Dow AgroSciences LLC Receives Approval for Cultivation of HERCULEX(R) I Corn in Brazil

INDIANAPOLIS and SAO PAULO, Brazil, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture has authorized Dow AgroSciences to sell its first corn hybrids with HERCULEX(R) I Insect Protection technology. This authorization was given for 2B710HX, 2B688HX, 2B707HX, 2C520HX and 2A525HX corn hybrids. Dow AgroSciences also announced that it plans to be able to offer the Brazilian market its full range of corn hybrids with this technology in the future.

"This is a key milestone that will make available the best corn seed technology to the Brazilian producer and will set a new standard for insect protection in Brazil," said Jerome Peribere, president and CEO, Dow AgroSciences.

HERCULEX I, approved in Brazil in December 2008 by the National Technical Commission of Biosafety (CTNBio), has been in use in the United States, Argentina and other countries for a number of years. The technology provides effective control of important corn pests by incorporating into the plant the cry1F gene, originated from the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) microorganism that naturally occurs in the soil.

HERCULEX I protects the corn plant against the Spodoptora frugiperda caterpillar, the main corn pest in Brazil. This protection is extended to the entire life cycle of the plant. It also allows the control of Diatraea saccharalis. Depending upon growing conditions, these pests may cause yield losses of more 40 percent.

With this technology, Brazilian growers should benefit with higher yield, better quality grain, and a new and effective tool to use as part of an integrated pest management system.

About Dow AgroSciences

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to serve the world's growing population. Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $3.8 billion. Learn more at www.dowagro.com

(R)HERCULEX is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC

HERCULEX Insect Protection technology developed by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred International

CONTACT: Robyn Heine, +1-317-337-4807, Rheine@dow.com, or Mario Von Zuben,
Sao Paulo, Brazil, Ph: +55-11-5188-9823, mjvonzuben@dow.com both of Dow
AgroSciences

Web site: http:/www.dowagro.com/