Indianapolis, Indiana and Johnston, Iowa
June 19,  2001

Corn growers will benefit from broader-spectrum insect control and expanded choices when a new generation of insect protection traits begins to reach the marketplace, according to the traits' developers, Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

HerculexTM I Insect Protection, the first trait in a new generation of Bt traits for corn, was
granted full food and feed registration within the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency,
the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. The
registrants are moving ahead with approval in Canada and overseas markets, such as Japan.

Herculex I controls more insects than other Bt corn products on the market, and will help corn
better protect itself from damaging insect pests.

The family of Herculex Insect Protection traits is being developed in a research collaboration
between Dow AgroSciences, a world leader in pest control and growing marketer of seed,
and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a world leader in seed technology and seed products.
Both companies are using their unique scientific skills and strengths to develop the advanced
lineup of improved insect protection.

Herculex I provides enhanced resistance against European and southwestern corn borer, black
cutworm and fall armyworm. This product also provides tolerance to Liberty1 herbicide,
which controls more than 100 grass and broadleaf weeds on contact.

Registration efforts are under way in all major corn-producing and -consuming regions of the
world. Until import approvals in those markets are granted, U.S. corn from Herculex I hybrids
will be subject to market-channeling and export restrictions.

The Herculex I Insect Protection trait will be contained in select elite hybrids of Mycogen
Seeds, an affiliate of Dow AgroSciences, and Pioneer. Neither company will be offering this
product for sale in the 2001 growing season. Its introduction will be integrated within a strict
product stewardship program to keep the grain out of export markets.

"Upon introduction, Herculex I Insect Protection will provide expanded choices for growers,"
says Bob Iwig, director, worldwide product marketing for Pioneer Hi-Bred. "One of many
biotechnology traits offered by Pioneer, this new generation trait will provide value to farmers
by protecting corn plants against yield-robbing pests and helping each seed reach its greatest
genetic potential."

"The advantages Herculex I brings to growers include enhanced insect protection, handler
safety and convenience, and availability in elite corn hybrids," says Tom Wiltrout, global
business leader for corn at Dow AgroSciences. "We are excited to announce this new product
and the benefits that it will provide our customers."

While the companies pooled their talents to research, develop and seek regulatory approval
for the new technology, they will continue to independently market and sell their own corn
hybrids on a competitive basis. Additionally, Dow AgroSciences will, in the future, license the
technology to other seed companies.

As part of this collaboration, additional insect protection traits are being developed for other
corn pests. The first of these, targeted at corn rootworm, will be launched after completion of
research evaluations and regulatory approvals.

Corn products with built-in pest protection are beneficial to farmers and agriculture by offering
superior control compared to conventional practices, easing farm labor requirements and
reducing traditional insecticide treatments.

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a global leader in providing pest
management and biotechnology products that improve the quality and quantity of the earth's
food supply and contribute to the safety, health and quality of life of the world's growing
population. Dow AgroSciences has over 6,000 people in over 50 countries dedicated to its
business, and has worldwide sales of approximately $3 billion. Dow AgroSciences and
Mycogen Seeds are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Dow Chemical Company. Mycogen
markets grain corn, silage corn and nutritionally enhanced corn seed, as well as sunflower,
canola, soybean, alfalfa and sorghum seed through a distribution system of sales
representatives, distributors and retail outlets.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a DuPont business, is the world's leading developer and
supplier of advanced plant genetics to farmers worldwide. With headquarters in Des Moines,
Iowa, Pioneer develops, produces and markets a full line of top-quality seeds, forage and
grain additives and provides services to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science
company, delivering science-based solutions that make a difference in people's lives in food
and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation.

Liberty is a trademark of the Aventis Group
Herculex I Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred
Herculex is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC

Company news release
N3566a