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10/25/2012
THE LACEK GROUP

South Dakota FFA Foundation Receives $20,000 Grant from DuPont Pioneer

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Oct. 25, 2012 - DuPont Pioneer today presented a $20,000 education grant to the South Dakota FFA Foundation, which will be used for leadership development and agricultural education activities. The grant, which was presented to state leaders during the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, is part of $80,000 in grants presented to state FFA foundations within the Pioneer Northern Business Unit, which includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

"The need to build partnerships in support of local and state agricultural education programs continues to grow as school budgets are increasingly tight," said Gerri Ann Eide, executive director of the South Dakota FFA Foundation. "It's a win-win collaboration as South Dakota FFA programs receive valuable support to prepare future employees for agricultural careers and develop skills to provide leadership for their local communities, while at the same time DuPont Pioneer receives year-long recognition.. We greatly appreciate their support."

"DuPont Pioneer is pleased to support the South Dakota FFA foundation," said Patrick Yockey, DuPont Pioneer business director for the Northern Business Unit. "We strongly believe that the development and education of FFA leaders is essential to our industry as we all strive to meet the growing global demand for food."

The South Dakota FFA Foundation provides an avenue of funding which stimulates, promotes and supports the best interests of FFA students to create an awareness of agriculture careers, agri-business opportunities and the needs of a growing and diversified industry. The South Dakota FFA develops resources to support leadership development programs for over 6,000 South Dakota agriculture education students. It supports the activities of 77 South Dakota FFA Chapters and members involved in career development events and other events at the state and national FFA levels and rewards successful FFA members and chapters.

As the philanthropic arm of Pioneer, the Pioneer Giving Program makes contributions to educational institutions on behalf of the business and employees. Consideration for grants is given in the communities where Pioneer employees, customers and representatives live and work.

DuPont Pioneer is the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success(tm).

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DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders, we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont(tm), Science with Service Delivering Success(tm), and Pioneer(r) are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

For additional information about our company or our products, check our website: http://www.pioneer.com.

Contacts: DuPont Pioneer, Randy Wanke, 507-301-4844, randy.wanke@pioneer.com or South Dakota FFA Foundation, Gerri Ann Eide , 605-765-4565, gerri@sdffafoundation.org)

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	DuPont Pioneer President Paul Schickler presents education grant to South Dakota FFA Leaders. Left to Right: Savanna Sperl; Kelly Garry; Andy Rausch; Paul Schickler, DuPont Pioneer President; Ashley Tonak; Tyler Swan; Taylor Leonhardt