Monsantos YieldGard VT corn technologies receive EU regulatory approval

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) welcomed today the European Union authorization of two of its corn technologies, YieldGard VT Pro™ (MON 89034) and YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2® (MON 88017). The decision covers the import, processing and food and feed use of these products. The final step in the approval process is publication of the decision by the European Commission.

These approvals follow the European Food Safety Authoritys positive opinions on the safety of the products in December 2008 for YieldGard VT Pro and April 2009 for YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2.

Monsantos YieldGard VT corn technologies deliver important benefits to farmers by helping to increase yields while using fewer inputs, thus contributing to greater sustainability in agriculture.

"We welcome the Commissions decision to follow the independent scientific advice of the European Food Safety Authority," noted Jerry Hjelle, Monsantos Vice President of Global Regulatory. "These approvals will enable farmers in North and South America to improve productivity in a more sustainable manner. Moreover, these authorizations will provide market access for these products needed by European livestock producers. We hope for timely EU approvals for other existing and pipeline products."