MEMPHIS, TENN. (October 22, 2008) – The future of the U.S. cotton industry continues to rely on new talents and fresh perspectives. To keep bright young minds involved in cotton, Monsanto is creating the Deltapine Class of 09 scholarship program. The program will award nine $1,000 college scholarships to high school students in the class of ’09 who are interested in a career in cotton. 

“We are focused on agriculture and the innovations that will improve farming now and into the future.  Looking at the young, talented people interested in pursuing careers in cotton, we see an excitement for the future that we identify with and want to encourage,” said Brad Godwin, Deltapine cotton marketing manager. “We hope everyone involved in the cotton business, whether it is farming, ginning or another segment, will encourage their high school seniors to participate in this scholarship application process.”

The scholarships will be awarded to nine students whose essays best express “My Future in Cotton^SM.” Eligibility requirements include:

• High school seniors who will graduate in 2009 with plans to enroll in a full-time undergraduate accredited 2- or 4-year college or university with the intent to engage in a course of study related to agriculture or agribusiness.
• A minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale; involvement in agriculture or with agricultural organizations; and living in a cotton-producing state.
• Those applicants whose families are directly involved in cotton production will be given special consideration.
• Persons related to employees of Monsanto, its agencies or competitive companies are not eligible to participate.

To apply, go to www.MyFutureInCotton.com  for complete eligibility and criteria requirements. Winners will be announced on Jan. 6, 2009 at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences in an Antonio, TX, and listed on the Web site Jan. 7, 2009. All winners will be notified via email prior to this date.

About Monsanto Company

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com .

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Deltapine is a trademark and My Future in Cotton is a service mark of Monsanto Technology LLC. ©2008 D&PL Technology Holding Company LLC.

CONTACT: Janice Person (901-375-5656)