The burden of rising costs for post-secondary education was eased just a but this fall for 55 high school students from across the country thanks to $82,500 in scholarship funding made available by Monsanto Canada Inc. through its 2006 Opportunity Scholarship Program.

Each of the scholarship winners - chosen from over 100 applicants -- will 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.

"We believe strongly that encouragement and assistance for students who choose agricultural sciences as a field of study is important because an educated and qualified workforce will be critical to our business success and the success of our industry in the future," said Sean Gardner, vice-president and general manager of Monsanto Canada. "It is rewarding to see so many bright young students pursuing an academic program that will lead them to careers in agriculture and forestry."

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; John Morris, Editor of Farmers Independent Weekly; and Ellen Pruden, Education and Promotions Coordinator with the Manitoba Canola Growers Association.

Monsanto Canada has been awarding entrance scholarships for the past 16 years as a means to support rural youth and agricultural/science education. Since the program's inception, more than $800,000 has been awarded to hundreds of deserving students.

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