Alico Inc. Identifies Canker Find in Isolated Grove

Alico Inc. Identifies Canker Find in Isolated Grove

Company's In-House Inspectors Discover Early to Prevent Spread

LA BELLE, Fla., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alico, Inc., (NASDAQ:ALCO) one of the South's best-known agribusiness companies operating in Central and Southwest Florida, and with approximately 136,500 acres in real estate holdings, was informed on August 31, 2005, by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that citrus canker was confirmed in Alico's Knowles-Thomas grove located in Hendry County, Florida. Citrus canker is a highly contagious bacterial disease of citrus that causes premature leaf and fruit drop. Citrus canker causes no threat to humans, animals or plant life other than citrus. In order to eradicate the disease, infected and exposed trees within 1900 feet of the canker find, must be removed and destroyed in accordance with Florida law.

John R. Alexander, Chairman and CEO of Alico, Inc. said, "This is the second canker find in our groves this year. We recently hired two canker inspectors so that we can discover the disease early if present, thereby minimizing the loss. This find was discovered by our in-house inspectors. The find is expected to impact approximately 350 acres of this grove location. The earlier find this year affected approximately 150 acres of a grove in Polk County, Florida." This find, coupled with the earlier find, affects approximately 4.50% of the Company's 11,147 producing citrus acres. All of the trees in this grove are covered under the Federal Crop Insurance program. A net loss of approximately $960 thousand, consisting of tree development costs and inventoried costs, will be recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Reimbursements to be received from this insurance coverage are expected to cover approximately 62% of the loss.

Additionally under the Florida Canker Eradication Program, citrus may not be replanted on the property until it has been determined that the property has been canker free for two years. In light of this, the Company is evaluating the property for its best future use. The Knowles-Thomas grove is not contiguous to other Company groves.

About Alico

Alico, Inc., an agribusiness company operating in Central and Southwest Florida, owns approximately 136,500 acres of land located in Collier, Hendry, Lee and Polk Counties. The company is involved in various operations and activities including citrus fruit production, cattle ranching, sugarcane, sod production, and forestry. The Company also leases land for farming, cattle grazing, recreation and oil exploration, and is increasingly involved in exploring real estate development in and beyond its holdings.

Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For further information contact: John R. Alexander
La Belle, Florida
(863) 675-2966

Source: Alico, Inc.

CONTACT: John R. Alexander, Alico, +1-863-675-2966

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CHS and CHS Foundation Announce Hurricane Relief Funds

CHS and CHS Foundation Announce Hurricane Relief Funds

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CHS Inc. (NASDAQ:CHSCP) and the independent CHS Foundation announced today plans to contribute a combined $100,000 to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and pledged matching funds for CHS system employees and member cooperatives who contribute to designated efforts.

"As individuals and as businesses, we are once again faced with a great responsibility to step forward and support emergency relief efforts," said John Johnson, CHS president and chief executive officer, and Michael Toelle, chairman of the CHS Foundation Board of Trustees. "This situation, in particular, hits home for CHS and our joint venture company Agriliance, LLC.

"CHS has more than 100 employees in those states, a majority employed at our Myrtle Grove export facility. We have dealer locations, as well as customers from our grain, energy and agronomy operations. The long-term impact on the rural communities across that region is as unknown today as the lives lost in the region."

CHS Inc. and the CHS Foundation will each contribute $50,000 to relief efforts. In addition, two separate funds have been established to receive contributions from CHS member cooperatives, as well as employees of CHS and Agriliance, with a match of up to $50,000 for each fund.

The corporate fund will be directed to employees of the CHS Myrtle Grove grain terminal and will be disbursed equally among the facility's 97 current employees, Johnson said.

"In keeping with our agricultural history and mission, CHS Foundation funds will go to general relief efforts in rural Mississippi and Louisiana," Toelle added. "Those funds will be directed to an appropriate relief organization which will be named shortly."

CHS system employees and member cooperatives should direct their contributions to:

-- To help CHS Myrtle Grove employees, send a personal check, made out to
The CHS Myrtle Grove Employee Relief Fund, to Becky Couture at Mail
Station 110, 5500 Cenex Drive, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.
-- For relief efforts in the rural areas of Louisiana and Mississippi,
send a personal check, made out to CHS Foundation, to Mail Station 407,
5500 Cenex Drive, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.

Contributions must be received by Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, to be eligible for matching funds.

CHS Inc. ( http://www.chsinc.com/ ) is a diversified energy, grains and foods company committed to providing the essential resources that enrich lives. A Fortune 500 company, CHS is owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest and from the Canadian border to Texas, along with thousands of preferred stockholders. CHS provides products and services ranging from grain marketing to food processing to meet the needs of customers around the world. It also operates petroleum refineries/pipelines and, through a broad range of working partnerships, markets and distributes Cenex(R) brand energy products, along with agronomic inputs and feed to rural America. CHS is listed on the NASDAQ at CHSCP.

The CHS Foundation ( http://www.chsfoundation.org/ ) is committed to investing in the future of rural America, agriculture and cooperative business through education and leadership development. The CHS Foundation has endowed assets of more than $25 million, with more than $1.7 million distributed annually through grants, scholarships and educational support. Its program focuses include scholarships, rural youth leadership development, returning value to rural communities, cooperative education, farm and agricultural safety, and emergency assistance and disaster relief.

Source: CHS Inc.

CONTACT: Lani Jordan of CHS Inc., +1-651-355-4946,
lani.jordan@chsinc.com

Web site: http://www.chsinc.com/
http://www.chsfoundation.org/

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BASF Provides $1 Million in Aid to Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

BASF Provides $1 Million in Aid to Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BASF today announced that it will donate $1 million to agencies supporting Hurricane Katrina relief and recovery efforts in the company's site communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas.

In addition to direct cash donations, the company has established the BASF Katrina Relief Fund with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to accept employee and retiree contributions during the month of September to aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina, primarily in Ascension Parish, where BASF's Geismar, La., site is located.

"In keeping with BASF's tradition of helping the communities surrounding our sites, we will do everything we can to assist people whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath," said BASF Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Klaus Peter Loebbe. "We are still learning the full extent of the devastation. As we hold those who are going through so much pain and suffering in our thoughts and prayers, we are committed to supporting the relief and recovery efforts and help meet the challenges of the days and weeks ahead."

BASF Corporation's disaster relief effort will also include the following:

* Establishing a program to provide short-term financial aid for the
immediate needs of BASF employees seriously impacted by Hurricane
Katrina.

* Allowing employees, at their managers' discretion, in the affected
states to volunteer on company time to help assist those in need.

* Working with several organizations to bring BASF products, technology
and expertise to help in the rebuilding efforts.

BASF -- The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.(R)

BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. Rated in FORTUNE magazine as America's Most Admired Chemical Company, we employ about 10,000 people in North America and had sales of approximately $11 billion in 2004. For more information about BASF's North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit http://www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF's intelligent solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. In 2004, BASF had approximately 82,000 employees and posted sales of more than $50 billion. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), Paris (BA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at http://www.basf.com/.

Source: BASF Corporation

CONTACT: Glenn Majeski of BASF, +1-973-245-6070, majeskg@basf.com

Web site: http://www.basf.com/usa
http://www.basf.com/

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PA Department of Agriculture: Farmers Market Nutrition Program Deadline Approaching

PA Department of Agriculture: Farmers Market Nutrition Program Deadline Approaching

Ag Secretary Reminds Participants to Redeem Vouchers

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvanians participating in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) still have time to enjoy locally grown produce from their area farmers markets thanks to a joint effort by state and federal agencies.

Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff today reminded the FMNP participants to redeem their vouchers before the Nov. 30 deadline.

"The Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a great way to help more Pennsylvanians get the nutritious fruits and vegetables they need, grown right here in the commonwealth," said Wolff. "I encourage all participants to take advantage of this great opportunity while there is still plenty of fresh, delicious produce at farmers markets across the state."

The program provided more than $5 million in checks to more than 230,000 seniors and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants this year. The program is funded by the state, the federal WIC program and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Participants receive four checks totaling $20 to purchase fresh Pennsylvania fruits and vegetables at any of the state's 825 participating farms, farmers markets and roadside stands. Checks may not be used for any processed foods such as jams, honey, nuts, cider or baked goods. Similarly, they do not include citrus or tropical fruits, such as bananas, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, pineapples or mangos. Only crops grown in Pennsylvania are eligible.

Vouchers are no longer available for distribution. Those interested in applying for the 2006 program are encouraged to contact their local Area Agency on Aging, or WIC office.

Producers interested in enrolling as a participating farm, farmers market or roadside stand can still do so by Sept. 30. Visit http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/ and click on 'Producers,' or call 1-800-468-2433 for more information.

CONTACT: Chris L. Ryder

(717) 787-5085

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

CONTACT: Chris L. Ryder, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture,
+1-717-787-5085

Web site: http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/

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Kew and Mars Scientists Review Evidence That Cocoa Could be a Model for Environmental, Social and Economic Growth

Kew and Mars Scientists Review Evidence That Cocoa Could be a Model for Environmental, Social and Economic Growth

LONDON, September 2/PRNewswire/ -- In the first meeting of its kind, botanical scientists from
the internationally renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew held a series of
discussions with key scientists from global food manufacturer, Mars
Incorporated, to share scientific information and discuss potential
collaborations on a very interesting agricultural crop - cocoa. Scientists
discussed emerging evidence suggesting that cocoa could become a role model
for sustainable agriculture as a driver for economic, environmental and
social progress in the critical and fragile tropical regions of the world. A
review of the scientific research on the value added health benefits of cocoa
flavanols provided additional support for this novel concept.

The two-day conference, held at London's Kew Gardens in
August, could lay the foundation for a new mutually beneficial research-based
partnership between the two organisations. "We hope to further develop a
collaboration with Mars, as I believe that our knowledge about plant
chemistry and nutritional values complements the research that Mars is
currently undertaking," commented Professor Monique Simmonds, science
co-ordinator for the Jodrell Laboratory at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

"We would like to find out more from Mars about the
agricultural sustainability issues facing cocoa and how the company deals
with these. It is critical that we look at sustainability as it is so
important for so many of our plants. Examples of successes in this area can
help us enormously."

Mars has a successful history of forming public-private
partnerships; for example it has set up unique initiatives with the US
Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, The Smithsonian
Tropical Research Institute in Washington D.C. and the Reading University
Intermediate Quarantine Facility. Its most notable effort, however, is the
Sustainable Tree Crops Program (STCP), a public-private partnership between
the global chocolate industry and the International Institute for Tropical
Agriculture, which is supported by US Agency for International Development
(USAID) and the UK Government Department for International Development
(DFID). This programme aims to increase the incomes and quality of life of
West Africa's estimated two million cocoa farmers, while preserving the
environmental stability of the region.

During the RBG Kew meeting, Mars presented results of some of
the STCP activities. Especially interesting are the successful initial pilot
cocoa farmer training programmes that have led to some farmers experiencing
increased profits of between 20 and 50 per cent. Cocoa farmers constantly
face many challenges such as pests and disease, aging cocoa trees, soil
erosion and the fluctuating cocoa economy. The programme aims to help farmers
to generate greater crop diversity to increase economic stability.

Dr Harold Schmitz, Chief Science Officer for Mars, believes
that partnering with the right organisations is the only way forward for
achieving goals successfully. He said: "The steps required from scientific
discoveries to delivery of real benefits to farmers and consumers are many
and complex, and demand expertise and contributions from diverse disciplines
and organizations. We have spent years to achieve scientific breakthroughs in
terms of our work with sustainable agriculture and the health benefits
associated with cocoa flavanols, and now it is time to focus on translating
these breakthroughs into real benefits for farmers and consumers."

Most recently, cocoa flavanols - a group of compounds
naturally found in cocoa - have displayed potential to improve blood flow in
human clinical studies. Additional work by Mars suggests this class of
compounds may provide the basis for new medicines to help treat
cardiovascular disease diabetes and vascular dementia in the future.

Further scientific evidence on the health benefits of cocoa
flavanols and the cocoa sustainability research efforts will be presented at
an international symposium on Cocoa, Flavanols and Cardiovascular Health:
Translating Fundamental Science into Nutrition Action, which will be held in
Durban, South Africa, on 19th September.

"Mars is committed to sound scientific research. We have uniquely been
investing in cocoa science for decades, and our dedication and leadership in
cocoa sustainability now takes on new meaning with the value-added cocoa
flavanols breakthrough," explained Dr. Schmitz. "It is only through working
with world-class partners that we can now advance the promise of agricultural
sustainability for cocoa, and we are inspired that an organization such as
Kew Gardens may share this interest in terms of both cocoa and other
botanical crops."

Notes to Editors:

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

RBG, Kew is a world famous scientific organisation,
internationally respected for its outstanding living collection of plants and
world-class herbarium as well as its scientific expertise in plant diversity,
conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the world. Kew
Gardens is a major international visitor attraction and its 132 hectares of
landscaped gardens attract over one million visitors per year. Kew was made a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003. www.kew.org

Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated, one of the world's top processors of cocoa, is a
privately held company that produces some of the world's leading
confectionery, food, petcare, beverage, electronics products, and now health
& nutrition products, and operates in more than 65 countries

Source: Mars Incorporated and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

For further information please contact: Fritha Flint at Grayling, Tel: +44-(0)207-255-1100, Fax: +44-(0)207-255-5454, Email: fritha.flint@uk.grayling.com

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New Additions to American Seeds, Inc. Accelerate Growth in Monsanto's Regional Seed Company Approach

New Additions to American Seeds, Inc. Accelerate Growth in Monsanto's Regional Seed Company Approach

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monsanto Company's (NYSE:MON) American Seeds, Inc. (ASI) subsidiary announced today it made five key strategic additions to its family of regional seed companies. The additions are expected to further bolster ASI's ability to help serve farmer- customers with a technology-rich, locally-oriented business model.

In separate transactions, ASI acquired four companies that are the shareowners of the CORE Group, an association of family-based seed companies that serve farmers throughout the Corn Belt. Those four companies are Fontanelle Hybrids, based in Fontanelle, Neb.; Stewart Seeds, based in Greensburg, Ind.; Trelay Seeds, based in Livingston, Wis.; and, Stone Seeds, based in Pleasant Plains, Ill.

In a fifth transaction, ASI acquired Specialty Hybrids, a leader serving the Eastern Corn Belt.

"The ASI model is entirely unique within this industry," said Kerry Preete, vice president of U.S. crop production at Monsanto Company. "This model fully utilizes the capabilities we've developed in our technology platforms placing it squarely behind local seed brands that can serve farmers with a unique personal touch."

"Because of its uniqueness, there is a great deal of opportunity for ASI to grow, and acquisitions like the CORE Group and Specialty Hybrids fit nicely into the type of investments we're committed to make to continue the acceleration of ASI's growth," said Preete.

The companies in the CORE Group will continue their organizational association, as the four companies will be combined into a single independent operating company within ASI. Specialty Hybrids will retain its current structure and become an independent operating company in the ASI organization.

Monsanto acquired the five companies in cash transactions totaling approximately $52 million. The specific terms of the individual transactions were not disclosed. Collectively, the companies in the CORE Group and Specialty Hybrids represent approximately 1 percent of the U.S. corn seed market.

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information, please visit the company's web site at http://www.monsanto.com/ .

American Seeds, Inc. is a holding company established to support regional seed businesses with capital, genetics and technology investments. These investments allow the operating companies of ASI to more directly connect their customers to significant innovations in genomics-based breeding and other new technologies while continuing to operate autonomously and locally, providing great services to their customers and building the value of their brands. For more information, please visit the company's web site at http://www.americanseedsinc.com/ .

Source: Monsanto Company

CONTACT: Media, Lee Quarles, +1-314-694-4452, or Investors, Scarlett
Foster, +1-314-694-8148, both of Monsanto Company

Web site: http://www.monsanto.com/
http://www.americanseedsinc.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/114341.html

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Syngenta Board Appointments

Syngenta Board Appointments

BASEL, Switzerland, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Syngenta announced today that for health reasons, Heinz Imhof has decided to resign as Chairman of the Board.

The Board has appointed Martin Taylor, currently Vice Chairman, as non-executive Chairman. Rupert Gasser has been appointed Vice Chairman.

The Board would like to express its warmest thanks and appreciation to Heinz Imhof for his role in leading the formation and listing of Syngenta in 2000 and his important contribution as Chairman since its creation. It wishes him a long and happy retirement.

Martin Taylor (53) has been a member of the Board since the creation of Syngenta and has a broad knowledge of the Company as well as extensive international business experience. From 2000 until 2004 he was a member of the Audit Committee. In 2004 he was appointed Vice Chairman and member of the Chairman's and Compensation Committees. Martin Taylor is currently an advisor to Goldman Sachs International and a Vice Chairman of RTL Group SA.

Rupert Gasser (66) has been a member of the Board since 2002. He is currently a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Alcon Laboratories Inc. and President of Nestec SA.

Commenting on today's announcement, Martin Taylor said: "The Board wishes Heinz Imhof a speedy and complete recovery." He added: "I very much look forward to working with Michael Pragnell, CEO and his outstanding leadership team during Syngenta's next phase of evolution."

Martin Taylor: additional information

Martin Taylor's career has spanned the worlds of finance, industry, public policy and journalism.

After studying Chinese at Oxford University he worked for Reuters in Paris, Frankfurt and London, before moving to the Financial Times where he wrote for the Lex column.

In 1982, at the age of 30, he went to work for Courtaulds plc, becoming responsible for the textile division in 1987. This business was spun off as Courtaulds Textiles plc in 1990 with Martin as its Chief Executive. At the end of 1993 he became CEO of Barclays plc and served there for five years.

Since 1999 he has been an adviser to Goldman Sachs International, where he chairs the asset management company and the audit and compliance committee. He has held non-executive posts at the British retailer WHSmith plc (Chairman, 1999-2003), the Luxembourg-based media company RTL Group sa, where he is currently Vice Chairman, and the US biotech company Antigenics Inc. He chairs the pension trust at WHSmith.

He has advised the British Government on a number of financial policy issues, and was for five years a member of its Council for Science and Technology. He was also Chairman of the Commission set up by the UK Institute of Public Policy Research on public/private partnerships.

Martin Taylor has two daughters in their twenties and a four-year-old son. He travels enthusiastically and is interested in art, language, music, literature and architecture.

He speaks French, German and Italian in addition to English, his mother tongue.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2004 were approximately $7.3 billion. Syngenta employs some 20,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (NYSE:SYT). Further information is available at http://www.syngenta.com/ .

Media Enquiries:
Switzerland: Rainer von Mielecki Tel: +41 (61) 323 2323
USA: Sarah Hull Tel: +1 (202) 628 2372

Analysts/Investors:
Switzerland: Jonathan Seabrook Tel: +41 (61) 323 7502
Jennifer Gough Tel: +41 (61) 323 5059
USA: Rhonda Chiger Tel: +1 (917) 322 2569

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.

Source: Syngenta

CONTACT: Switzerland: Rainer von Mielecki, +41-61-323-2323,or For
Analysts/Investors: Jonathan Seabrook, +41-61-323-7502 or Jennifer Gough,
+41-61-323-5059, or USA: Sarah Hull, +1-202-628-2372 or For
Analysts/Investors: Rhonda Chiger, +1-917-322-2569, all for Syngenta

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

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Delta and Pine Land Contributes to Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Efforts

Delta and Pine Land Contributes to Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Efforts

SCOTT, Miss., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta and Pine Land Company (NYSE:DLP) ("D&PL"), a leading commercial breeder, producer and marketer of cotton planting seed, today announced a commitment of up to $100,000 for disaster relief. The company has made initial commitments of $20,000 to the Salvation Army Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund and an additional $20,000 to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund. The Company also announced matching programs for employees and customers that will raise the total financial commitment by D&PL to a maximum of $100,000.

"In the last couple of days, we have all seen the devastation and suffering that Hurricane Katrina caused," Tom Jagodinski, president and CEO says. "This storm will affect people's lives forever. We find ourselves wondering how we can help in a meaningful way. After talking to several people at D&PL, we decided to kick off an immediate campaign to respond to the needs of Katrina's victims."

The Company expects a matching program being offered to employees, customers and business partners that will result in a total donation by the company of $100,000. Jagodinski explains, "We are hopeful that by encouraging participation by our employees and our business associates, we can reach this goal. We are also hopeful that other companies with far more resources than we have will choose to participate in similar ways."

He concludes, "This is an exceptional donation for our company, which has 600 employees. But these are certainly unusual circumstances. The devastation is so much deeper and widespread than any natural disaster that we as a nation have recently experienced. The company has learned from Red Cross officials that up to 10,000 people will be relocated to the region with thousands of victims already in the West Mississippi Delta. Therefore the company chose to dig deeper when deciding upon our contribution level. We will direct our donations to the Red Cross to those local chapters who will serve these locally placed victims."

The donation to the Salvation Army will be directed to the region responsible for providing relief in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Officials in that office are focusing on feeding and sheltering people within the areas most impacted, citing on-site work in all the major cities as well as rural areas.

Jagodinski says while none of D&PL's employees were in the direct line of this storm's greatest intensity, its headquarters in the Mississippi Delta has experienced natural disasters in the 95 years since D&PL was founded. Many of the Company's employees have family, friends, or business partners along the Gulf Coast who have been impacted by Katrina. And of course there is the impact on many farms as the storm came in-land causing crop losses or leaving growers to wonder what harvest will look like.

D&PL will be posting details on the matching plan, its offering customers and partners on the Company's website (http://www.deltaandpine.com/) as soon as some of the region's communications problems are solved. In the meantime, to receive details via fax call 662-742-4156.

About Delta and Pine Land Company

Delta and Pine Land Company is a commercial breeder, producer and marketer of cotton planting seed, as well as soybean seed in the Cotton Belt. For over 90 years, the Company has used its extensive cotton plant breeding programs drawing from a diverse germplasm base to develop improved varieties. Delta and Pine Land (NYSE:DLP), headquartered in Scott, Mississippi, has offices in eight states and facilities in several foreign countries. For more information, please refer to the Company's website at http://www.deltaandpine.com/.

Source: Delta and Pine Land Company

CONTACT: Tom Jagodinski or Janice Person, both of Delta and Pine Land
Company, 1-800-321-8989

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

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Minneapolis Grain Exchange Announces Fiscal Year Volume Record

Minneapolis Grain Exchange Announces Fiscal Year Volume Record

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minneapolis Grain Exchange (MGEX) announced today that it has established a new fiscal year trading volume record. Trading volume totaled 1,451,150 contracts for the 2004-2005 fiscal year, which ended August 31. The previous record was set in 2004 when 1,377,934 contracts traded.

August 2005 Hard Red Spring Wheat Futures volume recorded the 8th highest monthly volume since the contract originated in 1883. Last month's volume reached 147,709 contracts, the equivalent of 738,545,000 bushels of wheat.

"The Minneapolis Grain Exchange is grateful for the support of our membership and customers over the past year in attaining this record," said Charles A. Gallup, Chairman of the MGEX Board of Directors. "The Exchange continues to strive to provide quality risk management and price discovery opportunities to the agricultural industry."

Mark G. Bagan, President and CEO of the MGEX, added, "Transacting approximately $25 billion worth of agricultural trade activity over the past fiscal year sets a new benchmark as the MGEX prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary in October 2006."

About Minneapolis Grain Exchange

MGEX, established in 1881, is the only market for Hard Red Spring Wheat, Hard Red Winter Wheat Index (HRWI), Hard Red Spring Wheat Index (HRSI), Soft Red Winter Wheat Index (SRWI), National Corn Index (NCI) and National Soybean Index (NSI) futures and options. http://www.mgex.com/ .

Source: Minneapolis Grain Exchange

CONTACT: Jesse Bartz of Minneapolis Grain Exchange, +1-612-321-7122

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

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Mosaic Update on Louisiana Operations

Mosaic Update on Louisiana Operations

PLYMOUTH, Minn., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) announced today that its Louisiana phosphate operations suffered only minor damage from Hurricane Katrina. This damage was mainly the loss of insulation at one of its plants, which is expected to be repaired within a week. These operations remain idle, however, due to a lack of sulphur supply.

Mosaic has two facilities located about 50 miles northwest of New Orleans. Its Uncle Sam plant has the capacity to produce 870,000 metric tonnes P2O5 of phosphoric acid annually, which is used to produce up to 1.9 million tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) annually at its nearby Faustina plant.

Mosaic's Uncle Sam plant uses sulphur as a raw material which is sourced from nearby oil refineries. The impact of Hurricane Katrina has idled many oil refineries and, as a result, Mosaic's Louisiana operations are expected to re-start production as sulphur becomes more available in this region.

Approximately 83% of Mosaic's phosphate capacity is located in Florida which was unaffected by Hurricane Katrina. Mosaic's Florida operations are currently operating at or near capacity in order to meet market demand.

In support of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, Mosaic is making a $50,000 donation to the Red Cross and is matching employee contributions to the Red Cross.

About The Mosaic Company

The Mosaic Company is one of the world's leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. For the global agriculture industry, Mosaic is a single source of phosphates, potash, nitrogen fertilizers and feed ingredients. More information on the company is available at http://www.mosaicco.com/ .

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, the predictability of fertilizer markets and raw material markets subject to competitive market pressures, changes in foreign currency and exchange rates, international trade risks including, but not limited to, changes in policy by foreign governments and changes in environmental and other governmental regulation. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of The Mosaic Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Source: The Mosaic Company

CONTACT: Media Contact, Linda Thrasher, +1-763-577-2864, or Investor
Contact, Douglas Hoadley, +1-763-577-2867, both of The Mosaic Company

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

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BSE & OFFSPRING CULL COMPENSATION

BSE & OFFSPRING CULL COMPENSATION

London, 1 September/GNN/ --

DEPARTMENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (373/05)
issued by the Government News Network on 1 September 2005
Joint announcement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
and the National Assembly for Wales.

Revised compensation rates applicable to the above schemes and effective
for the month of SEPTEMBER 2005 are as follows:-

1. BSE Compensation

Compensation payable for an animal slaughtered because it is suspected of
being affected by BSE is an amount equal to the lower of either the market
value of the animal or the indicative market price (IMP).

This will be up to a maximum of:

* £476 if BSE is confirmed by post mortem

* £595 if BSE is not confirmed

2. BSE Offspring Cull Compensation

Compensation will be made in accordance with the following table:

Table - Valuation For SEPTEMBER 2005

Cattle type

Age (months) Dairy Beef breeding Beef

Less than 1 £ 95.20 £ 95.20 £ 95.20

1 - less than 3 £ 142.80 £ 142.80 £ 142.80

3 - less than 6 £ 190.40 £ 190.40 £ 190.40

6 - less than 9 £ 238.00 £ 238.00 £ 238.00

9 - less than 12 £ 285.60 £ 285.60 £ 285.60

12 - less than 15 £ 333.20 £ 333.20 £ 333.20

15 - less than 18 £ 380.80 £ 380.80 £ 380.80

18 - less than 21 £ 428.40 £ 428.40 £ 428.40

21 - less than 24 £ 476.00 £ 476.00 £ 476.00

24 - less than 27 £ 523.60 £ 523.60 £ 476.00

27 - less than 30 £ 571.20 £ 571.20 £ 476.00

over 30 £ 618.80 £ 571.20 OTMS

Compensation stated is based on the Indicative Market Price (IMP) for
SEPTEMBER 2005

Basic compensation rates will change monthly, by the same percentage as
the IMP.

OTMS - The maximum amount payable for animals under the OTMS. Rates change
monthly.

Source: DEPARTMENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

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Governor Rendell Announces $500,000 For Flood Protection in Lycoming County

Governor Rendell Announces $500,000 For Flood Protection in Lycoming County

Grant to Rehabilitate Pumping Stations in South Williamsport Flood Protection System

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced the award of $500,000 to assist with the reconstruction and repair of an essential component of the extensive flood protection system in the Williamsport area.

"The Williamsport flood protection projects have enhanced the quality of life here since 1951, giving businesses the freedom to grow without the threat of devastating losses," Governor Rendell said. "Now it's time to update these projects and continue that protection for decades to come.

"The tragedy and devastation that we have seen in New Orleans this week brings home to all Pennsylvanians the strong need for this type of flood protection project," Governor Rendell said.

Environmental Protection Northcentral Regional Director Robert Yowell, who made the announcement on behalf of the Governor Rendell during a tour of the South Williamsport projects, said, "Governor Rendell is making sure Pennsylvania's communities have the resources they need to protect residents and businesses in flood-prone areas."

The borough's project comprises the following: about three miles of levees and floodwalls along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River; three pumping stations at Hill Street, Ecks Run and Main Street; and an improved concrete channel and conduit along Hagermans Run.

The Army Corps of Engineers completed the $15 million South Williamsport Flood Protection Project in 1951 as a unit of the overall Williamsport Flood Protection Project. As a partner in the original work, South Williamsport agreed to undertake perpetual maintenance of the project.

As part of its extensive flood protection programs, DEP assists local project sponsors through grants for maintenance and improved operations, workshops and technical assistance. This $500,000 from the state's capital budget reimburses the borough for 50 percent of the cost to reconstruct the Hill Street and Ecks Run pump stations and to repair or replace the pumps and associated equipment.

A previous flood protection grant reimbursed costs to repair and replace deteriorated portions of the Hagermans Run channel at a construction cost of about $665,000. The Hagermans Run work is expected to be completed by the end of 2005. The project costs and responsibilities are shared, with DEP paying for the construction, the borough administering the contract and providing engineering support, and the Army Corps providing resident construction inspection.

In the Flood Protection Grant Program round for 2004-05, DEP awarded $51,436 to South Williamsport Borough as a share of the cost to rehabilitate its Main Street pumping station.

All of the above work, when completed, will extend the service life of the South Williamsport Flood Protection Project for another half century.

For more information on Pennsylvania's flood protection program, visit DEP's Web site at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/, Keyword: "Flood Protection."

Contact:
Kate Philips
717-783-1116

Charlie Young (DEP)
717-783-0908

Source: Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Kate Philips, +1-717-783-1116 or Charlie Young (DEP),
+1-717-783-0908, both of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/

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Foot-and-Mouth Disease Remains a Constant Threat to Europe

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Remains a Constant Threat to Europe

Early Warning and Control Need to be Improved Outside EU - EC Provides Euro 4.5 Million

WASHINGTON and ROME, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The European Commission will step up its fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) by providing euro 4.5 million to the FAO European Commission for the Control of FMD (EUFMD). An agreement between the EC and FAO was signed today.

The objective of the EC project is to prevent the entry of the FMD virus from infected areas outside Europe, with a focus on neighbouring countries such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and the Caucasus region.

FMD does not harm humans but it is highly contagious among cattle, buffalo, sheep and pigs and can seriously reduce milk and meat production, FAO said.

The latest FMD outbreak in the United Kingdom occurred in 2001 and caused euro 13 billion of damage. The FMD virus is currently present in 60 countries around the world, in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America.

"The EC funding will enable us to improve FMD surveillance and control activities in countries that continue to pose a risk to Europe, mainly by strengthening their veterinary services," said Keith Sumption, Secretary of the EUFMD.

"The lack of transparency and reliable information on the occurrence and scale of epidemics in some high-risk areas and the lack of reporting to international agencies like FAO and the World Animal Health Organization is still often of major concern," Sumption said.

Rapid response

"In case of an FMD emergency, a rapid response is crucial for the success of any control measures. With the new EC funds, FAO will now be able to send FMD experts to affected countries within 24 hours to analyse the situation to provide technical support and assist in mobilising additional emergency resources," he added.

In addition, the EUFMD will set up a Pan-European training and capacity building network to improve the expertise at national level to recognise and react to FMD.

Sumption said that Turkey, where FMD is widely spread, has successfully managed to control the disease in its territory west of the Bosphorus over the last three years, supported by FAO and the EC. "Turkey plans to embark on a ten-year national FMD eradication programme starting in 2007, which the EUFMD will actively support," he added.

The EUFMD has 33 member countries. Its budget amounted to around euro 2 million in 2004. It is the main regional body specialized in supporting countries to control FMD in Europe.

FMD is transmitted through the contact between live animals or by feeding infected and uncooked meat products to pigs. Typical symptoms are blistering of the tongue and between hooves, leading to high mortality in pigs and young cattle and sheep. FMD is also spread by illegal transport of infected meat products.

Recent outbreaks

The most recent and serious transboundary spread of FMD has been in east Asia where the FMD virus type Asia-1 has made an unprecedented spread through China, recently entering eastern territories of Russia and Mongolia for the first time.

These countries are the latest to be hit by the wave of infection which has spread from west Asia via central Asia to western China in 2003-2004 before involving eastern regions in 2005.

Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

CONTACT: Michael Hage, Regional Information Officer of the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, +1-202-653-0011, cell:
+1-202-468-8800, michael.hage@fao.org

Web site: http://www.fao.org/english/newsroom

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Monsanto Company Donates $1 Million to Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

Monsanto Company Donates $1 Million to Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Monsanto Company has pledged $1 million to support the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts focused on helping people with their needs as they begin to restore and rebuild their homes and communities.

A donation of $750,000 to the National American Red Cross will help provide critical food and relief aid to people whose homes were lost or damaged in the storm.

In addition, a donation of $250,000 will be made to United Way chapters in Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish and St. Charles Parish, where the company has a major manufacturing facility, to support the communities where Monsanto people live and work.

"It is our hope that these funds will help provide the basic necessities to our friends and neighbors as our communities begin to recover from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina," said Roy Breaud, plant manager of Monsanto's Luling, Louisiana, plant. "We recognize that it will take many weeks and months to restore the communities, so we want a portion of our gift to be focused on some of those longer-term needs."

"This storm has affected thousands of people and families not only in the greater New Orleans area, but throughout the southeast United States," said Deborah Patterson, president of the Monsanto Fund. "The Monsanto Fund has a tradition of supporting domestic disaster relief efforts, and we're proud to be partnering with the American Red Cross and United Way to help rebuild the lives of those who were affected."

"We are extremely grateful to the Monsanto Fund for its generous contribution to help the people of Louisiana overcome this horrific natural disaster," said Brian A. Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way of America. "United Way's mission in Louisiana and around the country is to mobilize the caring power of communities and under these desperate circumstances, nothing is more vital to respond to the tremendous needs of the entire Gulf Coast. This financial contribution from the Monsanto Fund will allow United Way to provide to Louisiana what we do best - improving people's lives for the long term."

Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON) is a leading global provider of technology- based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. The Luling facility employs 670 men and women, most of whom live in the neighboring river parishes.

Source: The Monsanto Company

CONTACT: Ben Kampelman, Monsanto Company, +1-314-694-6192

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

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/114341.html

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FMC Corporation Reaches Agreement to Sell Astaris Joint Venture

FMC Corporation Reaches Agreement to Sell Astaris Joint Venture

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) and Solutia Inc. announced today the companies have reached an agreement to sell their 50/50 specialty phosphates joint venture, Astaris LLC, to Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL). Under the terms of the agreement, ICL will purchase substantially all of the assets of Astaris for $255 million.

This transaction is subject to certain approvals, including regulatory clearances and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court overseeing Solutia's Chapter 11 case.

FMC Corporation is a diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial and consumer markets globally for more than a century with innovative solutions, applications and quality products. The company employs approximately 5,000 people throughout the world and operates its businesses in three segments: Agricultural Products, Specialty Chemicals and Industrial Chemicals.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Act of 1995: Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning specific factors described in FMC Corporation's 2004 Form 10-K and other SEC filings. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. FMC Corporation does not intend to update this information and disclaims any legal obligation to the contrary. Historical information is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

Source: FMC Corporation

CONTACT: MEDIA: Jim Fitzwater, +1-215-299-6633, or INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Brennen Arndt, +1-215-299-6266, both of FMC Corporation

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

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Campina optimaliseert veredeling van Noordhollandse kaas

Campina optimaliseert veredeling van Noordhollandse kaas

ZALTBOMMEL, Nederland, September 1/PRNewswire/ --

- Nieuwe opslag bij het nieuwe Campina bedrijf in Lutjewinkel; sluiting
Alkmaar aangekondigd

De internationale zuivelonderneming Campina gaat voor ruim EUR 7 miljoen
investeren in de bouw van een eigen, moderne kaasveredeling en opslag voor
Noordhollandse kaas in Lutjewinkel (Nederland). Deze kaasopslag wordt direct
gekoppeld aan het in herbouw zijnde kaasproductiebedrijf aldaar. De huidige
opslag in Alkmaar wordt in de loop van 2006 gesloten en de activiteiten gaan
over naar de nieuwe en grotere opslag in Lutjewinkel. Door de grotere
opslagcapaciteit ontstaat ook ruimte voor veredelingsactiviteiten van
Noordhollandse kaas die Campina nu door derden laat doen, zoals rijpen en
verpakken. Met deze investering zet Campina opnieuw een belangrijke stap in
het vergroten van haar competitieve kracht door het realiseren van extra
toegevoegde waarde op een efficiënte wijze. Voor de betrokken medewerkers is
een met vakbonden en ondernemingsraad afgesproken sociaal plan van
toepassing.

Campina is één van de grote kaasveredelaars van Nederland. Via haar
divisie Campina Holland Cheese, onderdeel van de groep Kaas en Boter,
veredelt Campina deels in eigen beheer ruim 100.000 ton kaas per jaar in haar
veredelingslocaties in Born, Tilburg en Alkmaar. Deze laatste locatie is
relatief klein en de automatiseringsgraad is er laag. Bovendien zijn in Born
en Tilburg de veredelingsbedrijven direct gekoppeld aan het productiebedrijf.
Nu het vorig jaar door brand verwoeste kaasproductiebedrijf in Lutjewinkel
herbouwd wordt, heeft Campina opnieuw een analyse gemaakt van de beste
situatie voor kaasveredeling in de regio Noord-Holland. Nieuwbouw van de
kaasveredeling en opslag in Lutjewinkel is de beste keuze. De in Lutjewinkel
geproduceerde Noordhollandse kaas kan dan direct in de aan de fabriek
gekoppelde opslag in zijn geheel worden veredeld. Nu gebeurt dat deels extern
door derden omdat de capaciteit in Alkmaar onvoldoende is.

"Het is onze missie om de productie van kaas op een zo efficiënt
mogelijke wijze uit te voeren. De nieuwbouw van de veredelingslocatie
Lutjewinkel is een logische stap in onze strategie", aldus drs P.J.(Piet)
Hilarides, directeur van de groep Kaas en Boter.

Campina is voornemens zo snel mogelijk met de bouw van de opslag te
beginnen. Naar verwachting zal de kaasveredelingsopslag in de tweede helft
van 2006 operationeel kunnen zijn, waarna de vestiging in Alkmaar gesloten
zal worden. Campina verwacht het kaasproductiebedrijf in Lutjewinkel eind
2005 in gebruik te kunnen nemen.

Noot voor de redactie:

Campina is een internationale coöperatieve onderneming die zich toelegt
op de ontwikkeling, productie, verkoop en distributie van zuivel- en
zuivelverwante consumentenproducten en hoogwaardige ingrediënten voor de
voedings- en farmaceutische industrie. Campina telt ongeveer 7.000 werknemers
en heeft een jaaromzet van circa EUR 3,5 miljard. De onderneming bezet
topposities in de markten waarin ze actief is met consumentenmerken als
Campina, Landliebe en Mona. Daarnaast opereert Campina wereldwijd met de
groep Industriële Producten. Deze ingrediëntengroep, met de divisie DMV
International, is een succesvolle partner voor onder meer de
voedingsmiddelen- en farmaceutische industrie.

Internet:www.campina.com

Source: Campina

Campina Corporate Communication, T. +31-418-57-13-16

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MGPI's Board Declares Dividend

MGPI's Board Declares Dividend

ATCHISON, Kan., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of MGP Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ:MGPI) yesterday declared a dividend of fifteen cents ($0.15) per share on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable on October 5, 2005 to stockholders of record as of September 20, 2005.

"We are very pleased to approve this dividend, which is equivalent to the dividend we declared approximately one year ago," said Board Chairman Cloud L. "Bud" Cray. "Although MGPI's fiscal 2005 earnings performance was lower than the prior year's, the board has great confidence in the company's ability to successfully build on its strategy going forward."

In business since 1941, MGP Ingredients is a pioneer in the development and production of natural grain-based products, including specialty and commodity wheat proteins and starches, and food grade and fuel grade alcohol. The company operates facilities in Atchison, Kansas City and Onaga, Kan., and Pekin, Ill.

Source: MGP Ingredients, Inc.

CONTACT: Steve Pickman, of MGP Ingredients, Inc., +1-913-367-1480

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

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Deere & Company Announces Quarterly Dividend

Deere & Company Announces Quarterly Dividend

MOLINE, Ill., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $.31 a share, payable November 1, 2005, to stockholders of record on September 30, 2005.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030326/JOHNDEERELOGO )

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030326/JOHNDEERELOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Deere & Company

CONTACT: Ken Golden, Manager, Public Relations of Deere & Company,
+1-309-765-5678

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

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Wild Birds Expected to Spread Bird Flu Virus Further

Wild Birds Expected to Spread Bird Flu Virus Further

Countries Along Migratory Routes of Wild Birds Should be on Alert - Emergency Preparedness Essential

WASHINGTON and ROME, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The deadly strain of avian influenza that has hit several countries in Asia is likely to be carried over long distances along the flyways of wild water birds to the Middle East, Europe, South Asia and Africa, FAO warned today.

Birds flying from Siberia, where the H5N1 virus has been recently detected, may carry the virus to the Caspian and Black Sea in the foreseeable future. These regions and countries in the Balkans could become a potential gateway to central Europe for the virus.

"FAO is concerned that poor countries in southeast Europe, where wild birds from Asia mingle with others from northern Europe, may lack the capacity to detect and deal with outbreaks of bird flu," said Joseph Domenech, FAO's Chief Veterinary Officer.

Bird migration routes also run across Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Georgia, Ukraine and some Mediterranean countries, where bird flu outbreaks are possible, FAO said.

India and Bangladesh, which currently seem to be uninfected, are also considered to be at risk. Bangladesh, and to a lesser extent India, harbor large numbers of domestic ducks and are situated along one of the major migratory routes. They have the potential to become new large endemic areas of bird flu infection, FAO warned.

"Avian influenza is an international problem that definitely needs a strong international response," Domenech said.

Bird flu has killed more than 60 people in Asia since 2003 and more than 140 million birds have died or have been slaughtered in the effort to contain outbreaks.

Health experts have warned that bird flu has the potential to trigger a global human pandemic if the virus adapts and becomes easily transmitted between humans.

H5N1 keeps spreading

Until recently, bird flu outbreaks mainly occurred in Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and China. But in July, Russia and Kazakhstan have confirmed H5N1 outbreaks in poultry and wild birds. In Mongolia, about 90 migratory birds died at two lakes in August.

Between April and June 2005, more than 6,000 migratory birds died due to H5N1 at the Qinghai Lake Nature Reserve in Qinghai Province, China. In Tibet, China, the death of 133 breeding hens was reported and H5N1 was isolated from samples from these birds.

"These new outbreaks show that the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus is spreading progressively north-westwards and is not restricted to South East Asia any more. In Russia and Kazakhstan, we believe contact between domestic poultry and wild waterfowl at lakes and wetlands is the primary source of infection in poultry," Domenech said.

Preventing the spread of bird flu

FAO urged countries at risk, especially along the routes of migrating birds, to step up surveillance of domestic poultry and wild birds. Countries should prepare national emergency plans.

Close contacts between humans, domestic poultry and wildlife should be reduced and closely monitored. On farms and markets, domestic birds should be strictly separated from wild animals to the greatest extent possible. Vaccinating poultry could also be considered in at-risk situations.

Fighting the virus at source

FAO called upon affected countries and the international community to battle the bird flu virus at its origin, in poultry.

"As long as the H5N1 virus circulates in poultry, humans continue to be at risk. This is why we have set up several regional networks in Asia to improve the cooperation between countries," Domenech said.

FAO and the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) have also developed a strategy for the control of avian influenza in Asia that will cost over $100 million, to support surveillance, diagnosis and other control measures, including vaccination. So far, donors have pledged around $25 million in support of the strategy.

Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

CONTACT: Michael Hage, Regional Information Officer of Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, +1-202-653-0011, cell:
+1-202-468-8800

Web site: http://www.fao.org/english/newsroom

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Love at the Grill: Insights for a Red-Hot Labor Day

Love at the Grill: Insights for a Red-Hot Labor Day

Labor Day Cookout Offers Clues on Romantic Potential, Says Relationship Expert

NEW YORK, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Does he share the grilling duties? What does she put on her burger? According to relationship expert, Dennie Hughes, you can learn a lot about someone's romance potential by the steak they choose, the toppings they put on their burger and even the kind of grill they prefer.

"You'd be surprised at how people can provide clues about their romantic potential just by observing them in everyday activities. And Labor Day -- a holiday when more than half of all grill owners cook out and people come together to relax and enjoy time off -- is the perfect backdrop for watching and learning," said Hughes, USA WEEKEND's Relationtips columnist and author of Dateworthy. "Just by observing what goes on as you fire up the grill, you can gauge romantic potential in almost anyone."

Romancing the Steak

A recent survey conducted by Kelton Research on behalf of the Cattlemen's Beef Board and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association found that four out of five Americans think of a tenderloin, also known as a filet mignon, as the perfect romantic meal (84%). And two-thirds (64%) say the same about top loin steaks, commonly known as a strip steak. Hughes says to watch for those people enjoying a filet over Labor Day; chances are good they want to share it with someone special.

A burger can be just as romantic. There is scientific evidence that, because of their similar flavor components, burger toppings like bleu cheese and mushrooms create a taste explosion when combined with beef. Paired with a glass of red wine, another enjoyable taste sensation, even a burger can impress.

"This tells us there's more than one meaning to the term 'summer sizzle'," said Dave Zino, director of the Culinary Center at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. "The survey helps to highlight romance at the grill, but it also reaffirms what we've known for a long time: Americans have a love affair with beef."

According to the survey, one in four Americans grill beef at least 2-3 times per week throughout the summer and nearly three-quarters grill beef at least 2-3 times per month.

Sharing is for Singles

When it comes to sharing the grill, the survey found men are more than twice as likely as women to want complete control of the grill (44% to 21%). Interestingly, the numbers vary widely depending on whether you've already been down the aisle. Nearly two-thirds of single people (63%) would rather share the grilling duties with someone else, but an overwhelming majority of married people want to manage the grill independently (73%).

The type of grill used is almost as important as how it's used: the survey found that single people are almost twice as likely as married people are to use a charcoal grill (66% to 35%).

Hughes attributes the numbers to the natural progression of a relationship. "Single people probably want to share the grill as a signal to others that they are available while married couples have already divided up responsibilities and figured out who grills better," she states. "Keep these statistics in mind at your Labor Day gatherings; they just may provide some insight into your fellow party-goers."

Additional survey findings revealed:

Burger Perfection
-- On their perfect burger, it's fitting that Americans prefer American
cheese over any other type (42%). Ketchup makes the perfect burger
for almost half of us (48%) -- especially when kids are around.
Parents of young children are 12% more likely to prefer ketchup on
their burgers.

Real Cheese
-- If you find someone going for the Bleu or Jalapeno cheese on their
perfect burger, you've found an original. Only 3% of people surveyed
like the sophisticated taste of bleu cheese and only 2% prefer
Jalapeno.

Mature Romantics
-- Women, especially those between 35 and 44, appreciate the filet for
its romantic side. This group is 10% more likely to consider the
filet "very romantic."
-- When it comes to seasoning, young men (those under 35) are purists,
with more than a third (37%) agreeing that a little salt and pepper is
all the steak seasoning they use. In contrast, almost half of men
between 35 and 44 put marinades at the top of the list of steak
seasonings (47%).

Southern Hospitality
-- Southerners are most likely to find a steak dinner very romantic -- no
matter what the cut. Like the rest of Americans, filet mignon is
their romantic steak of choice. But they are also more likely to find
a strip steak (23%) and ribeye (23%) very romantic.

After the kids go to bed ...
-- Moms and Dads appreciate the grown-up taste of a filet. In fact, 89%
of parents surveyed said a filet is romantic.

Steak a Claim
-- The Midwest is decidedly burger country with more than half (57%) of
the survey respondents preferring burgers when they fire up the grill.
Meanwhile, people in the West prefer steaks to burgers (58% to 31%)
and Texans choose steak by greater than a two to one margin (65% to
27%)!

For more information and sizzling grilling recipes, consumers can visit http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/ .

The Grilling Survey was conducted on behalf of the Cattlemen's Beef Board and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association by Kelton Research between July 25 and August 5, 2005, using Random Digit Dialing of both listed and unlisted numbers. Quotas are set on completed interviews by three variables: age, sex, and geographic region to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population, 18 years of age and older. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.46 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval. The checkoff assessment became mandatory when the program was approved by 79 percent of producers in a 1988 national referendum vote. Checkoff revenues may be used for promotion, education and research programs to improve the marketing climate for beef.

Producer-directed and consumer-focused, the NCBA is the trade association of America's cattle farmers and ranchers, and the marketing organization for the largest segment of the nation's food and fiber industry.

Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association

CONTACT: Julie Miller, +1-303-850-3376, jmiller@beef.org , or Rachel
Gillman, +1-312-596-3414, rachel_gillman@chi.bm.com , both for National
Cattlemen's Beef Association

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

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