Monsanto Canada today announced it has restructured its Canadian business operations to concentrate its people and resources on its seeds and biotechnology business, while refocusing resources within its Roundup business.

The announcement underscores that Monsanto is concentrating its time, resources and people on the growth segment of the agricultural industry, thereby accelerating its strategic evolution to a company led by its seeds and biotechnology business.

Ten per cent of Monsanto Canada employees have been affected through work force reduction. All departing employees have been provided with post-employment services, including severance packages and job placement services.

Making changes is difficult but we believe these changes are the right thing to do for our business and therefore, the right thing to do for our employees, our customers and our shareholders, said Trish Jordan, manager, public and industry affairs with Monsanto Canada. Today s action represents an opportunity to focus our Canadian business and resources by positioning our research and development spending and business structure in the areas that will continue to make our Canadian business successful.

Customers will continue to receive the quality and performance they have come to expect in Monsanto branded products and Monsanto remains committed to investment and support in both its Roundup and seeds and biotechnology business. The end goal is to create a business model and structure that will operate a sustainable Roundup business that contributes to our growing seeds and biotechnology business.

Monsanto is a leading provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.