ST. LOUIS, Oct 27, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Monsanto and The Solae Company today announced an agreement to develop and market a new line of soy proteins with improved flavor and solubility. This collaboration combines each company's unique strengths to bring such a technology to market. 
 
"Soy-based products are one of the fastest-growing food industry segments," said Paul Graham, vice president of new business development for The Solae Company. "This agreement will allow us to offer the best tasting, most soluble soy protein on the market, further reinforcing our commitment to drive innovation in food formulation and taste. It is one of several technologies we're using to best meet our customers' needs."

Using advanced plant breeding technology, Monsanto is developing a new soybean with higher levels of beta-conglycinin, designed to improve soy protein flavor and functionality.

"This new product is expected to support -- and help drive -- growing consumer demand for healthier foods," said Jerry Steiner, executive vice president of Monsanto. "It also represents one of several significant products our company is developing to make healthier food more accessible and attractive to consumers."

Soy protein is already used in many food products, including energy bars, meal replacements, soymilk, beverages and meat alternatives. As consumer demand for healthier food options increases, food manufacturers are increasingly looking to formulate products with soy protein.

Few foods have been examined for their nutritional value as thoroughly as soy. Considerable scientific research has demonstrated that a diet rich in soy protein may lead to beneficial health effects, including lowered cholesterol and reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Additional studies are exploring the protein's role in other areas of human nutrition, including obesity prevention.

In addition to bolstering the nutritional value of food products, soy protein offers food manufacturers a number of functional benefits. In soy- based beverages, the ingredient improves taste and facilitates a smoother mouth-feel. In meat products, it contributes to a firmer texture with improved succulence. High beta-conglycinin soy is expected to contribute to these benefits.

"We are pleased to be working with The Solae Company to help food companies create better-tasting foods and beverages and enable more consumers to get the benefits of soy protein," Steiner said.

About the Companies

The Solae Company is a global innovator in the research and application of soy protein. It serves food and beverage manufacturers, dietary supplement developers, retailers and consumers in 80 countries worldwide. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, the company was formed through an alliance between Bunge Limited (BG) and DuPont (DD). For more information, visit http://www.solae.com .

Monsanto Company (MON) is a leading global provider of technology- based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information on Monsanto, visit http://www.monsanto.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking statements" which reflect the companies' current expectations about future performance. These forward- looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates which could be inaccurate and which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statement made by the companies due to a number of factors, including without limitation technological uncertainties facing the companies, continued competition in the companies' businesses; the companies' exposure to various contingencies, including those related to intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance and the speed with which approvals are received, and public acceptance of biotechnology products; the success of the companies' research and development activities; compliance with regulations affecting manufacturing; and the effect of weather conditions, natural disasters and accidents on the agriculture business or facilities. Additional risks and factors related to Monsanto are detailed in Monsanto's filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this release. The Solae Company and Monsanto disclaim any obligation or intent to update the forward- looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.