Tom West, vice president of biotechnology affairs, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., issued the following statement on the announcement of the planting of the one billionth acre of biotech seed:

"Today, we have hit an amazing milestone -- somewhere in the Northern Hemisphere, a farmer has planted the one billionth acre of seed containing biotech traits. Farmers around the world have recognized the significant value of biotechnology and have adopted its use at an amazing pace."

"I believe we are witnessing one of the greatest technological changes in the history of agriculture. Few technologies, not even the introduction hybrid corn in 1926 by Henry Wallace, have had the rapid acceptance and growth rate that biotech crops have enjoyed. For the first time last year, biotech crop area in developing countries grew faster than developed countries, further indicating the important economic, health and social benefits realized by these small farmers."

"It is exciting to think about the additional benefits that global consumers will derive from new biotechnology introductions in the years ahead."

For more information on biotech acreage, Truth About Trade and Technology is running a ticker on their Web site, highlighting the number of acres of biotech seed planted and harvested globally.

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. 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.