Seed Genetics, Inc. (SGI) will represent Supercede* nutritional traits for Dow AgroSciences as the traits are incorporated into seed companies' corn hybrids, the two firms announced today.

Under the companies' service agreement, SGI will coordinate testing, evaluation, licensing and
administration of seed company efforts to incorporate the nutritionally enhanced genetics
package into approved hybrids.

"This relationship lays the foundation for expansion of Supercede into a broader base of
genetics, and ultimately a wider availability of elite hybrids that deliver more nutritious corn to the
marketplace," said Tim Johnson, president of Seed Genetics inc.

SGI will serve as Dow AgroSciences' point of contact on Supercede with the seed industry. In
that role, SGI will work with seed companies to evaluate the trait in research trials and hybrid
selection processes, as well as to manage data coordination on yield and grain composition.

"With SGI joining us in our efforts to expand distribution of Supercede, we can continue to create
new opportunity for farmers, seed retailers, the grain industry, and the grain user. This new feed
grain, combined with the market-driven philosophy behind it, creates added value for each
segment of the industry," added Mark Henderson, global leader in the Dow AgroSciences
Value-Added Grains business unit.

Dow AgroSciences introduced Supercede in a limited rollout last winter. The two 107-day corn
hybrids represent a new category of nutritionally enhanced corn. The more valuable grain
contains energy, protein and essential amino acids that are more concentrated and balanced
than conventional corn, Henderson added.

Crop performance in 1999 has been very competitive, Henderson said, while concurrent efforts to
develop brand interest in grain markets have met with positive results.

"Our focus has been to assist grain users in identifying the value of Supercede in their feeding
operations, then to create a network that fulfills that need and shares in the added value
created," he explained. "Enlisting the services of SGI is the next logical step in increasing the
supply of both hybrids and grain containing these value-added traits."

"What is interesting about this approach to the market is Dow AgroSciences' recognition that
each industry segment needs to recognize and identify an added benefit to encourage adoption
of Supercede," Johnson noted. "It will be the same for seed companies, who will need to see
how this trait will improve their hybrid offerings and thus create added value for their products."

"It is clearly important that seed companies take a look at Supercede in their research programs
to assess what value it may add to their products," Henderson said. "It will also be helpful for
them to see that Dow AgroSciences is using novel strategies, such as the ChanneLinkä online
contracting system, to build networks of cooperation that both speed the adoption of the brand in
the marketplace and lower the cost of introducing the product."

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a global leader in providing pest
management and biotechnology products that improve the quality and quantity of the earth's food
supply and contribute to the safety, health and quality of life of the world's growing population.
The company employs more than 3,500 people in over 53 countries and has worldwide sales of
approximately $2.5 billion. Dow AgroSciences is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow
Chemical Company. For more information visit the company web site at www.dowagro.com.

Seed Genetics, inc. was founded in 1988 and its headquarters are located in Lafayette, Indiana.
SGI represents and licenses elite corn genetics to the seed industry. Additionally, SGI
administers and services genetic and technology exchanges between companies. SGI conducts
product evaluation programs that provide data from hundreds of locations over three or more
years to establish the performance of SGI products. Independence, effective marketing
programs, industry expertise, efficient logistics and administrative support make SGI a key
genetic and technology source for the seed industry.

SGI is a registered trademark of Seed Genetic, Inc., Lafayette, Indiana.
Supercede is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC.

Company news release
N2268