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 —

The Dow-BASF innovation offers distinct economic and environmental benefits when compared to conventional propylene oxide (PO) process technologies. A joint eco-efficiency study conducted by the two companies in 2007 revealed the new HPPO process reduces wastewater by 70 to 80 percent and energy use by approximately 35 percent, compared with existing PO technology. PO plants using the HPPO technology also require up to 25 percent less capital to build than conventional technologies, as they have reduced infrastructure, a smaller physical footprint and simpler raw materials integration.

"We see two very important factors required to solve world challenges - innovation and collaboration - coming together in this example," said Neil Hawkins, Dow's vice president of Sustainability and EH&S. "It will require new technology and partnering like this between companies, governments, NGOs and communities to secure our sustainable future."

"We are proud to have such an outstanding example of research and development," said Stefan Deibel, vice president of BASF's Polyurethanes division. "This state-of-the-art technology combines economic success with improved environmental performance."

In 2008, Dow and BASF successfully started up the first commercial-scale production plant based on the novel BASF/Dow-developed HPPO technology at BASF's Antwerp, Belgium, facility. A second plant based on this technology, being built by Dow, is scheduled to begin production in Map Ta Phut, Thailand, in the first half of 2011.

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.

About Dow PO/PG

Dow is the world's largest producer of propylene oxide (PO), polyether polyols, and is a leading producer of quality aromatic isocyanates, such as MDI and TDI, an essential component of polyether polyols. The business manufactures and markets polyurethane products and polyurethane systems that create rigid, semi-rigid and flexible foams, adhesives, sealants, coatings, elastomers and binders. Dow's polyurethane products and fully-formulated polyurethane systems are used for a broad range of applications including construction, infrastructure repair, wind energy solutions, automotive, appliance, furniture, bedding and shoe soles to decorative molding, athletic equipment and more. Dow also offers the latest in polyol technology with RENUVA™ Renewable Resource Technology and VORANOL™ VORACTIV™ polyols, part of an ongoing initiative by Dow to lead the industry in providing high-performance products. For more information, visit www.dowpolyurethanes.com, www.pusystems.com, www.dowhyperlast.com, www.dowpg.com, www.dowpo.com, www.dowrenuva.com and www.voractiv.com.

About BASF

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com

— WebWireID107180 —

Westmont, NJ

Recently a contractor from Washington was fined tens of thousands of dollars by environmental regulators in Oregon for violating asbestos regulations during an abatement project. The contractor has appealed the fine according to reports from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The Clean Air Act and the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants require contractors to follow certain steps during projects that involve asbestos. These requirements include actions that must be taken before work commences, during renovations and to ensure proper waste disposal.

The contractor has been accused of multiple violations related to an asbestos abatement project the contractor was involved with at a retirement facility. According to the DEQ the contractor did not complete all the required documentation and removed containment materials before sampling the air quality. This is the second time this year this contractor has faced fines from the DEQ over asbestos violations.

Asbestos can be found in a wide range of common building materials from insulation, flooring, ceilings, roofing, siding to even fire coating materials. During abatement projects asbestos can be easily aerosolized which creates a dangerous environment for workers and building occupants. Without the proper safety precautions asbestos can easily be inhaled during renovation projects which could increase one's chance of developing lung cancer. Cancers associated with asbestos exposure can take up to decades to appear.

EMSL Analytical, one of the nation's largest asbestos testing laboratories, has been providing asbestos testing services since 1981. 'EMSL strongly encourages contractors to have suspect building materials tested before any renovations or abatement projects begin,' reported Joe Frasca, Executive Vice President for EMSL Analytical. 'It is a quick and cost effective way to ensure materials are handled safely to protect workers, building occupants and to prevent costly fines,' Frasca continued.

To learn more about asbestos 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 consumer product, 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.

— WebWireID107059 —

'We are encouraged by this approval and look forward to continued progress of biotech approvals in the EU,' said Pioneer Hi-Bred President Paul E. Schickler. 'We urge the Commission and EU Member States to similarly approve biotech crops for cultivation so Europe's farmers have access to the same technologies as other farmers around the world.'

Products containing the stacked trait (59122/NK603) were assessed to be safe for use in food and feed by the EU's own independent scientific authority, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in December 2008, and already have been approved in eight countries around the world. Pending publication in the Official Journal in the coming days, this product now is authorized for import into the EU in accordance with EU regulations, including the appropriate labeling and traceability of the products and their derivatives.

Herculex® RW contains the Bt trait to provide an environmentally improved means of protecting corn plants against attacks by the corn rootworm by reducing the need to use insecticides. The Roundup Ready® Corn 2 gene allows growers to effectively and efficiently control weeds in their fields, allowing the corn plants to achieve their full yield potential.

'These approvals tell us that the EU recognizes both the benefits of our biotech products, the extensive health and safety research that supports their use – and the importance of a functioning regulatory approval process for food and feed authorizations to ensure that European livestock products have continued access to these products,' said Dow AgroSciences President and CEO Antonio Galindez.

The Herculex® RW, Roundup Ready® Corn 2 stack was developed from traditional breeding methods of two genetically modified corn lines (59122 maize and NK603 maize) and contains no new genetic modifications. Herculex® RW and Roundup Ready® Corn 2 were approved by the EU for food, feed, import and processing in October 2007 and March 2005, respectively.

— WebWireID107030 —

DES MOINES, Iowa. – As growers evaluate 2009 harvest performance and prepare to make 2010 seed purchase decisions, agronomy professionals from Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, remind growers of the importance of selecting the right product for the right acre.

Before making this important decision, it's critical for growers to understand how the seed's genetics respond to the local environment, the true value of seed traits and the results of localized testing. In other words, it's about knowing how to select a seed product with both the agronomic and technology traits best suited for each field.

'There is no one-size-fits-all solution or cookie-cutter approach, which means some products perform differently in different fields,' says Greg Luce, Pioneer agronomy research manager. 'Because every product is different and every field is different, the key is for growers to optimize their efforts and choose products that will reap the greatest value for the investment on each acre.'

For growers, the focus should be on evaluating whether they're making the right seed selection for the right field conditions, weather, disease and insect pressures. Growers need to make sure to take advantage of resources available to help them select a hybrid that will match traits against these risks.

One such resource growers can turn to is their Pioneer sales professional, who can arm them with localized information and research to help determine which product is best suited to their operation, local area, etc. This includes evaluating the traits of a hybrid or variety, deciding if its strengths are right for their needs and if any weaknesses can be managed properly through product profile information and their own management practices.

For example, when choosing products with insect protection, growers should focus on the pest pressures present in their particular area.

'Corn rootworm resistant products may garner attention, but if corn rootworm pressure isn't at a level of concern, the best choice for a particular field may be a specific hybrid that does not contain corn rootworm resistance,' Luce says. 'The goal isn't about picking the most popular or talked about product or trait, but rather matching the right genetics to the particular environment and managing risks by including key traits for added protection.'

In addition, Pioneer conducts extensive testing on its products not only before they reach the market, but also within local markets to help evaluate the best product fit for a particular geography, giving growers both the yield boosts and protection they are seeking.

'A great example of this is the Pioneer® brand Y Series soybeans that come not only with yield potential but also offer solid defensive packages,' Luce says.

Sound management practices also can go a long way in helping growers protect their investment, helping to allow the seed to reach its full genetic potential on their farms. This includes considering such aspects as the best planting time, seed treatments, foliar fungicides and nitrogen application needs to get the most out of every product on every acre each year.

This year the cool weather and moisture that occurred in some areas expanded foliar (leaf) diseases. That's something the grower cannot predict but also something that can be addressed via management practices, such as use of a foliar fungicide. Foliar fungicide applications can be beneficial for both corn and soybeans and are becoming more popular with growers. These applications protect against yield-robbing diseases that can impact the genetic potential of products.

Because the challenges facing growers vary from year to year, from weather shifts to pest populations, it's often difficult to predict what the next growing season will bring. But being as prepared as possible can go a long way in helping set up growers for success.

'At Pioneer, we're educating and putting more agronomists, area account managers and sales professionals in our growing areas so we can really fine-tune product performance in a given geography,' Luce says. 'What separates us is the effort we put into it, the training, diving into the data, dissecting the information and really working with growers and their knowledge base to create the best partnership.'

— WebWireID107024 —

Monheim.– Bayer CropScience announced today the completion of its purchase of Athenix Corp., a privately-held independent biotechnology company headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA. The company was purchased for USD 365 Million (about EUR 250 million). Further cash payments based upon the achievement of certain development milestones may amount up to USD 35 million (about EUR 24 million).

The acquisition of Athenix and its innovative technology platform significantly boosts Bayer CropScience's ability to make available to growers worldwide novel technology and complete agricultural solutions. Athenix has an extensive herbicide tolerance and insect control trait development platform. The company has the largest collection of Bt genes in the industry – genes that are crucial for insect resistance of plants. Athenix is working on nematode resistance as well, a field where current chemical options are limited. Additionally, the company has a valuable collection of proprietary microbes that will provide a long-term source of novel and commercially important genes for future trait development.

Bayer CropScience is currently already pursuing a total of 56 BioScience research projects involving six crops. The acquisition bolsters this research and development (R&D)-pipeline and the trait platform of Bayer CropScience. Athenix complements the fast growing BioScience business of Bayer CropScience by significantly extending its R&D-presence in North America. Athenix employs some of the world's leading researchers in the agricultural biotech industry and has a workforce of about 65 employees who have extensive expertise in commercial gene discovery, commercial trait generation, and product development.

The acquisition will allow Bayer CropScience to strengthen its attractiveness as a partner to other stakeholders in the seed business worldwide. It will generate additional trait fee income beyond the income streams from Bayer CropScience`s current trait technology due to license agreements with major agricultural companies. Bayer CropScience already expects the combined sales potential of its four most important licensing agreements, which will bear fruit in the coming years, to exceed EUR 500 million – and Athenix will add further to this revenue stream from the middle of next decade.

'We are investing heavily in our BioScience business to strengthen our position in the global seeds and traits market', said Professor Friedrich Berschauer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer CropScience. 'Within the last year, we have announced business expansions involving three new state-of-the-art research and development facilities in the United States and Canada. Athenix is a leading independent plant biotechnology company. The acquisition of Athenix therefore underpins this expansion, and allows Bayer CropScience to further expand its strong research and development capacity in North America, the most important seed technology market of the world.'

'We are pleased to become part of Bayer CropScience, a global agribusiness leader that is fundamentally driven by the spirit and practice of innovation. The combined talents and capabilities of Bayer CropScience and Athenix will serve to accelerate the market introduction of highly innovative new products for farmers worldwide that will directly address the global demand for superior agricultural productivity,' said Mike Koziel, Chief Executive Officer for Athenix.

— WebWireID106969 —

Los Alamitos, CA

Regional water monitors in California recently announced that farmers in parts of the state will soon be required to finance all, or part, of the cost to monitor agricultural pollutants in area surface water. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted the new rules in 2007 and they will go into effect in the next few years.

Runoff from farms and cropland can cause fertilizers, animal waste, pesticides and other toxins to pollute area water. According to the EPA, 'Agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is the leading source of water quality impacts to rivers and lakes.' Pollutants to be monitored will likely include nitrates, bacteria, phosphates and other contaminants.

The program requires farmers with more than $1,000 in gross crop sales to pay to sample the water quality in area lakes and streams. The San Diego region, which is also comprised of parts of Riverside and Orange counties, is included in this new regulation. According to some reports as many as 100 bodies of water in that region have suffered for various reasons, including agricultural pollutants.

San Diego County is composed of more small farmers than anywhere else in the state. The additional cost to them for this program could be a hardship on some small farmers following rising water costs and current low commodity prices. LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, leading environmental testing laboratories in the area, have been on the forefront of providing affordable water testing solutions for all types of pollutants.

'Both laboratories have a long history of providing these types of testing services in California to help protect people and the environment,' reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. 'Our water testing laboratories are an important resource for government agencies, farmers, industry and the general public,' Sublasky continued.

To learn more about water testing and other environmental services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

— WebWireID106894 —

Each rod outlet will have the capability to produce plain rod (5.5mm to 20mm) and rebar (6mm to 16mm) products, which include carbon steels, cold heading steel, spring steel, welding wire, bearing steel, tire cord and PC strand steel grades.

Included in the contracts for each rod outlet is a four stand prefinishing mill (PFM) arrangement, with two-stand 300 horizontal/vertical PFM and a two-stand 230 Vee PFM; a 10-stand, 230/160 Vee No Twist Mill (NTM), guides for the PFM and NTM, snap shears, side loopers, water boxes, troughs, pinch rolls, laying heads, Stelmor conveyor, two-arm mandrel reform stations and compactors.

Delivery is expected in mid-2010 for the first rod outlet and the third quarter 2010 for the second. The contract includes site supervision and services during the installation.

Further information about solutions for steel works, rolling mills and processing lines is available at http://www.siemens.com/metals

A photo supplements this press release. Please see: http://www.industry.siemens.com/data/presse/pics/IIS200911914.jpg

No Twist and Stelmor are registered trademarks of Morgan Construction Company.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies as well as comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six Divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 222,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry posted in fiscal year 2008 a profit of EUR3.86 billion with revenues totaling EUR38 billion. www.siemens.com/industry

With the business activities of Siemens VAI Metal Technologies, (Linz, Austria), Siemens Water Technologies (Warrendale, Pa., U.S.A.), and Industry Technologies, (Erlangen, Germany), the Siemens Industry Solutions Division(Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities. Using its own products, systems and process technologies, Industry Solutions develops and builds plants for end customers, commissions them and provides support during their entire life cycle. With around 31,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry Solutions achieved an order intake of EUR 8.415 billon in fiscal year 2008.

Further information and downloads at:
http://www.siemens.com/industry-solutions

— WebWireID106859 —

A full range of Ministers from China attended, including Commerce Minister Chen Deming, Agriculture Minister Sun Zhengcai, National Energy Bureau Director Zhang Guobao, National Tourism Administration Chairman Shao Qiwei, and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) Administrator Wang Yong. Vice Ministers from the following Chinese agencies also were represented: Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Ministry of Health (MOH), Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC), the Ministry of Transportation (MOT), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), and the State Council Legislative Affairs Office (SCLAO).

Outlined below are outcomes of the topics discussed.

Agriculture

China announced its intent to re-open the Chinese market to U.S. pork products and live swine. The United States awaits China's official announcement to ensure that the measure is consistent with science-based, international standards.

Two-way trade of agricultural, fish, and forest products between the United States and China has grown in recent years to over $21 billion per year.

Clean Energy

China agreed to remove local content requirements on wind turbines.

China's renewable energy market is expected to reach $100 billion by 2020, and wind energy is the fastest growing component.

Distribution Services

The United States welcomes news that China is in the process of concluding its licensing procedures for certain qualified direct selling services companies.

Government Procurement

* China will require that products produced in China by foreign invested enterprises (FIEs) are treated as domestic products and will issue rules in this regard.
* The United States and China will establish a multi-agency working group to regularly conduct discussions on issues involving government procurement and purchases by state-affiliated enterprises and organizations and private parties that make purchases in accordance with national strategic objectives.
* China committed to submit a revised offer as early as possible in 2010 to accede to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).

Information Security

* China confirmed in working group discussions that the April 29, 2009, announcement by AQSIQ, MOF and CNCA, that China's Compulsory Certification (CCC) testing and certification rules for 13 categories of information security products apply only to products procured by Chinese government agencies.
* China agreed to establish a dialogue with the United States regarding global practices for trade in information security products.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

* China gave assurances that it will impose maximum administrative penalties on Internet infringers and has begun a four-month campaign to clamp down on Internet piracy.
* China announced its public notice, published yesterday, conveying to state-run libraries the importance of strengthening protection of copyright-protected academic and medical journals.
* China agreed that it will work closely with the United States to resolve U.S. concerns about a new Ministry of Culture circular relating to online music distribution that is creating serious problems for the U.S. music industry.
* The Intellectual Property Working Group identified next steps on key issues, including: China's further promotion of software legalization of enterprises and exchanges of information on measures for promoting software legalization; China's establishment of a Broadcast Tariff Rate as soon as possible; and opportunities for interested rights holders and government experts to provide feedback on China's new Patent Law amendments and new implementing regulations.
* These outcomes will bring significant benefit to U.S. rights holders, given the importance of intellectual property rights to the U.S. economy and the dynamic growth of the Internet in economies around the globe. The copyright industry estimates losses in 2008 due to piracy reached approximately $7 billion, of which over $500 million in revenues were lost to Internet music piracy.

Medical Devices

* China committed that product recall regulations will not be duplicative or redundant and the Ministry of Health and the State Food and Drug Administration will be the relevant authorities for medical device recalls.
* China will adopt a risk-based approach that will not automatically lead to clinical trials for medical devices in a given class, and consider the use of results from a clinical trial conducted outside of China to support a local clinical trial exemption.
* China will accept a prior approval document of a medical device issued by a foreign country regardless of its exporting origin, country of manufacture or legal manufacture to satisfy any prior approval registration requirement.
* China will consider an exemption of requiring product samples to be tested in Chinese test labs prior to approval if the manufacturer demonstrates compliance with international standards and provides sound scientific evidence.
* China will strive to implement regulations, rules, and notices that are consistent with guidance documents for medical devices issued by the Global Harmonization Task Force and the Asia Harmonization Working Party.
* According to industry, China's prior approval requirement could have impacted over $350 million in U.S. products. The clinical trials outcome will save U.S. companies hundreds of millions of dollars.

Pharmaceuticals

* China will continue to strengthen its oversight and enforcement of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and counterfeit pharmaceuticals by undertaking initiatives such as the establishment of a Drug Master File system, enforcement of record-keeping requirements for companies that manufacture and sell APIs, and regulation of unregistered Chinese companies advertising and marketing APIs at foreign trade shows and on the Internet.
* China identified SFDA as its single point of contact for the Interagency Coordination Conference for Fighting the Production and Sales of Counterfeit Drugs.
* China agrees to share information with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the activities of the Interagency Coordination Conference.
* China and the United States agree to continue the dialogue on pharmaceutical data protection.
* The U.S. pharmaceutical industry loses billions of dollars of annual revenues due to counterfeit medicines. The average reported value of counterfeit medicines seized in 2008 was over $5 million.

Travel and Tourism

* The United States and China agreed to implement Phase II of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that opened the market for the sale of packaged leisure travel from China to the United States to include an additional 12 jurisdictions, bringing the total to 21.
* The United States and China have agreed to hold a high-level meeting of the JCCT Tourism Working Group in January 2010 to sign a program of work that will enhance travel under the MOU.
* The United States anticipates that inbound travel from China will increase by 15 percent in 2010.

COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES

Agriculture: The U.S. Department of Agriculture and China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) announced a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Agriculture, which renews the Joint Committee on Cooperation in Agriculture (JCCA) and provides additional opportunities for MOA and USDA to engage on cooperative agricultural issues.

In 2008, the United States exported over $13 billion in agricultural products to China, of which the majority were derived from biotechnology.

Anti-Monopoly Law: The United States and China committed to continuing the Anti-Monopoly Law dialogue under the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

Dietary Supplements: The United States and China agreed to hold a government-to-government exchange of information on dietary supplement regulation by March 31, 2010.

Energy Cooperation Program: The United States and China supported the launch of the Energy Cooperation Program (ECP), a public-private partnership focused on commercialization of clean energy solutions. This effort reflects an ongoing partnership among the Departments of Commerce and Energy, TDA, and U.S. industry with respective Chinese counterparts.

Environmental Cooperation: The United States and China agreed to hold the second U.S.-China Environmental Industries Forum in October, 2010, and a second U.S.-China E-Scrap Recycling Summit in May, 2010.

China's rapidly growing environmental market is currently estimated at over $25 billion.

Global Distribution Services Forum: The United States and China agreed to hold a forum addressing the expansion of travel distribution services in China, including computer reservation system technology.

Green Building Standards: The United States and China agreed to hold a Green Building Standards Seminar by March 2010.

Healthcare: TDA funded two grants in Sichuan province to assist in the development of provincial healthcare IT strategy and emergency response capabilities to enable quality healthcare to reach rural communities.

Industries and Competitiveness Dialogue: The United States and China launched a new Vice Minister-level dialogue focused on innovation and industrial policy.

Intellectual Property Rights:

* Intermediary Liability on the Internet: China and the United States will jointly hold a program with public and private participants to discuss the issue of intermediary legal liability on the Internet.
* Trademark Filing: China and the United States will exchange information about handling bad faith trademark registration practices through holding seminars or forming a task force under the JCCT IPR Working Group.

Legal Exchange: China and the United States agreed to hold the U.S.-China Legal Exchange next year.

Standards and Conformity Assessment: China and the United States will convene a public-private meeting by February 2010 on standards and conformity assessment procedures. In addition, TDA intends to fund additional workshops on priority standards issues over the next three years.

Transparency: The United States and China agreed to continue cooperation on transparency and administrative rulemaking and formulated a 2009-2010 work plan to enhance transparency and predictability for market participants.

— WebWireID106777 —

CANBERRA, Australia. - Global food security, which is increasingly being recognized as a key to national security, will only be fully achieved through well-designed and executed public and private partnerships, William S. Niebur, vice president - DuPont Crop Genetics Research and Development, told attendees at the Crawford Fund Annual Development Conference.

'Global food security challenges are becoming more complex and interconnected,' said Niebur. 'The need to increase agricultural productivity amid the uncertainties of global climate change, political instabilities, shrinking availability of arable land and increasing world populations present challenges no single company, government or research institution can solve alone.'

Niebur challenged conference participants – both in public and private sectors – to find more effective ways to solve the most pressing food security issues.

'Strong partnerships between public institutions and private companies will be the preferred mechanism to effectively address the increasingly complex challenges we'll face in the coming decades,' said Niebur. 'The most successful partnerships will create clear accountability. They will fully capture the strengths of each partner organization, have clear goals, inputs and timelines in place, and offer distinct benefit to all parties to ensure sustainability of the effort.'

He cited several effective partnerships, including the African Biofortified Sorghum (ABS) Project Consortium Leaving Pioneer.com led by Africa Harvest, and Scientific Know-How and Exchange Program (SKEP) partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), that are working to increase the nutrient value of food in the developing world and boost crop yields. Both partnerships rely on multiple public and private organizations around the world, with each bringing their unique resources, talent and expertise to bear in a well-orchestrated plan for success.

Niebur's remarks reflect DuPont's recently announced commitment to focus on meeting four emerging global trends, one of which is increasing food production.

DuPont has strategically focused on increasing food production, investing more than $700 million annually in research and development with more than 200 germplasm patent applications filed in the first half of 2009. DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred is the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics to farmers worldwide.

The 2009 Crawford Fund Annual Conference Leaving Pioneer.com seeks to explore ways in which the private sector can engage in international agricultural research, development and extension to the benefit of the rural poor. The Crawford Fund's mission is to increase Australia's engagement in international agricultural research, development and education for the benefit of developing countries and Australia.

DuPont Leaving Pioneer.com is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

— WebWireID106711 —

Deere said 452 manufacturing employees will be recalled beginning November 30th with all of those employees expected to be back to work before the company's annual holiday shutdown, which begins December 23rd.

The company said employees will begin production of new 2010 models. However, 78 employees will remain on layoff until market conditions improve enough to require the additional workforce.

Deere had placed the majority of the manufacturing workforce at Ottumwa on layoff earlier this year to align factory production with market demand. In total, the Ottumwa Works employs approximately 260 salaried employees and 720 wage employees, including those who remain on layoff.

The John Deere Ottumwa Works manufactures balers, mower conditioners, windrowers, and pull-type forage harvesters used by hay and livestock producers.

— WebWireID106704 —

DES MOINES, Iowa.– Cool, wet growing conditions this year have increased disease pressure in some soybean fields, cutting into yields and crop quality. While this season will soon be history, lessons learned from 2009 can help growers better select soybean varieties to combat diseases for next year to maximize yields, say experts from Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business.

'Heavy disease pressure has been reported this year in fields to diseases such as white mold, soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and brown stem rot Leaving Pioneer.com (BSR),' says Don Schafer, Pioneer senior marketing manager for soybeans.

While growers may face unknown conditions each year, they can be better prepared by selecting soybean varieties with defensive traits resistant to these types of diseases.

According to Schafer, white mold has been reported across most states in the northern Corn Belt including Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska. A sporadic disease that does not have widespread incidence every year, white mold can survive up to 10 years in soils, necessitating more than just rotation with nonhost crops like corn, sorghum and small grains.

'2009 is one of the heaviest years for white mold we have seen in the past 10 years,' Schafer says.

BSR surfaced in its typical areas of northern Illinois, northern Indiana, southwest Michigan, and southern Minnesota but also is showing up in atypical areas such as northeast Nebraska and South Dakota.

Schafer reports other diseases, such as sudden death syndrome (SDS), are afflicting new areas as well.

'We're also seeing SDS pressure in new places,' Schafer says. 'The geographies impacted by SDS have expanded this year, with the disease moving both west and north.'

As one of the most destructive soybean pests, SCN infestations pose another chronic threat to crops. Annually, SCN costs growers more than $1 billion. Effectively managing nematodes requires scouting, sampling and rotating crops and using sources of SCN resistance. To complicate matters, the presence of SCN can cause further stress in fields already plagued with BSR or SDS. Selecting the right combination of genetics, agronomic and defensive traits with specific seed treatments will help set the stage for growers to have a successful soybean crop.

'Even with increased disease pressure this growing season, Pioneer® brand soybean products are performing remarkably well,' Schafer says. 'The advancements we have made in research using molecular markers and other technologies have greatly improved the products we are bringing to the marketplace.'

Pioneer uses Accelerated Yield Technology (AYT™) to improve yield and develop seed products with higher tolerance to diseases. These include traits designed to tolerate soybean diseases, such as BSR and Phytophthora root rot, as well as pest pressures like SCN.

To combat these diseases, Pioneer recommends tailored solutions to help each grower choose the right product for the right acre for the 2010 planting season.

'Pioneer has unique genetics, does local testing and allows growers to spread risk by providing products with a trait package that best suits each field,' Schafer says. 'By understanding the crop management practice of each field, it is easier to help the grower select the right products. For example, if it's a field with a history of no-till and tends to be planted early in the season, selecting seed products that offer good emergence scores, a solid track record of standibility and a strong disease package is recommended. Pioneer also provides growers with the option of fungicide and insecticide treatments.'

Pioneer recently announced its Premium Seed Treatment offering for the 2010 planting season, providing an additional layer of protection to complement proprietary genetics and industry-leading traits. Soybean growers need more solutions than ever against early diseases and insect infestations. Combining exceptional genetics, solid agronomic traits and the appropriate defensive traits with seed treatments can reduce the risk of these yield-robbing diseases.

While predicting conditions for next year is always a gamble, adding soybean treatments can offer reassurance because treatments are customized to meet each grower's specific insect and disease pressures.

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ITHACA, Mich.– Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, announced plans for a new research center in Ithaca, Mich. The new center is one of the many steps Pioneer is taking to develop and commercialize new products to meet the needs of area farmers and to help meet the strong global demand for grain.

'Robust local product development efforts are a key part of our commitment to help farmers get the right product on the right acre to maximize productivity,' said Randy Minton, Pioneer business director for the Northeast Business Unit, which includes Michigan. 'This new research center will further expand our efforts to provide products that fit the specific needs of farmers in this region.'

Pioneer first established a research presence in the area with a research center in Ithaca in 1986, but has outgrown the current site. Pioneer will maintain operations at both research centers when the new center opens in the middle of next year.

The new center will expand corn product development and testing efforts for farmers in northern environments. There are plans to add new full-time positions at the new center in the coming years. This is in addition to the eight full-time and two part-time employees at the current research center in Ithaca.

Pioneer worked closely with the local and state economic development organizations in planning for the new research center. 'The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is pleased to partner with the Greater Gratiot Development Corporation to support this project and to help an innovative company expand its presence in Ithaca and the state of Michigan,' said Greg Main, Michigan Economic Development Corporation president and CEO.

Pioneer has had a significant presence in the state of Michigan for decades. In addition to the corn research centers in Ithaca, Pioneer has a large seed corn production facility in Constantine, Mich. Pioneer operates nearly 100 research centers worldwide.

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• Syngenta venture capital investment subsidiary created
• First direct equity investment in Metabolon, U.S. biotech company

Syngenta Ventures announced today that it has made an equity investment in Metabolon, a privately-held U.S. biotechnology company focused on the use of metabolomics in research and diagnostics. This is the first direct investment by Syngenta Ventures, Syngenta's newly-established corporate venture capital subsidiary.

'The creation of Syngenta Ventures will complement our in-house R&D work and enables us to be even more involved in promising technologies and innovative products with external partners,' said Robert Berendes, Head of Business Development at Syngenta. 'We need access to the best available new technologies in order to achieve the increase in agricultural output which will be vital over the coming years.'

Sandro Aruffo, Head of Research and Development at Syngenta, added: 'This investment follows a research collaboration with Metabolon which has existed for some years. We believe Metabolon's unique metabolomics platform will be an increasingly important technology for the development of innovative new products in the agriculture industry.'

Metabolomics provides mechanistic insight and biochemical markers for complex biological processes. This technology aims to accelerate the development of plants with innovative new native and genetically modified traits.

Syngenta Ventures will take a seat on the Board of Metabolon. The equity investment was made in the Series C financing of Metabolon which raised in total $12.3 million from a number of investors, including Syngenta Ventures. Financial details of the equity investment were not disclosed.

About Syngenta
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

About Metabolon
Metabolon is a diagnostics and services company offering the industry's leading biochemical profiling platform. Metabolon's patented platform provides a global analysis of complex biological samples for the discovery of markers. This metabolomics-driven approach enables the identification of biomarkers useful for the development of a wide range of diagnostics and provides insight into complex biochemical processes such as drug action, toxicology and bioprocess optimization. For more information about Metabolon, please visit www.metabolon.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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This follows a detailed review of Nestlé's palm oil supply chain. Under its policy on Environmental Sustainability, Nestlé has pledged to give preference to suppliers who strive to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations and use of resources.

The Company uses palm kernel oil for some of its confectionery and dairy products, but it is not a major raw material used. It also buys processed palm oil and processed oil mixes which often comes from multiple sources. However, Nestlé does not use crude palm oil nor has any direct links to the palm oil plantations and continues to work with suppliers to investigate the traceability of all possible sources of any palm oil used.

Over the last few years, Nestlé has been closely associated with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), an international non-profit association founded in 2004 to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil. Nestlé has now applied for full corporate membership of the RSPO, strengthening its efforts to find an effective multi-stakeholder solution to combat the environmental threat caused by the planting of palm oil plantations in South East Asia. Indonesia and Malaysia produce almost 90% of global supply of palm oil, and in total, global production is about 42 million tonnes. Nestlé uses 0.7% of the global supply (320,000 tonnes).

Palm oil, which is used in producing household items such as soap and detergent, and even for animal feeding and energy generation, is also used as a material from which biofuels are produced. Nestlé has repeatedly spoken out against the production of such fuels from materials used for food.

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Tate & Lyle has today announced that it has signed an agreement with Solvay to sell the ingredient Solactis® Galactofructose in bakery and other food and beverage applications in Europe (excluding Spain and Portugal), the Middle East and Africa.

Solactis® Galactofructose is a non-digestible carbohydrate derived from milk. Following comprehensive clinical trials, Galactofructose has been shown to deliver wide ranging health benefits as a prebiotic ingredient which also regulates digestive transit at very low dosages. In addition scientific results suggest that it could be beneficial in stimulating mineral absorption, and helpful in managing weight.

Galactofructose was first employed as a food ingredient for infant milk formulas in the 1950's and since the 1960's has also been used in the pharmaceutical industry in North America, Asia and Europe. It is supported by more than 50 years of scientific research, 30 of them conducted by Solvay. The ingredient also holds a long history of use in Asia where it has been employed in dairy applications and in infant nutrition.

Tate & Lyle and Solvay will use Solactis® Galactofructose to create a range of 'better for you' food applications for and with customers. They will leverage synergies within Tate & Lyle's existing food ingredients portfolio, including products such as Sta-lite® Polydextrose and Promitor™ Resistant Starch.

Tate & Lyle will be showcasing Solactis® Galactofructose as a part of its Enrich™ offering at Food Ingredients Europe 09. At stand Number 8M35 visitors will be able to taste a first series of innovative prototypes such as juice drinks and bakery items.

Commenting, James Blunt, Vice-President Sales & Marketing Tate & Lyle Food Ingredients Europe said: 'Galactofructose is an extremely functional food ingredient and has been shown to have excellent digestive effects, as well as other important benefits.

'Our partnership with Solvay is a natural fit. We will be able to combine their substantial experience and nutritional knowledge of Galactofructose with our own ingredients expertise, to develop products which are healthy and taste great.'

'Galactofructose complements our health and wellness strategy very well, so we're delighted to be able to bring it to our customers now.'

Pascal Ronfard, Solactis® Program Manager of Solvay said: 'This dairy derivative has proved to be a mild but efficient digestion facilitator and we believe it has great potential in the food world.

'The partnership with Tate & Lyle will allow us to combine their excellent insight into consumer habits and preferences, top quality applications expertise and far reaching distribution network, with our knowledge of the nutritional and functional benefits of Galactofructose. Together we will develop more healthy food products for European consumers. We're looking forward to a very fruitful partnership.'

About Solvay:
SOLVAY GROUP is an international chemical and pharmaceutical Group with headquarters in Brussels. It employs more than 29,000 people in 50 countries. In 2008, its consolidated sales amounted to EUR 9.5 billion, generated by its three sectors of activity: Chemicals, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals. Solvay is listed on the NYSE Euronext stock exchange in Brussels (NYSE Euronext: SOLB.BE - Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLBt.BR). Details are available at http://www.solactis.com and http://www.solvay.com.

About Tate & Lyle
Tate & Lyle is a world-leading renewable food and industrial ingredients company, serving a global market from more than 45 production facilities throughout the Americas, Europe and South East Asia. Our efficient, large-scale manufacturing plants turn agricultural products, corn and cane sugar, into valuable ingredients for our customers. These ingredients add taste, texture, nutrition and increased functionality to products that millions of people around the world use or consume every day.

Tate & Lyle's range of leading branded food ingredients includes SPLENDA® Sucralose, PROMITOR™ Dietary Fiber, STA-LITE® Polydextrose, Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Sugar and Lyle's Golden Syrup. Tate & Lyle also produces branded industrial ingredients including Bio-PDO™, Ethylex® and Sta-Lok® paper starches; and staple ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, sugar, ethanol, citric acid and basic starches. In addition to providing a wide range of ingredients our expert sales and product applications teams support customers by providing technical advice and proprietary consumer insight studies.

Tate & Lyle is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol TATE.L. American Depositary Receipts trade under TATYY. In the year to 31 March 2009, Tate & Lyle employed 5,718 people in its subsidiaries and joint ventures, and sales totalled £3.55 billion. http://www.tateandlyle.com.
SPLENDA® is a trademark of McNeil Nutritionals, LLC

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Buddleja Blue Chip is the first in a new generation of the ever-popular buddleia butterfly bush, that is truly a dwarf, perpetually flowering and genuinely patio sized plant.

The result of painstaking breeding in the U.S., the plant has undergone extensive trials, including with the RHS here in the UK, and has already proven itself as a unique world first, and looks to be a run away success.

This special plant joins the expanding stable of new and exclusive plants offered by Gardening Express in recent years. It joins other recently introduced Buddlejas offered by the firm; 'Bicolor', with a two colour in one flower bloom-stalk, and 'Silver Anniversay' with ghostly, fuzzy foliage.

Buddlejas are always a favourite with our customers, and www.GardeningExpress.co.uk are delighted to have this world first. 'There is a competitor in the market that claims to have a world first patio buddleja, and gardeners will be able to enjoy that offering next year – but Gardening Express' Blue Chip is on bloom at the moment, and available right here, right now, so we feel we have beaten them to it, in this release to the UK. Not only that, but Blue Chip has already been extensively tried and tested already, 'from what I have been reading of this other firms offering, Blue Chip is in my opinion, looking to be a superior plant, it just has so many positives going for it, but I will be keen to see how their plants compare,' commented Gardening Express CEO, Chris Bonnett.

Startlingly dwarf, it's not really like a traditional Buddleja at all, generally growing wider than high, and reaching around 60cms/2ft tall maximum. 'Our competitors offering is said to reach 120cms/4ft, and I feel at that size could still be a little unruly, where Blue Chip will never get near that,' added Bonnett. Not only that, but Blue Chip was voted as the 2nd most popular variety of Buddleja with the visiting public at the RHS trial grounds.

Amongst a tough economic backdrop, Bonnett recently commented: 'Green Shoots are our business', this world exclusive looks like a sure fire winner, with a coup on this new product, it's no wonder he's upbeat for the future. More exclusives have already been promised to be announced by the firm.

- Ends -

Further Information – Gardening Express – Chris Bonnett, 08000 33 61 61

Digital Images & Interviews Available on Request

About Gardening Express
Gardening Express, based in Chelmsford, Essex, is a leading online Garden Centre in the UK. The business was created by founder CEO Chris Bonnett, and has grown to be a thorn in the side of traditional rivals with it's dynamic approach and new thinking. The concept is simple; a dedication to quality, service and value for money, has resulted in this entrepreneur taking Gardening Express to be one of the UK's largest online garden centres in just a few short years.

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According to MGC, the SAP® Loans Management application was a wise investment given the recent economic situation, specifically the falling international prices for dairy products. For MGC, it was important that software tools were in place to support increased demand. With the new system, MGC can offer its members low interest and flexible loan options. Loans are re-paid by the proceeds from the members' future milk production. The new software from SAP has improved reporting capabilities and audit processes and helped increase the funding opportunities that the dairy company can offer to its members.

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Agriculture & Nutrition

* Sales of $1.2 billion were down 5%, reflecting unfavorable currency impact, partly offset by agriculture market share gains and strong seed pricing.
* Seasonal third quarter pre-tax loss was $113 million versus a loss of $21 million in the prior year, which included a $49 million gain on the settlement of soybean contracts. Current quarter earnings reflected continued spending for growth initiatives and higher input costs.

Coatings & Color Technologies

* Sales of $1.5 billion were down 16%, primarily reflecting continued weakness in motor vehicle markets.
* PTOI of $182 million was 4% lower, reflecting lower sales volumes and unfavorable currency, partly offset by lower variable costs, fixed cost reductions and pricing gains.

Electronic & Communication Technologies

* Sales of $919 million were down 13%, reflecting 10% lower volume and 3% lower selling prices. Weak demand in consumer and general industrial markets offset increased demand in photovoltaics and packaging graphics.
* PTOI of $125 million was down 9%, reflecting lower volumes and lower costs.

Performance Materials

* Sales of $1.3 billion were down 24%, reflecting weak demand in major markets in all regions, particularly in general industrial and motor vehicle markets.
* PTOI of $230 million was up versus a prior year loss of $91 million, which included hurricane-related charges of $216 million. The improvement also reflected lower cost partly offset by lower sales volume, unfavorable product mix and currency. Current quarter included $24 million of insurance recoveries related to the hurricane.

Safety & Protection

* Sales of $1.0 billion were down 32%, reflecting a 22% volume decline primarily in industrial and construction markets. Pricing decreases reflected the pass-through of lower chemicals raw material costs.

* PTOI of $93 million principally reflected lower market demand, partly offset by lower raw material costs, fixed cost reductions and pricing actions. Current quarter included a $26 million asset impairment charge

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The decision recommends that the producer-handler definitions of all Federal milk marketing orders be amended to limit exemption from pooling and pricing provisions of the orders to those producer-handlers with total route disposition of fluid milk products of 3 million pounds or less per month.

The public has 60 days to file comments. Send comments by using the Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov.

The recommended decision will be published in the Oct. 21 Federal Register.

For additional information about the decision contact:

Northeast: Erik F. Rasmussen

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

P.O. Box 51478, Boston, MA 02205-1478

Tel. (617) 737-7199; email: erasmussen@fedmilk1.com

Appalachian: Harold H. Friedly, Jr.

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

P.O. Box 91528, Louisville, KY 40291-0528

Tel. (502) 499-0040; email: friedly@malouisville.com

Florida and Southeast: Sue L. Mosley

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

1550 North Brown Road, Suite 120, Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Tel. (770) 682-2501; email: smosley@fmmatlanta.com

Upper Midwest: H. Paul Kyburz

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

Suite 210, 4570 West 77th St., Minneapolis, MN 55435-5037

Tel. (952) 831-5292; email: pkyburz@fmma30.com

Central: David C. Stukenberg

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

P.O. Box 14650, Shawnee Mission, KS 66285-4650

Tel. (913) 495-9300; email: David.Stukenberg@fmmacentral.com

Mideast: David Z. Walker

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

P.O. Box 5102, Brunswick, OH 44212

Tel. (330) 225-4758; email: dwalker@fmmaclev.com

Pacific Northwest and Arizona: James R. Daugherty

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

1930-220th St., SE., Suite 102 Bothell, WA 98021-8471

Tel. (425) 487-6009; email: jdaugherty@fmmaseattle.com

Southwest: Cary Hunter

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

P.O. Box 110939, Carrollton, TX 75011-0939

Tel. (972) 245-6060; email: sw.order@dallasma.com

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