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The European Union (EU) has approved the import, processing and use of YieldGard® Corn Borer (MON810), stacked with the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 (NK603) trait, for food and feed use in the EU. Both traits were developed and commercialized by Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON).

In 2005, the EU had grandfathered this stacked product already in the marketplace for use in processed feed, but had not acted until yesterday to grant full regulatory approval for both food and feed use.

"Monsanto welcomes the Commission's ruling on YieldGard Corn Borer stacked with Roundup Ready Corn 2 technology," said Dan Wright, Eastern Canada trait marketing manager for Monsanto. "This decision is good news for Canadian corn growers who have rapidly adopted this new technology on their farms."

For growers, the significance of the full EU approval means the Market Choices(R) designation for these hybrid varieties and the existing grain channeling requirements will now be removed. YieldGard Corn Borer stacked with the Roundup Ready Corn 2 trait has now achieved the same regulatory status in the EU as single trait corn products such as Roundup Ready Corn 2 and YieldGard Rootworm, as well as Monsanto's Roundup Ready(R) Soybeans.

The Market Choices program identifies those hybrids that are fully approved for food and feed use in key markets such as the United States and Canada, but are still awaiting the necessary approvals in the European Union. Growers who plant Market Choices hybrids must utilize designated delivery options for this grain such as feedlots, feed mills, and on-farm feeding, or work with grain handlers who agree to accept and channel the grain.

Canadian growers who have adopted and planted YieldGard Plus, YieldGard Rootworm with Roundup Ready Corn 2, YieldGard VT Triple(TM) , YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2(TM) or YieldGard Plus stacked with Roundup Ready Corn 2 hybrids will still need to market the grain under the Market Choices program until all necessary approvals for these products are received from EU regulators. Growers should also continue to work with their local seed dealers and grain handlers for specific stewardship and channeling/delivery requirements.

Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Monsanto Canada Inc. is part of the larger global Monsanto family. Monsanto is an agricultural company and a recognized world leader in providing technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information, visit www.monsanto.ca.

Roundup Ready, YieldGard, YieldGard VT Triple, YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2 and YieldGard Plus are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada Inc. licensee. Market Choices is a registered certification mark used under license.

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