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Monsanto names new president and CCO

Aug. 21, 2012, St. Louis, MO - The Monsanto Company announced that Brett Begemann, 51, has been named as the company's President and Chief Commercial Officer. In his expanded role as President, Begemann will lead the oversight and operational execution of the company's near-term expansion and growth in key international markets.

Hugh Grant will continue to serve as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Monsanto Company, where he maintains ongoing responsibility for leading the company's long-term corporate strategy, as well as setting direction and maintaining oversight of its operations. Grant will continue to focus on the delivery of strategic plans and policies for the organization, including the company's long-term vision– a vision that is focused on producing more, conserving more and improving the lives of people throughout the world.

Begemann formerly served as Monsanto's executive vice president and chief commercial officer for global business operations. In his expanded role as President, Begemann will work to ensure the commercial development of the company's next-generation of growth drivers. These drivers include growth in established markets as well as new markets like Eastern Europe, China and Latin America, as well as growth through the next wave of agriculture innovations such as Integrated Farming Systems and Ag Biologicals. Begemann will continue to lead the global commercial business including overseeing the commercial, manufacturing and supply chain operations in row crops, vegetables and crop protection.

"Brett has served as a valuable contributor to Monsanto's agriculture business for nearly 30 years, including leading our global organization, implementing growth strategies both domestically and abroad, as well as delivering strong financial results to our business," said Hugh Grant, chairman and chief executive officer of Monsanto. "Brett's leadership has played an important role in accelerating the company's growth potential and I expect that to continue as our business looks to deliver on the next-generation of growth – both domestically and abroad."

"I'm really pleased that Brett will add these responsibilities and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him in the coming years as we continue to deliver new innovations and broader choice to farmers around the world," Grant added.

Begemann joined the former Monsanto Company in 1983. Throughout his career with the company, Begemann has served in a variety of roles across sales, marketing, commercial development as well as senior management positions worldwide.

"I'm pleased to assume this responsibility and focus on the development and delivery of expanded growth opportunities in our global business – including growth in established markets, growth in new markets, as well as growth through the next wave of agriculture innovations such as Integrated Farming Systems and Ag Biologicals," said Begemann.

About Monsanto Company

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com.

August 21, 2012  By Monsanto Company