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Corn producers in Kansas and Nebraska planting products with the HERCULEX® XTRA traits are now eligible for crop insurance premium reductions through the Biotech Endorsement program.

The program was expanded to include both irrigated and dryland corn acres in Kansas and Nebraska by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation as part of the Biotech Endorsement program administered by the Risk Management Administration (RMA). This allows growers in these two states to join producers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin, where the program has already been approved for HERCULEX XTRA traits.

Further details on the Biotech Endorsement program will be announced shortly by the RMA. The corn products approved also include those containing the HERCULEX XTRA and Roundup Ready® Corn 2 traits.

HERCULEX XTRA technology by Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont company, and Dow AgroSciences LLC is a combination of the HERCULEX® I and HERCULEX® RW insect protection traits to guard against a broader range of above- and below-ground insects in corn than any other product on the market. The HERCULEX I gene protects the corn plant against insects, including European and southwestern corn borer, western bean cutworm, black cutworm, and fall armyworm, corn, while the HERCULEX RW trait protects against western, northern and Mexican corn rootworms.

"The approval of this program for products with the HERCULEX XTRA traits indicates that these traits lower growers' risk," said Paul Schickler, Pioneer president and DuPont vice president and general manager. "These technologies contribute to greater yields, protect field crops and help growers get more value from each acre. We're glad that our customers can potentially benefit from the Biotech Endorsement program and we will work with growers to get the right product on the right acre."

Studies have shown that corn hybrids containing the HERCULEX XTRA traits yielded significantly more bushels per acre than hybrids without these traits. Under higher environmental stress levels, the advantage for the hybrids with these traits was greater, providing better performance under more stressful conditions.

"This is big news for corn growers in Nebraska and Kansas who have come to trust the in-plant protection provided by hybrids with HERCULEX XTRA Insect Protection," said Ben Kaehler, traits licensing leader for Dow AgroSciences. "HERCULEX XTRA provides a full-spectrum of season-long protection, helping growers protect their corn from significant yield losses related to pressure from common corn pests. The Biotechnology Endorsement program has recognized what growers already know: HERCULEX XTRA protects their investment and helps maximize their yield potential."

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, 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 in nearly 70 countries.

DuPont is a science-based products and services 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 and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to serve the world's growing population. Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $3.8 billion.

Herculex insect protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred. ® Herculex and the HX logos are registered trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC.
® Roundup Ready is a registered trademark used under license from Monsanto Company.

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