February 13, 2008

DuPont launches new insect control system, soy technology platform

Dupont announced a better corn insect control system, higher soy yields and broader seed business reach in Brazil at the Goldman Sachs 12th annual Agricultural Biotech Forum yesterday.

The new insect control system, Optimum AcreMax, will increase the number of acres farmers can plant to the industry's most advanced insect control options. The first of this product line will be launched as early as 2009, pending regulatory approval.

DuPont Group Vice President J. Erik Fyrwald said the company's technologies coupled with native and biotech traits will also result in a 40-percent yield increase in the next 10 years.

Fyrwald explained that the yield increase will come from a convergence of its proprietary Accelerated Yield Technology, the Optimum GATherbicide tolerance trait, and biotech yield traits built upon superior base genetics.

The company also underscored its plans to expand its market share lead in Brazil through the launch of a second seed brand by its Pioneer Hi-Bred business.

The new BioGene brand will enable Pioneer to extend its reach to a segment of Brazilian farmers who do not choose to buy premium, high- technology seed for which the Pioneer brand is known.

The launch of BioGene comes at a time when Pioneer is recording impressive gains in Brazil. In 2007 the DuPont business recorded a corn sales volume increase of 52 percent and a market share gain of eight points.

The Pioneer support structure provides a huge advantage for BioGene over its competitors, and results in economies of scale, Fyrwald said.

The DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition segment posted a 14 percent gain in revenue in 2007. That gain was partially driven by stronger seed sales from the company's Pioneer Hi-Bred business.