February 11, 2009

DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred is expected to grow its global seed corn market share by at least 1 to 2 points in 2009, DuPont Group Vice President James Borel said.

Borel also expects annual earnings for the DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition segment to grow at least 15 percent over the next five years, saying that the segment is well-positioned to fuel growth into the future.

Borel said robust seed orders point to global seed corn market share growth.

Orders from key markets in the North Hemisphere is very good, while Latin America, Africa and Asia are poised to make big gains due to new products and traits, Borel said.

In Brazil, the world's third largest corn market, Borel said Pioneer is well-positioned to capitalise on the recent registration of Herculex(R) insect protection, as Brazilian farmers are looking for solutions to increase yields and reduce spraying count.

DuPont will also launch the first biotech soy trait with direct consumer benefits as early as 2009.

Borel said DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition growth in 2009 will generate material free cash flow. He added that platform revenue is on track to grow by 6 to 8 percent per year over the next five years with earnings growing by an average 15 percent over that same time.