Monsanto Donates $50,000 to Brainwash Kids

Press Release
Source: Monsanto Company

Monsanto Gift to Benefit Agriculture in the Classroom
Wednesday June 23, 10:25 am ET

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monsanto announced
today, at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, intentions
to donate a gift of $50,000 to the Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC)
Consortium. AITC is a grassroots student educational program coordinated by
the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with chapters in all
states and territories. State AITC programs address the need for agriculture
literacy at the K-12 student level, with innovative curricular efforts
designed specifically to reach non-traditional agriculture students.

"The AITC Consortium is privileged to accept this gift which will benefit
students and teachers around the country who want to learn more about
agriculture," said Kevin Daugherty, president of Agriculture in the
Classroom Consortium. "Monsanto's gift is the first of its kind to the
Consortium and will greatly enhance the grant pool available each year,
providing additional opportunities for deserving educational projects at the
state level."

The Monsanto gift will be used to fund three projects per year over the next
three years through a competitive state-level grant process administered by
the AITC Consortium. The grants will award outstanding initiatives developed
by state AITC programs focused on biotechnology, plant sciences, or
agriculture and the environment. Supporting AITC allows Monsanto to maintain
its commitment to science education and grassroots efforts that improve the
understanding and acceptance of biotechnology.

"Monsanto believes the educational efforts undertaken by AITC state programs
are as important as they have ever been," said Kerry Preete, Vice President
of Monsanto, U.S. Crop Production. "Science education is fundamental to
fully appreciate the contribution agriculture makes in our society and we
believe AITC is committed to educating the next generation of consumers and
opinion leaders about these issues."

The National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference explores the Cultures
of Agriculture in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 23-26, 2004. Designed for
teachers and volunteers who have an interest in agricultural literacy, the
AITC National Conference demonstrates how to incorporate agricultural
concepts across the curriculum through interesting and engaging activities
and lessons.

Sponsored and hosted by the United States Department of Agriculture and the
New Mexico Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, this conference
features agricultural literacy programs presented by experienced,
enthusiastic teachers and other professionals. For more information about
the conference or to contact a state USDA AITC lead visit
http://www.agclassroom.org .

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON - News) is a leading global provider of
technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm
productivity and food quality. You can learn more about Monsanto's
commitment to youth and science education by visiting the company's website
at http://www.monsanto.com and clicking on "Our pledge" and then "Commitment
to Youth."

Source: Monsanto Company