Research Confirms Better Oil from New DuPont High Oleic Soybean Trait

DES MOINES, Iowa, March 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New oil testing results confirm a new, improved soybean oil trait from DuPont will deliver increased nutritional benefits with broader applications than other soybean oil products currently on the market. The high oleic soybean oil trait is the next generation of improved oil products developed by DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred as part of the Bunge DuPont Biotech Alliance.

"We are breaking ground on a new oil product that will bring more nutritional benefits to consumers and better performance to the food industry," said William S. Niebur, DuPont vice president, Crop Genetics Research and Development. "These positive research results bring us one step closer to delivering the first biotech product with direct consumer benefits."

New oil testing results from high oleic soybeans produced in 2007 confirm that the oil contains at least 80 percent oleic acid, significantly increasing the stability of the oil when used in frying and food processing. Like low linolenic soybean oil, high oleic soybean oil eliminates the need for hydrogenation, resulting in foods with negligible amounts of trans fats.

High oleic soybean oil also presents opportunities for transportation and industrial applications. The oil's high stability will allow companies to develop renewable, environmentally sustainable options to petroleum-based products.

"The high oleic soybean oil trait will deliver enhanced nutrition, sustainability and functionality," Niebur said. "We are very excited to bring a superior product to market that will help meet the growing demand for nutritionally improved oils and provide valuable contracting opportunities for farmers."

In addition to delivering at least 80 percent oleic acid, the high oleic soybean oil trait has consistently demonstrated a linolenic acid content of less than 3 percent, and over 20 percent less saturated fatty acids than commodity soybean oil.

The oil will be available to food companies for testing following the 2008 growing season. This will allow food industry customers to conduct independent high oleic soybean oil testing in advance of commercial quantities being available after the 2009 soybean harvest.

The high oleic soybean oil produced from Pioneer(R) brand soybean varieties will be marketed as TREUS(R) High Oleic Soybean Oil. The TREUS(TM) brand name represents the industry-leading family of soy products developed as part of the Bunge DuPont Biotech Alliance. The high oleic soybean oil trait is on track for 2009 commercial introduction in the United States, pending regulatory approvals.

The Bunge DuPont Biotech Alliance was formed in 2003 to continue research and commercialize value-added soybean output traits developed through Pioneer soybean research and marketed through Bunge North America.

Bunge North America, the North American operating arm of Bunge Limited , is a vertically integrated food and feed ingredient company, supplying raw and processed agricultural commodities and specialized food ingredients to a wide range of customers in the livestock, poultry, food processor, foodservice and bakery industries. With headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunge North America and its subsidiaries operate grain elevators, oilseed processing plants, edible oil refineries and packaging facilities, and corn dry mills in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

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.

DuPont 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.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM), and Pioneer(R), TREUS(R) and TREUS(TM) are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

DuPont

CONTACT: Patrick Arthur of DuPont, +1-515-334-6515,
pat.arthur@bio1.dupont.com

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