DuPont Vice President to Chair Public-Private Committee for Sustainable Development

William Niebur to Guide Private Sector Effort to Increase Food Security, Reduce Poverty in Developing Countries

DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 2, 2006 -- William S. Niebur, DuPont vice president, Crop Genetics Research and Development, has been appointed chair of the Private Sector Committee of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), an organization that works to achieve sustainable food security and reduce poverty in developing countries through scientific research.

"This public-private partnership poses a tremendous opportunity to apply the latest tools, technology and information available to achieve sustainable solutions for developing countries," said Niebur.

As vice president for DuPont Crop Genetics Research and Development, Niebur is responsible for driving worldwide crop genetics research strategies that are delivered through Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., the world's leading source of agricultural seed. In his current role, he has been instrumental in integrating new and proprietary technologies such as gene shuffling and marker assisted selection into DuPont plant genetics product development. Earlier in his career, Niebur made material contributions to the development of the top performing maize hybrids for North America and Europe.

Niebur was appointed chair of this public-private partnership by the CGIAR chair, Katherine Sierra, in consultation with the other committee and CGIAR members. He has been a member of the committee since January 2003.

"Improvements in production agriculture are the first steps toward enhancing the nutrition and economic well-being of people in developing countries," said Sierra. "We're delighted to have Bill as chair of the Private Sector Committee. His leadership, insights and extensive global experience in plant genetics and biotechnology will help us deliver increased agricultural productivity for the people who need it the most -- the poor and the undernourished."

The CGIAR is a strategic alliance of countries, international and regional organizations and private foundations supporting 15 international agricultural research centers that work with national agricultural research systems, the private sector and civil society. The alliance mobilizes agricultural science to reduce poverty, foster human well-being, promote agricultural growth and protect the environment.

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 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.

SOURCE: DuPont