WASHINGTON, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists and their colleagues have completed a four-year effort to sequence the genome of corn, an achievement expected to speed up development of corn varieties that will help feed the world and meet growing demands for using this important grain crop as a biofuel and animal feed. The results represent the largest and most complex plant genome sequenced to date, and are the cover story in the November 20 issue of the journal Science.

"Sequencing the corn genome will help researchers in the United States and around the world develop corn varieties to confront critical global challenges like climate change, hunger, and renewable energy," said Edward B. Knipling, administrator of USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA's principal intramural scientific research agency. "This effort will provide scientists a preliminary blueprint for identifying genetic pathways that will lead to a better understanding of corn and enable scientists to improve corn in a number of ways."

The sequencing will help researchers uncover the relationships between corn genes and traits, develop an overall picture of the plant's genetic makeup, and broaden understanding of how the complex interplay of genetics and environment determines the plant's health and viability. The work also is expected to lead to development of corn varieties with higher yields and better tolerance of droughts, pests and diseases. It also should help scientists produce varieties with fibers, stalks and cellular structures that will make corn a better source of biofuel.

The team, which included Doreen Ware, a computational biologist at the ARS Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health in Ithaca, N.Y., has released the most comprehensive draft sequence to date, providing the most detailed look thus far at the functional portions of the corn genome. Ware led the computational effort and is a lead author of the report along with Richard Wilson of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo., and Patrick S. Schnable of Iowa State University at Ames. Other key participants in the project included the University of Arizona at Tucson and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York. USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, along with the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy, jointly funded the $29.5 million effort.

Edward Buckler, an ARS geneticist at the Holley Center, and Ware also have used next generation sequencing data to assemble a haplotype genetic map of the corn genome that lays out portions of the genome shared by 27 diverse inbred lines of corn. A haplotype is a combination of alleles-alternative forms of genes-that are located closely together on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together. The corn lines in the haplotype genetic map were selected specifically because they represent the vast majority of the genetic diversity in corn. By searching through these lines, researchers and breeders can unlock corn's genetic potential and significantly accelerate the breeding of plants to meet the demands of the growing world population and the challenges of global climate change. Buckler's "HapMap," which also is published today in Science, shows a 30-fold variation in recombination rates, which are the rates that genetic material from parents mix to show up in the progeny. The map is designed to function like the human genome HapMap, making it easier to link genes and genetic patterns with significant traits, Buckler said. The researchers already are linking the HapMap to the basis of hybrid vigor.

Corn, known among scientists as maize, is one of world's most important crops. Corn was a $47 billion crop in the United States last year. It is the largest production crop worldwide, providing not only food for billions of people and livestock, but also critical feedstock for production of biofuels. Ware said the work should serve as a foundation for understanding and improving on other agricultural crops as well. Plants previously sequenced include rice, sorghum, poplar, grape and Arabidopsis thaliana, a plant widely studied as a model organism.

— WebWireID108248 —

ROME, Italy, On the sidelines of the 36th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations Ministerial Conference, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan met with Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP), and Akram Musa Hadi Al Hakim, Iraq's Acting Minister of Agriculture.

"The World Food Program works tirelessly to fight hunger and food insecurity around the world," said Merrigan. "This meeting was an opportunity for me to thank the WFP on behalf of USDA and the entire U.S. government and reiterate how much the United States values its partnership with this important organization."

As the United States finalizes its global hunger and food security strategy, it will rely on the WFP's resources and expertise in safety nets, storage, transportation and logistics to ensure its efforts have the most impact in developing countries.

Merrigan also met with Iraq's Acting Minister of Agriculture to discuss USDA's contributions to help rebuild and reconstruct Iraq's agricultural sector.

"We discussed the numerous initiatives being implemented by USDA's Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) agricultural advisors to revitalize Iraq's agricultural sector and the various USDA programs and activities helping to strengthen the Iraqi government in the areas of rebuilding agricultural markets and improving management of natural resources," said Merrigan. "Among USDA advisors' initiatives, we both noted the impressive progress that the Green Mada'in Association for Agricultural Development east of Baghdad has made in less than a year to become a sustainable and dynamic force in Iraq's efforts to employ modern agricultural techniques."

In December, the farmer's cooperative will celebrate the grand opening of its new office and warehouse facilities and the first meeting of its board of directors. The cooperative owes its success in part to the oversight of two USDA PRT agricultural advisors; the support of other agricultural associations in the region, Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture and Iraq's Prime Minister; and the funding obtained through contributions by cooperative members, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Commanders' Emergency Response Program. In addition to rebuilding Iraq's agriculture sector, the United States continues to be among Iraq's leading suppliers of agricultural commodities and products, helping to bridge the gap between Iraqi demand and domestic production.

Merrigan is the first woman to chair the FAO conference, which was last chaired by the United States 20 years ago. As chair, Merrigan is overseeing discussions on the ongoing FAO reform effort and officiated as heads of delegations presented their country's view of the state of food and agriculture at the conference's plenary session.

The Conference is the supreme governing body of FAO and meets in regular session every two years. Its main functions are to determine the policies of the organization, approve the program of work and budget and make recommendations to members and international organizations. In addition to being attended by all members and associate members of the organization, it is also attended by observers from non-member nations, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations. Members include 191 nations, one member organization, the European Community, and one associate member, the Faroe Islands.

— WebWireID108240 —

BELO HORIZONTE, Minas Gerais, Brazil - Winners for this week's Brazilian Fair Trade Certified coffee cupping competition have been announced. Sebastião Reguim of the producer association, Unipcafem, and Marcos Antônio Nali of the producer association, Pró-nova, won first place in the natural and semi-washed coffee categories. The competition, which is a specialized tasting process to assess quality, capped off several months of intensive quality training for farmers and was attended by high-ranking Brazilian and U.S. officials, representatives of the Brazilian coffee industry and international coffee buyers.

The event was sponsored by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Walmart, TransFair USA and the Brazilian non-profit SEBRAE, as part of the Responsible Sourcing Partnership project to benefit farmers throughout Brazil. The project aims to expand and improve the quality of Fair Trade Certified coffee supply though investments in infrastructure, technical assistance with production and postharvest processing, as well as training in coffee quality management.

'The 2009 Fair Trade Cupping Competition is an important milestone of the Responsible Sourcing Partnership Project,' said Lisa Kubiske, Chargé d' Affaires a.i. for the U.S. Embassy in Brazil. 'The competition recognizes and rewards premium quality coffee and demonstrates how the Brazilian producers are taking advantage of the economic, social and environmental benefits resulting from the adoption of Fair Trade practices.'

USAID, Walmart, TransFair USA and SEBRAE have partnered together on a three-year, public-private responsible sourcing partnership program. From 2007 – 2010, program partners will commit $1.9 million in investments and technical support to help 5,000 famers from the Brazilian states of Sao Paolo, Minas Gerais and Espiritu Santo increase coffee quality, improve cooperative management and enhance marketing.

'We want to congratulate the farmers that participated in the competition and appreciate them for their tireless efforts to bring our members the highest quality coffee,' said Jill Turner-Mitchael, senior vice president of Merchandising, Sam's Club. 'We are proud that through this partnership, we are giving these farmers the opportunity to continue to improve their operations, compete in the global market and provide a better life for their families and their communities.'

Producers and their families benefit from increased employment opportunities, expanded access to new domestic and international markets, increased use of environmentallysound farming methods, better prices for their coffee beans and overall improvements in their quality of life.

'These coffee farmers have spent the past two years tirelessly working to improve the quality of their crops. They have participated in training sessions, attended specialty coffee conferences, and for the first time, many of their cooperatives have skilled, inhouse cuppers,' said Paul Rice, president and CEO of TransFair USA. 'Because of the Responsible Sourcing Partnership Project, some of the best specialty coffee in Brazil has been uncovered, and we are so proud to say that it is Fair Trade Certified.'

In 2008, imports of Fair Trade Certified coffee into the United States grew more than 30 percent. Fair Trade Certification provides higher prices, support for sustainable agriculture and funds for democratically-elected development projects. The Responsible Sourcing Partnership Project is an innovative public-private union designed to amplify the benefits Brazilian farmers gain from Fair Trade, increasing their incomes and capacities going forward.

About USAID/Brazil
USAID is an independent federal government agency receiving overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. Our work supports long-term and equitable economic growth and advances U.S. foreign policy objectives by supporting global health, economic growth, agriculture and trade, democracy, conflict prevention, and humanitarian assistance. In Brazil, USAID supports Brazilian efforts towards sustainable socio and economic development, while strengthening the partnership between the United States and Brazil. For more information about USAID, visit brazil.usaid.gov

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), or 'Walmart,' serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,000 retail units under 53 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2009 sales of $401 billion, Walmart employs more than 2.1 million associates worldwide. A leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy nd employment opportunity, Walmart ranked first among retailers in Fortune Magazine's 2009 Most Admired Companies survey. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com.

About TransFair USA
TransFair USA, a FLO member organization, is the only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade Certified™ products in the United States. TransFair USA audits and certifies in accordance with FLO's internationally agreed standards, monitoring transactions between U.S. companies and their international suppliers to guarantee that the farmers and workers producing Fair Trade Certified goods were paid fair prices and wages. TransFair USA certifies coffee and more than 20 other product categories. For more information about TransFair USA, visit www.FairTradeCertified.org

About SEBRAE
The Service of Support for the Micro and Small Companies of the State of Minas Gerais - SEBRAE-MG was created in 1972. Its mission is to promote the competitiveness and the sustainable development of the micro and small companies as well as to promote the entrepreneurship in the State of Minas Gerais. It offers entrepreneurial orientation, promotes courses, lectures and projects of managerial training, encourages the formalization, approach the micro and small companies with the market and stimulates the generation of business. SEBRAE-MG, thus, contributes to induce the socioeconomic development of the State of Minas Gerais with the generation of revenue, work, income and better life conditions for the population.

Ed. Note: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the legal trade name of the corporation. The name "Walmart," expressed as one word and without punctuation, is a trademark of the company and is used analogously to describe the company and its stores. Use the trade name when it is necessary to identify the legal entity, such as when reporting financial results, litigation or corporate governance.

— WebWireID108199 —

CORNUCOPIA, WI – Two powerful lobby groups in the food industry, The Grocery Manufacturers of America and the Organic Trade Association, recently intervened as friends of the court in a federal consumer class-action lawsuit accusing the nation's largest supplier of private-label organic milk of consumer fraud. In what has been described as "the largest scandal in the history of the organic industry' USDA investigators, in 2007, found that Aurora Dairy had willfully violated federal organic standards. However, industry lobbyists are now concerned that convicting Aurora will set a dangerous legal precedent. Aurora bottles private-label organic milk for Wal-Mart, Costco, Target, Safeway and many other grocery chains.

In August 2007 Bush administration officials were widely criticized for overruling career staff at the USDA and instead of decertifying Aurora as staff had recommended, banning it from organic commerce, the corporate dairy was allowed to continue in business under a one-year probation. Now agribusiness lobbyists are concerned that citizens prevailing in court, alleging fraud, will set a precedent necessitating large corporations to incur added expenses to more carefully check the sources and credibility of their organic suppliers.

"Due diligence by food manufacturers and retailers is the heart and soul of what maintaining the integrity of the organic label is about," said Mark Kastel, Codirector of The Cornucopia Institute, the farm policy research group that initially exposed the corruption taking place at Aurora.

In an internal document, the Organic Trade Association told its membership that, "OTA is taking this action in order to protect consumers' access to organic products and the guarantee by organic farmers, producers and processors that their valid organic certificate fully demonstrates that their product is considered organic when marketed.' Lobbyists from the Grocery Manufacturers also were concerned that if the consumers prevail in this legal matter it would become, according to a copy written article in Sustainable Food News, "prohibitively expensive to continue developing organic products."

"This type of rhetoric is just a stick in the eye to the ethical participants in this industry who make it a point, in their everyday course of business, to judiciously assure that their products meet not only the letter but the spirit of the organic law,' added Kastel.

Just like Aurora Dairy, Wal-Mart and Target were both found to have misrepresented organic products in the marketplace and were the subject of separate USDA investigations.

"Yes, it does cost more money to legally and ethically participate in organic commerce, said Will Fantle, Research Director for Cornucopia. "One of the reasons that big-box retailers are able to undercut their competition on price is they refuse to hire, train and adequately compensate management and frontline employees who know anything about the organic law."

Aurora produces private label, or storebrand milk, for about 20 of the largest grocery chains in the United States.

In an ironic twist to this story Organic Valley, the nation's second-largest organic milk marketer and a cooperative, is receiving criticism for its underwriting of a brief supporting Aurora's position. The farmer-owned cooperative provided the financial support allowing the Organic Trade Association to file its amicus brief opposing the class-action lawsuit brought by consumers in over 40 states. The consumers allege that they were defrauded by the Colorado-based Aurora Dairy corporation.

The news of Organic Valley's involvement was a shock to some of its co-op members including Kevin Engelbert, a nationally recognized organic leader and dairy farmer from Nichols, New York. 'Can this possibly be true? Has OV made a pact with the devil? I know OTA is controlled by the big money interests," said Engelbert. "The 14 willful violations [by Aurora] prove that some organic certificates aren't enough to demonstrate that a product is organic when marketed. The 'organicness' of questionable products must be challenged when necessary to maintain organic integrity.'

The Cornucopia's Kastel said he was 'flabbergasted' that a cooperative owned by family farmers would stick up for a corporation at the heart of the biggest scandal in history in the organic food industry and he characterized Aurora as a "bad actor" and "bad aberration" in the industry where consumers can generally trust the organic label.

'Aurora's factory farm milk has injured the vast majority of Organic Valley's own farmer-members by depriving them of markets for their milk and unfairly driving down retail pricing. Earlier this year the cooperative cut the pay price to its members and required its farmers to reduce production because of a milk surplus in the marketplace — a surplus that would be much smaller if Aurora legitimately managed its dairy cows like Organic Valley's ethical dairy farmers,' Kastel added.

Cornucopia analysis, and USDA research, suggests that as much as a third of the nation's organic milk supply comes from giant factory farms. Another organic factory farm operator, Dean Foods, the country's largest milk marketer, and an OTA and GMA member, has been widely criticized in the organic community for procuring much of its milk for its Horizon brand from mega-dairies allegedly breaking the same rules as Aurora.

"If you connect the dots here you have to wonder why the management at Organic Valley is getting into bed with Aurora, Dean Foods and the most powerful lobbyists representing corporate agribusiness," Kastel lamented. "Not only would Organic Valley membership benefit from Aurora being banned from organics, but if the lobbyists concerns are true, and some of the largest corporate players that have been playing fast and loose with the rules decide to exit the organics, that will only pump up their brand's market share."

The friend of the court brief, opposing a lower court ruling, which was funded by Organic Valley, expresses fears about a precedent should consumers be compensated for any fraud committed by Aurora. Melissa Hughes, an in-house lawyer for Organic Valley, told the editor of Sustainable Food News, that if the appeal is upheld 'it could have vast implications on retailers, processors, handlers, and ultimately consumers.'

Analysts at Cornucopia strongly refute the contention that the Aurora matter would leave all organic marketers open to tort complaints by consumers. "Obviously, there is strong evidence for these consumers to believe they were defrauded by Aurora and the supermarket chains," Kastel said. "This is an exceptional situation not indicative of the industry as a whole."

Kastel cited the fact that Cornucopia sent certified letters to every one of Aurora's retailer customers informing them that the reputation of their store's label was at risk and encouraging them to take action. Only two marketers, the Publix supermarket chain in Florida and United Natural Foods International, the largest organic food distributor in the country, did the due diligence necessary and switched suppliers.

"The organic certification documents alone are not enough if evidence is brought to a marketer's attention that some kind of improprieties are taking place," Fantle added. "There is always the possibility that collusion or incompetence has taken place on the part of the supplier, certifier or the USDA."

A comprehensive investigative story that appeared in the pages of the Washington Post referenced the Aurora matter, and a cozy relationship between the powerful Washington lawyer and lobbyist for Aurora, Dean and the OTA, and the former director of the organic program at the USDA. Alleged malfeasance at the Department has sparked the interest of Congress and an expanded investigation is currently taking place by the Office of the Inspector General at the USDA.

'Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 charging the USDA with preventing fraud; protecting the interests of ethical industry participants and consumers,' observed Cornucopia's Kastel. 'The obvious allegation here is that the regulatory branch, the USDA under the Bush administration, failed to properly enforce the law. It is appropriate for citizens who feel they were defrauded to seek a judicial remedy,' he added.

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When the nation's largest organic milk producer Aurora dairy, with five "factory style' farms, in Colorado and Texas, each milking thousands of cows, entered the marketplace in 2004 they proudly stated that they would make organic milk more "affordable." What they didn't tell their customers was that their products would be more affordable, allowing them to undercut competitors in the marketplace, because they wouldn't go to the expense of meeting the strict federal regulations governing organic marketing.

In 2007, after investigating legal complaints filed by Cornucopia about Aurora's organic livestock practices, USDA staff concluded that Aurora had 'willfully violated' 14 tenets of federal organic regulations. Aurora was found by federal investigators to have been illegally confining their cattle to feedlots, brought in conventional cattle that could not comply with organic regulations and, most seriously, selling milk labeled as "organic" that did not meet the legal requirements.

In its formal letter to the company, USDA staff at the National Organic Program stated: 'Due to the nature and extent of these violations, the NOP proposes to revoke Aurora Organic Dairy's production and handling certifications under the NOP.'

But the powerful Washington-based lobby of Covington in Burling, representing Aurora, worked with the Bush administration officials at the USDA to instead allow the $100 million corporation to continue in the organic business with a one-year probation and some modest changes to their operations

The "sweetheart" settlement between Aurora and the USDA provoked a consumer led effort to seek justice in federal courts. Nineteen separate class action lawsuits were brought against Aurora and several national grocery retailers selling Aurora's suspect organic milk including Wal-Mart, Target and Safeway. The lawsuits claiming consumer fraud were eventually consolidated into a single case in the federal district court in St. Louis. Earlier this year, federal court judge E. Richard Webber dismissed the lawsuit on procedural grounds. An appeal has since been filed seeking to bring the merits of the lawsuit, which have not been heard, back before the court.

'OTA's action, apparently backed by CROPP [Organic Valley], infuriates me,' said Kevin Engelbert. 'I hope every person and organization that belongs to OTA drops their membership immediately.'

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The Cornucopia Institute, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit farm policy research group, is dedicated to the fight for economic justice for the family-scale farming community. Their Organic Integrity Project acts as a corporate and governmental watchdog assuring that no compromises to the credibility of organic farming methods and the food it produces are made in the pursuit of profit. The largest portion of its funding comes from individual members, mostly family-scale organic farmers. They can be found on the web at www.cornucopia.org.

— WebWireID108150 —

* Syngenta to supply Makhteshim Agan with azoxystrobin
* Capacity expansion responding to growth in demand
* Leveraging low cost production

Syngenta and Makhteshim Agan today announced a long term agreement under which Syngenta will supply Makhteshim Agan with its fungicide azoxystrobin. The agreement will offer growers a wider choice of solutions through the distribution channels of both companies.

Syngenta will continue to expand the sales of its azoxystrobin based fungicide solutions while Makhteshim Agan will develop and commercialize its own range of products based on azoxystrobin, mainly in mixtures with its existing fungicide portfolio.

'Azoxystrobin plays a critical role in responding to growing food demand by increasing the yield and quality of grain, vegetable and fruit crops around the world,' said John Atkin, Syngenta Chief Operating Officer Crop Protection. 'Last year we announced a capacity expansion program for azoxystrobin anticipating further growth in our unique fungicide solutions and also potential demand from third parties. The outlook for the development of our own portfolio is strong and this agreement will enable us further to leverage our outstanding low cost production.'

The active ingredient azoxystrobin, developed by Syngenta, is the world's best selling fungicide. Azoxystrobin, which belongs to the strobilurin chemical group, has a broad spectrum of fungicidal activity and is now registered for use on approximately 120 different crops in some 100 countries.

Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com or www.growmorefromless.com.

Syngenta Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.

— WebWireID108112 —

Video from the tour's first stop, the ICUEE Demo Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, is now up on www.skidsteersmackdown.com. In it, contractors give their impressions of the new units right after tackling a Smackdown-type course.

"There's no substitute for getting in the cab and experiencing what a machine's all about," said Sam Norwood, manager, John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. "That's why we're taking Smackdown on the road with these new units. Plus, contractors literally told us what they wanted in these new models, so follow the D-Tour and find out how we responded."

John Deere's smash-hit www.skidsteersmackdown.com Web site, entering its third season, has featured real contractors using Deere machines to complete various tasks and competitions inspired by real job site conditions, as well as battles pitting Deere units vs. competitors.

The site also offers a chance to blog about the videos, a "Prove It!" section that details machine specs and conditions behind each battle, and a dealer locator to help viewers find their nearest John Deere dealer.

Visitors can also share the videos with friends and request a quote on Deere skid steer and compact track loader models. The videos from Smackdown's legendary Season One are now available in Spanish.

Be sure to look for new videos on www.skidsteersmackdown.com as the D-Tour continues across the country.

New John Deere D-Series skid steer models are the 318D, 320D, 326D, 328D and 332D, joining the existing small-frame, radial lift 313 and 315. For the CTL line, the new 319D, 323D, 329D and a 90-hp 333D join the small-frame, radial lift CT315.

— WebWireID108083 —

Medina Christmas Tree Farms is donating Real Christmas Trees as part of the nationwide Trees for Troops program, sponsored by The National Christmas Tree Association, the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation and FedEx Corp.

This holiday season, Trees for Troops is expected to collect and deliver more than 15,000 Real Christmas Trees from across the nation to military families across the United States, as well as to soldiers serving overseas. Consumers will also have the opportunity to purchase trees to donate to the program at various FedEx trailer drop locations across the nation. Medina Christmas Tree Farms will act as the representative here in Northeast Ohio.

Businesses, community groups and individuals can purchase trees for between $35 and $45 to donate to military families across the nation at the Medina Christmas Tree Farms located at 3301, Hamilton Rd., 3235 Hamilton Rd. and 3283 Foskett Rd in Medina. For each tree donated, Medina Christmas Tree Farms will also donate $5.00 and coordinate the packaging, handling and shipping through FedEx which is volunteering its services.

'Our military and their families have been providing a real service to our country,' says Mark Steelhammer, president of the National Christmas Tree Association and a Christmas Tree farmer from Rochester, Wash. 'And, as Christmas Tree farmers, we want them to be able to experience a traditional Christmas with a Real Tree.'

The Trees for Troops program was launched in 2005, and with the help of FedEx Corp., delivered more than 4,300 Christmas Trees to five U.S. military bases, as well as an overseas shipment to the Middle East that year. Since 2005, the award-winning program has delivered more than 50,000 Real Trees to military families at more than 50 bases in 17 countries.

'Trees for Troops has been a huge success and continues to grow,' says Christmas SPIRIT Foundation chair, Nigel Manley, a Christmas Tree grower in Bethlehem, N.H. 'It has really resonated with our industry and the military.'

The collection and delivery of trees will take place from the end of November through December. A FedEx trailer will be available at Medina Christmas Tree Farm #3 at 3235 Hamilton Rd. from Dec. 4 through the 6th to accept donations. More information is also available at www.Medinatrees.com or www.TreesforTroops.org.

About the Medina Christmas Tree Farms – a group of three mini-farms owned and run by long-time professor of economics at Tri-C, Dr. Charles A. Reichheld, III. The professor has guaranteed that at least 100 trees will be donated through his farms and invites the community to show its support for the men and women of the military who offer their lives in defense of our nation by donating trees from the farm. For more details go to www.medinatrees.com.

About the Christmas Spirit Foundation
The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation – based in Chesterfield, Mo, is a not-for-profit foundation that advances the Christmas spirit for children, families and the environment. Trees for Troops is just one of its projects. For more details, go to www.ChristmasSpiritFoundation.org.

About the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA)
NCTA is the professional organization representing nearly 5,000 farms and retailers engaged in growing and selling Real Christmas Trees to nearly 30 million consumers. Based in Chesterfield, Mo., NCTA's mission is to promote the use of Real Christmas Trees and support the industry that provides them. For more information, go to www.realchristmastrees.org.

About FedEx
FedEx Corp. provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 290,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit http://news.fedex.com.

Follow Trees for Troops on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/trees4troops
Become a Fan on Facebook: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/122937?m=266f5cf0 (or search for Christmas SPIRIT Foundation under the 'Causes' app)

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— WebWireID108022 —

DES MOINES, Iowa, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, announced it has joined the Iowa State University (ISU) Corn and Soybean Initiative to provide science-based crop production information to Iowa corn and soybean growers to increase their productivity and global competitiveness while also conserving the environment.

'As climatic, pest and disease pressures continue to change, it is critical for public and private sectors to work together to provide information to help maximize productivity,' said Judd O'Connor, Pioneer business director for Iowa and Missouri. 'We are proud to build on our long tradition of collaboration with Iowa State University with this important initiative.'

The Corn and Soybean Initiative Leaving Pioneer.com is a collaborative effort between ISU and the agricultural industry that focuses on research and dissemination of best management practices. Through this partnership, Pioneer will help advise ISU's on-farm research programs and will provide support for certain ISU research activities. Pioneer will also help deliver ISU corn and soybean research information to growers.

'Iowa State University and Pioneer have worked together on crop issues for many years,' said Greg Tylka, coordinator of the initiative and professor of plant pathology. 'ISU's Corn and Soybean Initiative is delighted to formalize a partnership with Pioneer to generate and deliver research-based corn and soybean production information for growers throughout the state of Iowa.'

A recent survey by Iowa State University found that the vast majority of growers identify private-sector crop advisors as their main source of information. Most private-sector crop advisors identify ISU as their primary source for information. The cornerstone of this initiative is the partnership between ISU's research and extension faculty and staff with consultants, trade associations, agricultural media and agribusinesses including Pioneer to help broaden the reach of ISU research, extension and educational resources.

In addition to providing information, the Corn and Soybean Initiative seeks input from growers and companies like Pioneer to anticipate future research areas that will impact corn and soybean production.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.

— WebWireID108024 —

"We are committed to enhancing transparency and facilitating investors' understanding of our Company, our businesses and, most importantly, how we plan to continue executing our strategy," said Andrew N. Liveris, Dow chairman and chief executive officer. "In this Databook, stockholders will find key drivers of profitability and market success for all of our business units, as well as our approach to innovation, sustainability, joint ventures and geographic reach, and how all these elements will drive earnings growth in the future."

The new Databook is a fundamental go-to source in understanding the growth potential of each of Dow's new operating segments.

For each segment, Dow has provided the following key information:

* Selected pro forma financial information
* Sales by geography and key industries
* Profitability and growth drivers
* Innovation and new product examples
* Major plants, locations, and key competitors by business unit

Investors and other interested parties can download a copy at www.dow.com.

To receive the Databook in print form, via postal mail, please email Dow Literature Services at literatureservices@dow.com with your shipping address. Reference document number 161-00741 in the email.

Or call Dow Investor Relations toll free at 1-800-422-8193 or (989) 636-1463.

About Dow

Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the 'Human Element' to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in approximately 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. In 2008, Dow had annual sales of $57.4 billion and employed approximately 46,000 people worldwide. The Company has 150 manufacturing sites in 35 countries and produces approximately 3,300 products. On April 1, 2009, Dow acquired Rohm and Haas Company, a global specialty materials company with sales of $10 billion in 2008, 98 manufacturing sites in 30 countries and approximately 15,000 employees worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

— WebWireID108003 —

* MIR162 corn and Bt11xGA21 stacked corn receive approvals
* Brazilian growers to gain increased competitiveness and productivity
* Further strengthens Syngenta portfolio in Brazilian market

Syngenta announced today that its genetically modified corn traits MIR162 and Bt11xGA21 are now fully approved for cultivation in Brazil. This follows the approval by the National Biosafety Committee and the thirty day clearance period. The approval of these advanced technologies will offer Brazilian growers increased productivity, higher grain quality and reduced production costs.

'These approvals reinforce Syngenta's leading position in technology and innovation, strengthen our portfolio of solutions and will enable Brazilian growers to increase their efficiency and global competitiveness, said Davor Pisk, Chief Operating Officer Seeds.

The efficacy and broad spectrum of MIR162 make it the most advanced technology available today to control the fall army worm, the main insect threat to corn in Brazil. The stacked corn trait Bt11xGA21 offers higher value and convenience for growers through combined insect resistance and herbicide tolerance.

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com or www.growmorefromless.com.

Syngenta Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.

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The deal will bring key technological know-how and significant synergy potential to AkzoNobel's Powder Coatings business, as well as enhancing the company's position in the US.

The powder coatings activities were purchased by Dow earlier this year as part of its acquisition of Rohm & Haas. This business achieves global sales of several hundred million dollars and employs around 700 people.

'This is a strategic acquisition which will enable us to further penetrate key industrial coatings segments,' explained Leif Darner, the AkzoNobel Board member responsible for Performance Coatings. 'By adding new powder technologies to our extensive portfolio we will be even better equipped to lead the way in meeting the increasing demand for innovative products with strong environmental profiles.'

Operating powder coatings factories in the US, Europe and China, Rohm & Haas developed several important new technologies – especially for the automotive and architectural segments – while the deal will also add MDF and thermoplastic capabilities to AkzoNobel's existing expertise.

'Our intention is to move towards a more dedicated approach, whereby sites concentrate on specific technologies,' added Rob Molenaar, Managing Director of AkzoNobel Powder Coatings. 'These planned manufacturing enhancements and synergies will deliver improved operational efficiency and ultimately enable us to better serve our customers worldwide.'

Powder coatings offer an attractive alternative to liquid coatings due to the fact that they are inherently sustainable because they contain no solvents and have application efficiency levels as high as 99 percent.
The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2010, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Consultations with employee representatives will be held as and when appropriate.

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* Simultaneous acquisition of two U.S. lettuce seed companies lays strong foundation for growth
* Acquired lettuce gene pool strengthens worldwide development portfolio

Syngenta announced today the signing of agreements to acquire two U.S.-based lettuce seed companies: Synergene Seed & Technology, Inc. and Pybas Vegetable Seed Co., Inc. The acquisitions will establish a significant position for Syngenta in the North American lettuce market and will broaden its lettuce development portfolio in Europe and Asia.

'The acquired companies are highly complementary and combine a broad and deep range of proprietary germplasm with excellent breeding and production capabilities,' said Davor Pisk, Chief Operating Officer Syngenta Seeds. 'Syngenta's technology platform will allow us to optimize these strengths and to provide a compelling product offering to growers in North America and internationally.'

Synergene Seed & Technology, Inc. is a lettuce seed company based in Salinas, CA, with a diverse and proprietary lettuce gene pool. Pybas Vegetable Seed Co., Inc., based in Santa Maria, CA, is well-known for its quality seed production and processing as well as its germplasm. Both companies will be integrated into the Syngenta Vegetables business.

The lettuce seed market is valued at around $160 million globally.

No financial details of the transaction have been disclosed.

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com or www.growmorefromless.com.

Syngenta Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.

— WebWireID107635 —

GRAPHIC: Wheat Straw Bio-Filled Polypropylene: http://media.ford.com/images/10031/Wheat_Straw_Graphic.pdf

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company, working with academic researchers and one of its suppliers, is the first automaker to develop and use environmentally friendly wheat straw-reinforced plastic in a vehicle.

The first application of the natural fiber-based plastic that contains 20 percent wheat straw bio-filler is on the 2010 Ford Flex's third-row interior storage bins. This application alone reduces petroleum usage by some 20,000 pounds per year, reduces CO2 emissions by 30,000 pounds per year, and represents a smart, sustainable usage for wheat straw, the waste byproduct of wheat.

"Ford continues to explore and open doors for greener materials that positively impact the environment and work well for customers," said Patrick Berryman, a Ford engineering manager who develops interior trim. "We seized the opportunity to add wheat straw-reinforced plastic as our next sustainable material on the production line, and the storage bin for the Flex was the ideal first application."

Collaborative effort
Ford researchers were approached with the wheat straw-based plastics formulation by the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, as part of the Ontario BioCar Initiative – a multi-university effort between Waterloo, the University of Guelph, University of Toronto and University of Windsor. Ford works closely with the Ontario government-funded project, which is seeking to advance the use of more plant-based materials in the auto and agricultural industries.

The University of Waterloo already had been working with plastics supplier A. Schulman of Akron, Ohio, to perfect the lab formula for use in auto parts, ensuring the material is not only odorless, but also meets industry standards for thermal expansion and degradation, rigidity, moisture absorption and fogging. Less than 18 months after the initial presentation was made to Ford's Biomaterials Group, the wheat straw-reinforced plastic was refined and approved for Flex, which is produced at Ford's Oakville (Ontario) Assembly Complex.

The wheat straw-reinforced resin is the BioCar Initiative's first production-ready application. It demonstrates better dimensional integrity than a non-reinforced plastic and weighs up to 10 percent less than a plastic reinforced with talc or glass. "Without Ford's driving force and contribution, we would have never been able to move from academia to industry in such lightning speed," said Leonardo Simon, associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Waterloo. "Seeing this go into production on the Ford Flex is a major accomplishment for the University of Waterloo and the BioCar Initiative."

An interior storage bin may seem like a small start, but it opens the door for more applications, said Dr. Ellen Lee, technical expert, Ford's Plastics Research. "We see a great deal of potential for other applications since wheat straw has good mechanical properties, can meet our performance and durability specifications, and can further reduce our carbon footprint – all without compromise to the customer."

Already under consideration by the Ford team: center console bins and trays, interior air register and door trim panel components, and armrest liners.

Abundant waste material put to good use
The case for using wheat straw to reinforce plastics in higher-volume, higher-content applications is strong across many industries. In Ontario alone, where Flex is built, more than 28,000 farmers grow wheat, along with corn and soybeans. Typically, wheat straw, the byproduct of growing and processing wheat, is discarded. Ontario, for example, has some 30 million metric tons of available wheat straw waste at any given time.

"Wheat is everywhere and the straw is in excess," said Lee. "We have found a practical automotive usage for a renewable resource that helps reduce our dependence on petroleum, uses less energy to manufacture, and reduces our carbon footprint. More importantly, it doesn't jeopardize an essential food source."

To date, Ford and its suppliers are working with four southern Ontario farmers for the wheat straw needed to mold the Flex's two interior storage bins.

History in the making
Ford's interest in wheat dates back to the 1920s, when company founder Henry Ford developed a product called Fordite – a mixture of wheat straw, rubber, sulphur, silica and other ingredients – that was used to make steering wheels for Ford cars and trucks. Much of the straw used to produce Fordite came from Henry Ford's Dearborn-area farm.

The company's new-age application for wheat straw joins other bio-based, reclaimed and recycled materials that are in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles today, including:

* Soy-based polyurethane foams on the seat cushions and seatbacks, now in production on the Ford Mustang, Expedition, F-150, Focus, Escape, Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner and Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln MKS. More than 1.5 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles on the road today have soy-foam seats, which equates to a reduction in petroleum oil usage of approximately 1.5 million pounds. This year, Ford has expanded its soy-foam portfolio to include the industry's first application of a soy-foam headliner on the 2010 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner for a 25 percent weight savings over a traditional glass-mat headliner.
* Underbody systems, such as aerodynamic shields, splash shields and radiator air deflector shields, made from post-consumer recycled resins such as detergent bottles, tires and battery casings, diverting between 25 and 30 million pounds of plastic from landfills. The newest addition is the engine cam cover on the 3.0-liter V-6 2010 Ford Escape.
* 100 percent post-industrial recycled yarns in seat fabrics on vehicles such as the Ford Escape. The 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids feature 85 percent post-industrial yarns and 15 percent solution-dyed yarns. The 100 percent usage represents a 64 percent reduction in energy consumption and a 60 percent reduction in CO2 emissions.
* Repurposed nylon carpeting made into nylon resin and molded into cylinder head covers for Ford's 3.0L Duratec engine. The industry's first eco-friendly cylinder head cover is currently found in the 2010 Ford Fusion and Escape vehicles.

###

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About the Ontario BioCar Initiative
The Ontario BioCar Initiative represents a partnership between the automotive industry and the public sector, aimed at accelerating the use of biomass in automotive materials. For additional information, please visit www.bioproductsatguelph.ca/biocar/.

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"Military families face many challenges as a result of their commitment to our country, and USDA recognizes this significant sacrifice and believes very strongly that Cooperative Extension can play a critical role in supporting these families," Shah said. "This new partnership will enhance our 20-year relationship with the Defense Department and extend the many resources of the Cooperative Extension Service to serve the entire military community."

The partnership will focus on three overall areas: community capacity building in support of military families, workforce development, and strengthening family, child care and youth development programs.

The National Leadership Summit on Military Families was planned to start an ongoing conversation to transform family support and readiness programs and lead to more effective and productive ways for coordination in implementation. More than 200 leaders who provide support to military families attended the summit over the past few days at the University of Maryland. The summit was organized through collaboration between USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Military Community and Family Policy and the University of Maryland. Participants included leadership within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, USDA, land-grant universities and non-governmental partners.

USDA has worked with DoD for 20 years, including partnership with all branches of the military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and the National Guard & Reserve. USDA began the partnership by bringing the 4-H Youth Development Program to youth living on military bases throughout the world. In 2008, 24,000 youth participated in 4-H club programs on military bases and installations around the globe. Additionally, Cooperative Extension faculty are working in partnership with bases and installations across the country to address critical needs of military families, including needs related to health, nutrition, financial management, family stress, etc.

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov.

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WASHINGTON, The USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced they are streamlining the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's broadband grant and loan programs by awarding the remaining funding in just one more round, instead of two rounds, to increase efficiency and better accommodate applicants.

RUS's Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) are intended to expand broadband access and adoption in America, advancing the goals of the Recovery Act by creating jobs and stimulating long-term economic growth and opportunity. The first round of these grant and loan programs produced about 2,200 applications requesting nearly $28 billion in funding - almost seven times the amount of funding available in that round - for proposed broadband projects reaching all 50 U.S. states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia. The agencies are currently reviewing these applications and expect to award up to $4 billion in loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations in this round. The agencies expect to begin announcing funding awards in December 2009.

"This will get the funds out the door faster to stimulate the economy and create jobs. It gives applicants and communities a greater opportunity to come together to form networks and find more creative ways to connect to the global economy through broadband," said Jonathan Adelstein, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, USDA. "We are listening to applicants, reviewing applications received, and all indications suggest a need to revisit the application process. We will consider changes in the next NOFA to make the process more 'applicant friendly' from beginning to end."

"Based on our experience with the first funding round, including the overwhelming response we've seen from applicants nationwide, we believe this consolidated approach brings a number of benefits," said Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and Administrator of NTIA.

The agencies also announced they are seeking public comment on how best to administer the second round of funding for the programs in order to improve the applicant experience and maximize the ability of the programs to meet Recovery Act objectives.

"Stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide us with well-informed feedback on how the first round worked for applicants, the agencies will be able to make improvements to the process, and potential applicants will gain more time to form partnerships and create stronger project proposals. Ultimately, this approach can help us run the programs with increased efficiency and produce better results for the American public," Strickling said.

In a Request for Information (RFI) released today, the agencies are seeking feedback on procedural and policy aspects of BIP and BTOP. While inviting general input on the programs, the agencies identified specific areas for comment.

In terms of procedural matters, for example, the RFI seeks input on ways to streamline the application process while still ensuring that the agencies obtain the information necessary to make awards in accordance with statutory requirements. The RFI also asks whether the agencies can better balance the public's interest in transparency and openness with stakeholders' legitimate interest in maintaining the confidentiality of proprietary data.

Among policy matters raised, the RFI seeks comment on how to best target the remaining funds to achieve the goals of the Recovery Act. Commenters proposing a more targeted approach are asked to quantify the impact of their proposal based on metrics such as the number of end users or community anchor institutions connecting to service, the number of new jobs created, and the projected increase in broadband adoption rates. The RFI asks whether to focus second round funding on projects that create "comprehensive communities" by installing high capacity middle mile facilities between anchor institutions that bring essential health, medical, and educational services to citizens. The RFI also invites input on various other issues, including whether the definition of "remote area," which is used to determine grant eligibility under BIP, is too restrictive, how the agencies can best ensure that investments are cost effective, and ways the programs might impact regional economic development and stability.

RUS and NTIA will utilize the feedback received in response to the RFI to set the rules for the second funding round, which the agencies expect to announce through a Notice of Funds Availability early next year.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and RUS to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. RUS will use $2.5 billion in budget authority to support grants and loans to facilitate broadband deployment in primarily rural communities.

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WASHINGTON, Expanded action and increased accountability by the federal government are the focus of a draft strategy for restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay required by President Obama's Executive Order. To accelerate efforts and track progress, federal agencies are committing to meet milestones every two years, leading to all activities needed to restore the Chesapeake Bay and watershed being in place no later than 2025.

The draft strategy, released today, contains a comprehensive package of federal initiatives to restore clean water, conserve treasured places, protect fish and wildlife, and adapt to the impacts of climate change. These objectives will be accomplished by empowering local efforts, making decisions based on science and forging a new era of federal leadership and accountability. Close collaboration of efforts with the six states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the District of Columbia will also be critical.

"President Obama has declared that the Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and committed to a robust cleanup effort. Setting two-year benchmarks for progress will ensure that our actions are getting the results the President and the public expect," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "This is the broadest and most publicly accountable cleanup effort ever seen on the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. It's time for a new era of decisive federal leadership, and new partnerships with state government, nonprofits, the private sector and residents who have all been working to create a cleaner Bay."

Public comment on the draft strategy is important to the federal agencies and will shape the final strategy. The formal public comment period is from Nov. 9, 2009 to Jan. 8, 2010. The draft strategy can be accessed at http://executiveorder.chesapeakebay.net and the public can click on "provide comments" to formally submit feedback through www.regulations.gov. The draft strategy will evolve significantly through public comments, state consultations and agency revisions before the final strategy is published in May 2010.

To restore clean water, EPA will create a framework for performance and accountability to guide federal and state pollution control programs, and expand regulatory tools to reduce pollution from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and urban and suburban runoff. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will intensively target voluntary conservation incentives at high priority areas. New emphasis is also placed on improving stormwater management on federal land and reducing polluted runoff from transportation infrastructure.

"Maintaining healthy, sustainable farms and forests is an essential component to protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay," said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. "Our focus is on increasing economic viability, strengthening markets for local foods, improving water quality and protecting the natural landscape."

The draft strategy contains numerous initiatives to conserve natural places, animal habitats and fish and wildlife. For example, the Department of the Interior will pursue development of a Chesapeake Treasured Landscapes Initiative to support state and local efforts to conserve and restore the environmental, historic, cultural and recreational value of many of the region's wetlands, river corridors and open spaces. The department will look for opportunities to expand or create new units of the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, National Wild and Scenic Rivers system and National Historic Trails system.

"Our proposed initiative will build upon the existing partnerships with states, local communities, conservation organizations and other stakeholders to undertake projects that will not only conserve the Chesapeake Bay but will lead to its restoration as one of the great natural wonders of our country," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. "We have a big toolbox full of conservation actions and we plan to use it."One challenge to restoration is climate change, which scientists project will have a variety of impacts on the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed, including rising sea levels, warmer water and air temperatures, and stronger storms. NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey are leading the development of the federal strategy for adapting to climate change impacts in the Bay.

"Science shows that Chesapeake Bay habitats and living resources are already being affected by climate change," said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator. "We need to adapt to climate change to ensure that the places and things we care about - like wetlands that serve as nurseries for fish and crabs and coastal communities that are vulnerable to sea level rise - can be addressed in our restoration efforts."

NOAA and the Army Corps of Engineers will also lead a revitalized effort to recover native oyster reefs and establish self-sustaining native oyster reef sanctuaries in key tributaries by 2020.

The draft strategy emphasizes the need to empower local efforts because local governments, watershed organizations and residents have a great interest and ability to restore the environment. Federal agencies will expand technical assistance and resources, and support development of innovative technologies to reduce pollution and economic markets for ecosystem services. A Chesapeake Conservation Corps will be pursued to increase citizen stewardship, and public education will engage people in protecting local waterways.

Federal agencies have also developed a suite of accountability and transparency measures, led by ChesapeakeStat, an online tool that will identify restoration projects, funding and progress, and be publicly accessible. The draft strategy also calls for an annual plan for spending; reporting on environmental health and restoration progress, potentially through the Chesapeake Bay Program's Bay Barometer; and an independent evaluation of federal efforts.

On May 12, President Obama issued Executive Order 13508 on Chesapeake Bay Restoration and Protection, the first-ever presidential directive on the Bay and the first environmental Executive Order by President Obama. The order established a Federal Leadership Committee, chaired by EPA, and with senior representatives from the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Homeland Security, Interior and Transportation. These agencies generated draft reports in September 2009 with recommendations for addressing issues such as water quality, public access, landscape conservation, climate change, scientific monitoring and the protection of living resources. These draft reports were integrated into the draft strategy, which must be finalized by May 12, 2010.

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Westmont, NJ

As the economy shows signs that the country is over the worst of the recession with a 3.5% third quarter growth in GPD, the number of homes going into foreclosure continues to climb. Even with all the government sponsored efforts to prevent foreclosures the past three months have likely seen the highest number of foreclosures in the country's history.

According to one recent report by RealtyTrac® one in every 136 homes in the U.S. are now in foreclosure, which is 23% increase over the same period last year. The market is now flooded with these properties and many first time homebuyers and real estate investors are looking to buy these discounted properties.

Real estate foreclosures come in all types of conditions from move-in ready to completely run down, vandalized and neglected properties. Many of these same properties are being sold by the banks 'as is' so buyers need to be aware of potential problems with such issues such as mold contamination, lead paint and asbestos.

Properly conducted home inspections should identify many of these issues, but a number of buyers forgo this important step which can lead to costly environmental issues later. EMSL Analytical, one of the nation's largest environmental testing laboratories, provides affordable testing solutions for prospective buyers and property inspectors.

'Up to 24 million homes in the U.S. contain substantial lead paint hazards according to the CDC and the EPA recently announced new guidance for properties constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978 because of concerns with PCBs in caulking material,' reported Joe Frasca, Executive Vice President for EMSL Analytical. 'Millions more likely have issues with mold and asbestos so it is imperative to have a property inspected and tested to protect the buyer's interests,' Frasca continued.

To learn more about environmental testing or other testing needs please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of indoor air quality, environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

— WebWireID107209 —

'Applied is very pleased to receive such a distinction in a year that's been exceptionally challenging for business,' said Barb Emery, Vice President – Human Resources, for Applied. 'We attribute this to our strong values and commitment to communications, as well as our dedication to teamwork, training, and development.'

As developed by the Employers' Resource Council (ERC) in 1999, NorthCoast 99 nominees are judged on Seven Fundamentals of Workplace Characteristics: Flexibility, Opportunity, Recognition, Development, Security, Support, and Talent Integrity. Organizations must be in existence for at least three years and have a minimum of 15 full-time employees (or equivalent) to be eligible for the award.

ERC is Northeast Ohio's largest organization dedicated to Human Resources and workplace programs, practices, training and consulting.

With approximately 460 facilities and 4,700 employee associates across North America, Applied Industrial Technologies is an industrial distributor that offers more than 3 million parts critical to the operations of MRO and OEM customers in virtually every industry. In addition, Applied provides engineering, design and systems integration for industrial and fluid power applications, as well as customized mechanical, fabricated rubber and fluid power shop services. For its fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, Applied posted sales of $1.9 billion. Applied can be visited on the Internet at http://www.applied.com.

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— WebWireID107385 —

DES MOINES, Iowa. – Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, today announced a $150,000 matching gift pledge to the Iowa 4-H Foundation to support youth programs. The contribution launches the Iowa 4-H Foundation's President's Campaign fundraising effort.

'4-H makes a positive impact on our communities and youth through programs that support agriculture, benefit youth and impact education,' said Bill Tomlinson, Iowa 4-H Foundation board president and Pioneer Hi-Bred production director. 'We are proud to support the 4-H programs across the state that help create the next generation of active citizens and community leaders.'

As part of the President's Campaign, Pioneer will match contributions to the Iowa 4-H Foundation dollar for dollar up to $150,000 during Bill Tomlinson's tenure as Iowa 4-H Foundation board president. His term runs through September 2010.

Pioneer has a long tradition of supporting 4-H. In a 2004 President's Campaign, Pioneer contributed $150,000 toward an overall campaign result of $450,000 to support volunteer leader development, 4-H after school programs, a paved road to the 4-H Center, state 4-H recognition and National 4-H Congress.

'This gift is an amazing investment in our youth,' said Joe Leisz, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. 'It will help us keep 4-H strong in every county in Iowa as our growing program expands its membership with more than 110,000 youth participants. We hope this gift will inspire others and help us grow the next generation of Iowa's leaders.'

The Iowa 4-H Foundation provides the financial resources to develop and deliver quality 4-H youth programs throughout the state of Iowa. The opportunities it helps provide to young people enhance their ability to use critical thinking, leadership, communication, and life skills – tools that will give them a competitive edge in their future endeavors. Contributions to the Iowa 4-H Foundation can be made online at www.iowa4hfoundation.org Leaving Pioneer.com.

— WebWireID107401 —

Dow Corning purchased 100 percent of Globe Metais Indústria e Comércio S.A., a silicon metal manufacturer in Pará, Brazil, which will immediately begin operating as Dow Corning Metais do Pará Ltda.

Dow Corning has also acquired a 49 percent interest in Globe Metallurgical Inc.'s silicon manufacturing operation in Alloy, West Virginia (U.S.A.), WVA Manufacturing LLC. The operation will continue to operate as WVA Manufacturing LLC.

Dow Corning, a global leader in silicone-based materials, relies on chemical grade silicon as an essential raw material to manufacture nearly all of its more than 7,000 products.

'These acquisitions offer Dow Corning an even more efficient and stable supply of silicon metal,' said Robert Hansen, Dow Corning's executive vice president and general manager of Core Products. 'This is yet another step to position ourselves to better serve our customers' needs.'

Silicones are important building blocks for products in the construction, personal care, life sciences, energy, automotive and electronics industries, among others.

About Dow Corning

Dow Corning (www.dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company's Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.

— WebWireID107196 —