Contact:
Kimberly Smith-Brown, 202-690-0437

SMARTSTAX® 5% REFUGE-IN-A-BAG PRODUCT QUALIFIES
FOR THE BIOTECHNOLOGY ENDORSEMENT PILOT PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, DC, May 25, 2011 – The Risk Management Agency has approved SmartStax® 5% refuge-in-a-bag hybrids as qualifying for the Pilot Biotechnology Endorsement (BE) program, beginning with the 2011 crop year. SmartStax® 5% refuge-in-a-bag is comprised of a blend of SmartStax® hybrid and a non-insect traited hybrid in the same bag. SmartStax® multi-event technology was developed by Monsanto Company and Dow AgroSciences.

The Pilot BE reduces premium rates for corn producers who meet program eligibility requirements and plant qualifying hybrids.

States in the Pilot BE include Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 (voice), or 202-720-6382 (TDD).