Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., today announced that it has settled with former employee Thomas Ishler a lawsuit that alleged he misappropriated Pioneer seed corn genetic material.

As part of the agreement, Ishler admits he misappropriated Pioneer corn germplasm, distributed it
within the Cargill organization, and that he and other Cargill employees used this misappropriated
Pioneer germplasm to develop seed for Cargill.

Ishler has given Pioneer the names of those to whom he distributed the misappropriated genetic
material; agreed to never use any Pioneer germplasm or its derivatives in any future breeding; and that he will never use the practice of ``chasing selfs'' - isolating proprietary inbred parents from bags of commercial seed. Ishler also paid Pioneer an undisclosed amount of money as part of the settlement.

Ishler, who lives in Leola, Pa., was a corn breeder for Pioneer from 1965 through 1989. He retired
from Pioneer in 1989 and joined Cargill where he worked until 1996.

A separate but related lawsuit against Cargill was settled in May. Another separate but related
lawsuit against Monsanto, which had acquired the Cargill international seed business, was settled in 1999. Germplasm misappropriation lawsuits continue against Asgrow Seed Company L.L.C. and DeKalb Genetics Corp., both now owned by Monsanto Company.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a DuPont business, is the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics to farmers worldwide. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer develops, produces and markets a full line of top-quality seeds, forage and grain additives and provides services to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science company, delivering science-based solutions that make a difference in people's lives in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation. Founded in 1802, the company operates in 70 countries and has 94,000 employees. 

Company news release
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