January 8th, 2007
Monsanto Company recently learned that the Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS) and Tierramerica issued a story captioned “Monsanto Stands Firm on GM Maize in Mexico,” written by Diego Cevallos. The article consists of an interview with Eduardo Perez, Monsanto’s Technology Development Lead for Latin America North. Near the end of the interview, Mr. Perez was asked a question about the fine paid by Monsanto for making payments to officials in Indonesia. According to the article, Mr. Perez responded to the question as follows: “It wasn’t Monsanto that did it, it was an intermediary. But the law is clear: although they acted without our consent, the company is the one sanctioned, and that is why we paid the fine. Now the company has a very strict policy so it won’t happen again.”
Mr. Perez, who was not personally familiar with the facts and resolution of the Indonesian matter, inadvertently provided incorrect information in responding to this question. Monsanto Company requests that IPS, Tierramerica, and other newspapers that are members of the Tierramerica network that published this article issue a correction. Monsanto directs your attention to the press release it issued in connection with the Indonesian matter on January 6, 2005. The press release is available on the Monsanto website at www.monsanto.com under the news and media section.
Monsanto accepted responsibility for the actions of its employees involved in authorizing or making payments to Indonesian officials. Monsanto has terminated the employees involved with the improper activities, taken other corrective actions, and entered into settlements with the U.S. government which required Monsanto to pay fines, implement compliance enhancements, retain an independent compliance consultant, and accept other obligations.
Lori Fisher, Director of Public Affairs (314-694-8535) and Robert Echols, Director of Business Conduct (3414-694-6599), Monsanto Company, US.
