will help Pioneer speed product development and the shipment of seed,
while meeting international requirements for shipping seed free of disease and pests.

"This accreditation signifies a high level of confidence in our phytosanitary inspection system," says Jim Miller, Pioneer vice president of crop genetics research and development. "It recognizes Pioneer's commitment to excellent stewardship of its products, as well as a rigorous processes and the quality of the people involved in seed shipment. Since this accreditation has the potential to expedite product development, the ultimate beneficiaries are Pioneer customers."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS) has responsibility for the NSHS seed health accreditation program. Accreditation is official recognition of proficiency resulting in the approval and authority to perform specific tasks or services in support of official obligations.

"We are authorized in all four possible regulatory areas -- seed health testing; phytosanitary field inspection; seed sampling for seed health testing; and visual inspection of seed prior to phytosanitary certification," said Bill Dolezal, head of the pathology and entomology specialists group at Pioneer and a research fellow.

NSHS requirements

Many of the requirements for NSHS accreditation were already in place at Pioneer because of ISO 9000 accreditation and the Pioneer Diagnostic Network. The Pioneer Diagnostic Network is a formalized scientific system, which has standard protocols for diagnostic activities. By using high-resolution digital imaging and information systems, Pioneer personnel can diagnose plant diseases and pests thousands of miles away.

NSHS is a cooperative government and industry consortium formed to address seed health and trade problems in an orderly, scientific and systematic manner. Among the organization's goals are optimal trade while protecting agriculture, the environment and the economic well-being of the interested parties.

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.

For additional information about our company or our products, check our worldwide Web sites: http://www.pioneer.com or http://www.cropprotection.dupont.com