Monsanto Statement

An independent third party mediates such stakeholder dialogue, ensuring that all participants are able to explore key issues, their concerns and any needs they may have, so that a lasting solution develops with which all stakeholders can live.

The company has approached The Environment Council, as independent facilitators, to explore the viability of such a dialogue on the issues surrounding GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

Commenting on an article in the Observer (26 September 1999), Monsanto's UK Director of Corporate Affairs, Tony Combes, said: "It would be totally inappropriate to comment on any other discussions that may or may not have taken place. We were pleased to talk with the Soil Association and after a free and frank exchange of views, we now have a much better understanding of the issues. It is hoped that further dialogue may take place."

Note to editors:

British citizens and British companies have been important partners with Monsanto since the day the company was founded in 1901. Raw materials imported from England fueled the company's first plant, which made products for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Monsanto's roots in the UK have grown from 1919 when the company entered into a partnership with R.A. Graesser Chemical works in Ruabon, Wales.

Today, as a life sciences company, Monsanto employs 22,000 people around the world and counts more than 1,000 scientists, researchers, engineers, industrial workers and office staff in five operations centres across the UK among its family of employees.

Monsanto's global sales are roughly 5.4 billion, ranking it by turnover smaller than the British post office and merely one third the size of the UK's largest supermarket!