Pioneer Hi-Bred International Receives ISO Certification for Biotechnology Product Stewardship

DES MOINES, IA, April 28, 2005 - Independent, third-party auditors recently validated that Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., effectively manages stewardship obligations and biotech regulations throughout the United States, based on ISO 9001:2000 registration requirements.

ISO 9000 is an internationally accepted series of standards for quality management systems developed by the International Organization for Standardization. ISO 9000 registration affirms that a company meets the rigorous standards for quality management including employee training, record keeping, process control, product identification, testing and response to problems, as outlined by the program.

"ISO registration is important for several reasons," said Tom West, vice president, Pioneer Biotech Affairs and Business Support. "The registration confirms that we're protecting the benefit of biotech traits for our customers, by ensuring these traits are managed properly so they will remain effective for future generations of growers. It also underscores our commitment to global product stewardship and strong relationships with regulatory agencies in all locations where we do business."

The Pioneer Commercial Product Stewardship group is responsible for leading the seed provider's ISO initiatives, including developing and administering Pioneer stewardship and compliance activities for biotech products worldwide. The group works to ensure that Pioneer complies with internal product stewardship practices and U.S. governmental regulations for its biotech corn products. Commercial Product Stewardship also administers several stewardship programs, including Insect Resistance Management education and assessments, product stewardship communications and product development and commercialization consultations.

Greg Wandrey, director, Pioneer Product Stewardship, says it takes a team effort to run a successful stewardship program that is worthy of ISO registration. "Product stewardship is part of everyone's job at Pioneer. Our success in strengthening our operations and programs to achieve high levels of product stewardship compliance is a testament to the business's commitment to this important area," he said.

Pioneer - the first major agricultural seed producer in the world to pursue ISO 9000 registrations - leads the world's seed industry with 112 registered locations and more than 2,600 Pioneer employees working at these locations. Operations covered include parent and commercial seed production, seed quality testing, canola operations, phytosanitary diagnostics, customer and sales services, and forage and grain additive production.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, 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, crop protection solutions, and quality crop systems to customers. DuPont is a science 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, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.