Monsanto Canada (NYSE:MON) today announced details of its 2005 Monsanto Opportunity Scholarship Program for rural high school students across Canada.

Students entering their first year of post-secondary studies in agricultural sciences or forestry will have the opportunity to compete for a scholarship valued at Cdn$1,500. Now in its 15th year, the Monsanto Canada Opportunity Scholarship Program has awarded close to a quarter of a million dollars to thousands of deserving students since its inception.

Monsanto Canada Opportunity Scholarships are available to students who meet the following criteria:

• Students must be from an agricultural or forestry family with plans to enter their first year of post-secondary education in an agricultural sciences or forestry program;

• Students must have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership capabilities and a keen interest and involvement in their local communities;

• Students must complete and submit an application, including an essay outlining their vision for the future of agriculture, post-marked no later than July 15, 2005.

Scholarship application forms and posters in both French and English are in the process of being distributed to high schools, 4-H Clubs, provincial and federal agriculture offices, farm retail outlets, and seed companies. Application forms and brochures are also available from Monsanto's CustomCare line at 1-800-667-4944 or they can be accessed online at www.monsanto.ca.

An independent panel of judges will review all applications and winning entries will be announced in the fall of 2005.

Through its corporate giving program, Monsanto Canada provides funding to programs or organizations with a focus on science and agriculture education; agricultural awareness; development/leadership opportunities for rural youth; and farm safety.

"As a science-based company focused on agriculture, we want to encourage students to pursue educational opportunities in the fields of science and agriculture," said Trish Jordan, public affairs lead with Monsanto Canada. "There are a variety of exciting opportunities available in agriculture and it is important for the future of our industry to support those students who have chosen to pursue careers in agriculture."

Monsanto Canada, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a leading provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve productivity.