Increased Demand for Corn Increases Demand for Field Workers

Pioneer Seeking Young People for Good-Paying Temporary Jobs

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 30, 2007 - Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, plans to substantially increase the number of temporary field workers it employs in and around the communities where it is producing corn seed. The plans are part of an effort to aggressively ramp up seed corn supply prior to 2008 planting.

The company is looking for 30,000 young men and women to detassel its corn seed production fields for the 2007 summer season. Each year Pioneer hires thousands of detasselers, who play a key role in the production of the company's hybrid seed corn.

"Increased customer demand for seed corn driven by higher commodity prices translates into high demand for superior yielding Pioneer® brand corn hybrids," said Bill Tomlinson, director of North American corn operations. "The company is responding by increasing its seed production acres by two-thirds and nearly doubling its summer work force.

"We haven't hired this many summer workers for many years. While the task may be a bit daunting, I am sure we have the talent pool in and around the communities where we are producing seed to get the job done," said Tomlinson. "Detasseling is a challenging job, but it provides a unique opportunity over the period of a few weeks for young people to earn an excellent income, work with their friends, and develop a strong work ethic."

Pioneer is committed to providing its workers a safe working environment, including a comprehensive training program and numerous safety-related brochures, bookmarks and handouts.

Detasseling positions are available throughout North America in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas and Washington, as well as Ontario, Canada. The detasseling season generally runs from late-June or early-July through the early/middle part of August, though it varies depending on time and weather factors. For more information or to apply for a detasseling job, click on "Summer Jobs."

Detasseling is the act of removing the pollen-producing tassel from a corn plant. Detasselers walk through seed fields and remove tops of corn plants that were not removed by machines. Their work helps ensure genetic purity is maintained when the hybrid cross is produced commercially.

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 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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04/30/07

Contact: Allison Larson
515-270-3432 office