Pioneer Invests in Northern Corn Belt to Meet Increasing Demand for Seed and Grain

MANKATO, Minn., Oct. 30, 2008 – Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, today announced it has increased its investment in the northern Corn Belt in 2008 to help increase productivity and profitability of farmers and meet growing demand for its seed.

By the end of 2008, Pioneer plans to complete an investment of an additional $9 million and the hiring of an additional 25 research, production and sales employees in Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin to support its business growth. Today’s announcement is part of an approximate 80 percent year-over-year increase in capital investments to be made by Pioneer in 2008 compared to 2007.

“This increase is a direct response to growing demand for Pioneer® brand products,” said Randy Minton, Pioneer business director. “Farmers are focused more than ever on maximizing their profitability by planting the best corn and soybean seed. That’s why they are coming to Pioneer.

“We are responding to farmers’ needs with additional investments in state-of-the-art seed production facilities and by putting more people on the ground to work with our customers to maximize the potential of the seed they buy from us. We also are boosting research capacity in the state to ensure farmers continue to get the best genetics for their growing conditions.”

In Michigan, Pioneer is adding a new dryer and a fill system at its Constantine production site.

In Minnesota, Pioneer is adding a bagger system in Jackson and is completing a seed handling expansion at its Redwood Falls research location.

In Wisconsin, Pioneer is expanding the alfalfa greenhouse at its Arlington research facility. In addition, Pioneer is leasing a new research facility in Volga, S.D., to accommodate the expansion in corn breeding programs and field testing.

Pioneer also has research operations in Ithaca, Mich.; Mankato, Moorhead and Willmar, Minn.; as well as Eau Claire and Janesville, Wis. In addition, Pioneer agronomists work with farmers throughout the region to conduct product advancement trials to optimize product performance for the variety of environments and production practices in which Pioneer products are grown.

“Farmers in the northern Corn Belt grow corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa across myriad growing environments, and we are working closely with our customers to ensure they get the right product on the right acre to get the most out of every Pioneer seed they plant,” said Minton.

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.

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10/30/2008

Contact:
Pat Arthur
515-334-6515