Only three corn hybrids among more than 200 offered to North American growers by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. in 1999 have not yet been approved for import into the European Union. This clarifies announcements by major U.S. grain processors declaring that they will accept only grain with GMO traits approved for import to the European Union (EU).

The three Pioneer(R) brand corn hybrids not yet cleared for import to the EU are hybrids containing both the YieldGard(1) gene and the LibertyLink(2) gene -- Pioneer(R) brand hybrids 33Y11, 34T14 and 38B22. These hybrids represent only a small percentage of Pioneer hybrids and are sold in a widely dispersed area across the Corn Belt.

Any Pioneer hybrid that contains only one of these traits has been approved for import to the EU and will be accepted at all elevators. These include corn hybrids with the YieldGard (MON810) gene for European corn borer resistance (Bt) and corn hybrids with the LibertyLink (T25) gene for
resistance to Liberty(2) herbicide.

"Throughout the season, we have been in contact with our customers, recommending that they would need to sell into a domestic market for the three non-approved hybrids or feed them on their own farms," said Don Aanonson, product line manager for corn crop protection traits. "We have an on-going program to inform growers of the export status on these products in a variety of ways, including a statement on Pioneer's Technology Use Agreement. That agreement must be read and signed by any grower who purchases one of these hybrids prior to delivery of seed this spring." Pioneer has also provided regular export status updates directly to growers as well as Pioneer sales representatives and dealers.

"It is critical that growers understand what markets are available for the grain produced from the seed they have purchased," said Aanonson. "These products offer tremendous value. However, it is important to have a marketing plan in place for domestic use of the grain until full export
approval is received."

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. is the world's leading supplier of agricultural genetics and the leading developer and integrator of agricultural technology. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer develops, produces and markets a full line of seeds, forage/grain additives and services to grain and livestock producers, grain processors and other customers worldwide.

(1) Registered trademark of, and used under license from, Monsanto Company.
(2) Registered trademark of Hoechst, Schering AgrEvo GmbH, Germany.

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