Fifty impressive high school students from across the country will have help paying their university tuition thanks to $75,000 in funding made available by Monsanto Canada Inc. (NYSE:MON) through its 2005 Opportunity Scholarship Program.

The 50 winners - chosen from over 100 applicants - will each receive a $1,500 scholarship to assist with tuition costs during their first year of post-secondary education in agricultural sciences or forestry at a recognized Canadian educational institution. All the scholarship winners demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, leadership capabilities and a keen interest and involvement in their local communities.

"Monsanto has a long tradition of corporate giving and philanthropy, particularly as it relates to programs that encourage and support science and agricultural education," said Kathy Klepfer, vice-president and general manager of Monsanto Canada. "Young people who explore education and careers in science and agriculture are exposed to reasoning and critical thinking skills that are invaluable tools for evaluating everyday choices. This can only help maintain and enhance the role of science and technology in continuing to transform agriculture in the future."

2005 marks the 15th year scholarships have been awarded to high school students across the country as a means to support rural youth and agricultural education. Since the program's inception, Monsanto Canada has awarded almost $750,000 to hundreds of deserving students.

All the student applications were reviewed by an independent panel of judges who had the challenging task of selecting the winners among the worthy submissions. This year's scholarship judging panel included: Bob Adamson, director of the Agriculture Biotechnology Enrichment (ABE) program and science
director within the Pembina Trails School Division; Johanne Ross, executive director, Agriculture in the Classroom - Manitoba; Andy Sirski, Editor of Grainews; and Diane Wreford, assistant vice-president, public affairs with the Canola Council of Canada.

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