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DuPont Biotech Stewardship Program Gains External Certification


WEBWIRE

Third-Party Audit Confirms Responsible Use

DuPont today announced that third-party audits have verified its plant biotechnology research and development processes are in compliance with the Excellence Through StewardshipSM (ETS) initiative for its North American operations. The ETS third-party audit confirms that the company uses the tools of biotechnology ethically and responsibly.

“As a long-term leader in safety, quality and stewardship, DuPont championed development of ETS within the industry,” said Paul E. Schickler, Pioneer president and DuPont vice president and general manager. “We are pleased that the third-party audit confirmed our processes meet the rigorous requirements of the stewardship initiative.

“Plant biotechnology holds tremendous promise to help us sustainably produce enough food, feed, fuel and biomaterials for a growing world, Schickler added. “ETS confirms we are using the technology responsibly and ensures we will continue our commitment well into the future.”

Excellence Through Stewardship is the first biotechnology industry coordinated initiative to provide stewardship and quality management programs for the full product life cycle of biotech-derived plant products. DuPont and other companies that attain certification are committing to promoting responsible use of biotechnology.

“We applaud DuPont -- and the other ETS founding members -- who are pursuing leadership roles in this endeavor,” said Linda Hanifin Bonner, ETS executive director. “We hope that the leadership being demonstrated by DuPont and other founding members will encourage others to join ETS and follow this example.”

DuPont began implementation by applying ETS guidelines to its existing processes during early 2008 at select U.S. and Canada locations, culminating in ETS verification that there is an effective quality management system in place. By the end of 2009, implementation will be completed for all research and development, production and sales operations in North America. Third-party audits will be completed for all DuPont plant biotechnology operations globally by December 31, 2010.

This is one of a series of steps DuPont is taking to ensure responsible use of biotechnology. In 2000 it established a Biotech Advisory Panel made up of external experts who guide DuPont actions, help it consider and address important issues and guide and challenge it in the development, testing and commercialization of new products based on biotechnology. The advisory panel audits the company’s progress and provides a public report on a regular basis. DuPont also has established bioethics guiding principles that guide its operations and are further confirmation of the company’s commitment to stakeholders as it pursues the opportunities and resulting benefits biotechnology can offer the world. Additional information on the DuPont commitment to responsible use of biotechnology can be found at: http://www2.dupont.com/Biotechnology/en_US/index.htmlLeaving Pioneer.com. For more information on the Excellence Through Stewardship initiative, go to: http://www.excellencethroughstewardship.org/ Leaving Pioneer.com.



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