March 3, 2000

Since Dr. James Watson and Dr. Francis Crick unlocked the secrets of the double-helix DNA strand in 1953, advances in biotechnology have delivered new sources of insulin, helped control the spread of rabies and reduced the amount of pesticides used on America’s cropland. That’s the message of a new biotech education program developed by Novartis.

The 20-minute presentation, called "A Short Course on Biotechnology," traces the evolution of plant breeding from Gregor Mendel’s early cross-breeding experiments with garden peas in the 1860s to today’s more precise methods aided by genetic-enhancement technology.

"In recent months it has become clear that our industry faces a challenge to educate consumers about biotechnology issues," explained Ed Shonsey, president and chief executive officer of Novartis Seeds. "Those who oppose biotechnology use misleading statements and emotion to scare people. No more! We are challenging our employees, independent seed dealers and the rest of the agricultural community to join us in a grassroots effort to combat misinformation. We want consumers to know the truth about biotechnology so they can make their own decision based on sound science, not emotional appeals and scare tactics."

The Novartis Seeds announcement comes on the heels of the U.S. Senate’s recent adoption of a resolution that designated January as National Biotechnology Month. During the month-long celebration, agricultural professionals used the education program to talk with their friends, neighbors and community leaders about biotechnology.

"In the months to come, I hope that every Kiwanas Club, 4-H group and Elks Lodge has the opportunity to learn about agricultural biotechnology directly from those involved in the industry," Shonsey emphasized.

To make that vision a reality, Novartis Seeds is offering the biotech presentation script and its accompanying Power Point visuals free to all interested agricultural professionals. The CD-ROM package also includes a free version of the presentation accompanied by a professionally recorded soundtrack.

To receive a copy of the CD-ROM, contact Novartis Seeds by calling 1-888-989-4BIO, or download the presentation from the company’s web site, www.nk.com.

Novartis Seeds, Inc., is a leading agriculture and biotechnology research organization, which develops genetic and value-added products and produces and sells corn, soybean, alfalfa, soybean, sunflower, sorghum, wheat, sugar beet, vegetable and flower seeds.

Novartis Seeds is a sector company of Novartis, a world leader in healthcare.