Monsanto Announces New Bioenergy Program

Monsanto recently announced a new bioenergy initiative. The initiative will include the formation of a dedicated team within Monsanto to research ways to use biotechnology and advanced breeding techniques to improve the quantity and quality of bioenergy, including finding ways to improve the economic and environmental benefits of biofuels.

The first phase includes the first U.S. corporate order to General Motors for E85 pick-up trucks. Monsanto will initially purchase 50 new E85 Chevrolet Silverado pick-ups, available in 2002. The vehicles will eventually account for the majority of Monsanto's fleet.

"Growers are our reason for doing business," said Ross Bushnell, Monsanto's director of marketing. "It is important for us to help build new markets for American producers by investing in renewable energy and, at the same time, reducing our dependence on foreign oil sources."

Monsanto has formed a dedicated team to focus on finding ways to enhance the economic and environmental benefits of biofuels like ethanol. Biotechnology and crop breeding techniques can improve corn yields and can improve the enzymes used in the fermentation process of converting grain to ethanol. They will also seek to develop corn that can produce a greater output of ethanol per bushel.