Des Moines, Iowa
September 29, 2003

Customers can access account balance and Deferred Payment loan information, plus other special features.
 

Customers of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., now have an easy new way to check their account balances and Deferred Payment loan information securely, as well as sign important paperwork.  It’s as easy as logging on to the Pioneer GrowingPoint^sm website: www.pioneer.com/growingpoint.
 

“Our customers often need to know quickly what their current balance is and how they arrived at that balance,” says Bill Belzer, e-business manager for Pioneer.  “By using the Internet as the platform, growers will have, at their fingertips, a detailed summary of their transactions with Pioneer.  This is a progressive step for Pioneer in the area of customer self-service, and we’re proud to be taking a leadership position.”
 

Customer features
 

Once customers have activated their accounts, they will be able to view current account information, retrieve Deferred Payment loan details and access special account features.
 

According to Belzer, this service takes the complexity out of understanding account statements.  With little effort, customers will be able to see the purchases they made in 2003 listed by season, year and account balance.  In addition, an account activity page offers details of the number of units purchased plus hybrid and variety numbers, along with any changes, discounts or adjustments made to the order.
 

Deferred Payment and online contract signing
 

With the ability to view Deferred Payment accounts, customers can check their current balance due, principal balance, last payment made and current interest rate in addition to printing payment coupons.  Later this fall, Deferred Payment customers also will be able to pay their Deferred Payment balances electronically.
 

In addition, paperwork will no longer be a hassle for Pioneer customers.  Technology Agreement (TA) and Grain Marketing Communications Plans (GMCP) will be available online for customers to sign electronically.  Growers who purchase seed with biotech traits are required to sign TAs.  By signing, they agree to adhere to stewardship guidelines and other requirements.  GMCPs must be signed by growers who purchase grain not yet approved for import into all overseas markets, so they understand the grain marketing options. 
 

Gaining account access
 

            A few simple steps allow Pioneer customers access to their account information.  First, the customer must be a registered user of GrowingPoint website.  Customers who have not used GrowingPoint website in the past should call the GrowingPoint website support line at
800-233-7333 to obtain a username and password.
 

Because Pioneer is committed to customer security, a one-time Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be issued to allow customers to activate their accounts.
 

“The PIN protects each customer’s personal data, beyond the username and password given to gain access to GrowingPoint website,” says Belzer.  “This is just one extra step we are taking to assure privacy of our customers’ information.”
 

Current GrowingPoint website users will receive a PIN by the end of September.  Those who have not accessed the GrowingPoint website will be sent a PIN after their initial visit to the GrowingPoint website.  Customers who do not receive a PIN or have questions can call
800-233-7333 or visit the “Accounts” section of the Pioneer GrowingPoint website for
additional help.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world's leading sour ce 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. DuPont is a science company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people’s lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

^{®, SM, TM} Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.