Soybean acres available for low linolenic soybean contracting through Bunge, in connection with the Bunge DuPont Biotech Alliance, will be expanded to include an estimated 200,000 acres in 2006 and 550,000 acres
in 2007.

In addition, growers will be able to choose from a growing lineup of low linolenic soybean varieties from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. – two Pioneer brand soybean varieties in 2006 and up to six in 2007.

This program, begun on a limited basis in Iowa and Ohio in 2005, offers premiums to growers who grow Pioneer low linolenic soybeans designed for healthier oils in the food industry. Contracts will be offered through Bunge North America at local participating elevators. The expanded acres and elevators will primarily be in Iowa and Ohio.

"We expect the market for low linolenic soybeans to expand further in the future," says Marv Wilson, Pioneer soybean marketing director. "We're able to increase the number of soybean varieties for this marketplace because we've been working on developing these soybeans with improved oil since 1991 and can provide growers with the complete genetic package needed for their production demands."

When elevators are announced in these regions, growers can sign up at the participating facilities and purchase low linolenic soybeans from their local Pioneer seed representatives. Participating growers must provide the grain to elevators within an identity-preserved system. Premium payments to growers for 2006 and 2007 have not yet been set and will be determined closer to contracting time.

The oil produced from these low linolenic soybean varieties enables food service providers and food processors to reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids in their products. The oil is marketed as NUTRIUM™ Low Lin Soybean Oil. This is the first product sold under the NUTRIUM brand, created as a part of the alliance between Bunge and DuPont, the parent company of Pioneer.

"Several customers are showing strong interest in NUTRIUM Low Lin oil as they look to reduce or eliminate trans fat in their products," says Dick Goodman, senior vice president and general manager, Bunge Oils. "We are committed to being a leading innovator in food oils, and our alliance with DuPont is important to ensuring that our customers have the best products to meet their needs."

NUTRIUM Low Lin oil has a low linolenic acid profile of less than 3 percent, offering better natural oil stability and increased shelf life. When used in frying, low linolenic oil eliminates the need for partial hydrogenation. The industry has been looking for alternative oils because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will require the inclusion of trans fats on food nutrition labels in 2006.

By the end of the decade, Bunge expects to approach full-scale commercial availability at nearly one billion pounds of low lin oil for the food industry.

The Bunge DuPont Biotech Alliance was formed to continue research and commercialize value-added soybean output traits developed through DuPont and Pioneer soybean research and marketed to the food industry through Bunge North America.

Bunge North America, the North American operating arm of Bunge Limited (NYSE: BG), is a vertically integrated food and feed ingredient company, supplying raw and processed agricultural commodities and specialized food ingredients to a wide range of customers in the livestock, poultry, food processor, foodservice and bakery industries. With headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., Bunge North America and its subsidiaries operate grain elevators, grain and oilseed processing plants, edible oil refineries and packaging facilities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

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. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

®, ™ Trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.