Monsanto Muscatine Plant Voluntary Initiative Benefits

Monsanto Muscatine Plant Voluntary Initiative Benefits Gina MacIlwraith ESHS Area Leader May 10, 2006

Who Is Monsanto? Global provider of technology based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.

Monsanto Pledge We base all that we do on a foundation of integrity, including honesty, decency, consistency and courage. Building on those values, we are committed to: • Dialogue • Respect • Transparency • Sharing • Benefits Internally, we also pledge to: • Act as owners to achieve results • Create a great place to work

Corporate Support for Voluntary Initiatives • Started with OSHA – Voluntary Protection Program • Supported Performance Track from inception • Wildlife Habitat Council Certification strongly encouraged Provides external recognition for Pledge stewardship

Performance Track Membership • Formalized existing hard work of employees • Improved environmental management system • Improved focus on key aspects and management review • Initial 3 year commitments – Saved 2.9% in cost of goods • 97% Reduction in BOD - 47% Waste Use Reduction • 80% Reduction in Solid Waste - 62% Reduction in Energy • Second round commitments – Additional 1% savings estimated

Habitat Stewardship and Community Outreach • Multi-faceted approach • Nature Preserve Management • Site Prairie Restoration • Employee Volunteer Projects • Community Education and Support

Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve • 510 Acres • Monsanto and Mid-American Energy co-own the property • Managed by Louisa Ecological Advisory Committee • Science based experts • Long term management plan: • Conserve and enhance existing ecological communities • Manage endangered species • Enhance ecological communities • Accommodate research • Protect archeological features

Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve • Home to several rare and threatened species • 352 Native plant species • 30 rare plants and animals, including previously endangered Illinois mud turtle • Sand prairie ecosystem • Diversity • Isolated section near Mississippi River • Public Outreach • Boy Scout volunteers – invasive removal • Public Field Days – educate community • Local School groups – highlight biological, archeological, historical, significance (in cooperation with the Muscatine County Conservation Board)

External Advisors • Louisa Ecological Advisory Committee • BioEco Research and Monitoring Center • Drake University • Muscatine Community College • Louisa County Conservation Board • Muscatine County Conservation Board • University of Iowa • The Nature Conservancy • Walnut Creek National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center

Sand Prairie Restoration • 1992 and 1998 Restoration Projects • Formerly agricultural land • Returned to Native Sand Prairie • 60 Acres: Prairie grass and wildflowers • 40 Acres: Succession prairie with intervention mowing • 40 Acres: Over seeded with bluestem grass • 1 Acre: Butterfly Garden

Sand Prairie Restoration • 2005 WHC Certification • Nominated for “Rookie of the Year” • Utilizing Opportunities Report for future enhancements • Interpretive trail • Enhanced educational program – Corporate Lands for Learning • Outreach – Sharing our treasure • Earth Alliance Booth • Partnering with new Environmental Center

Other External Recognitions • Governor of Iowa’s Environmental Excellence Awards • Air Quality 2003 • Emissions Reductions 2003 • Wildlife Habitat Restoration 2004 • American Chemistry Council • Energy Efficiency 2002 • Waste Reduction 2003

Challenges for Voluntary Initiatives • Quantifying business value • Budget constraints • External community challenges • Recognizing employee efforts • Patience • Perseverance

Benefits of Voluntary Initiatives • Demonstrates premises of Monsanto Pledge • Provides opportunity to build relationships with non-traditional partners • Enhances property boundary and erosion control • Supports wildlife habitat for local pheasant and deer populations, migrating butterflies • Provides community rest and relaxation area • Enhances the community familiarity, respect, and support of Monsanto

Back-up Slides

Employees • Work diligently to maintain safe operations • Pride in site and community and environmental impact • Volunteer to support environmental programs

Categories of Aspects Energy Use Water Use Materials Air Emissions Solid Waste Off-site Waste Disposal Potential Accidental Releases Wildlife Habitat Ranking of Aspects Frequency of Occurrence Human Impact Environmental Impact Impact Permanence Regulatory Influence Community Reaction Cost Detailed Aspect Analysis

Monsanto Pledge We base all that we do on a foundation of integrity, including honesty, decency, consistency and courage. Building on those values, we are committed to: Dialogue: We will listen carefully to diverse points of view and engage in thoughtful dialogue to broaden our understanding of issues in order to better address the needs and concerns of society. Respect: We will respect the religious, cultural and ethical concerns of people throughout the world. The safety of our employees, the communities where we operate, our customers, consumers and the environmental will be our highest priority. Transparency: We will ensure that information is available, accessible and understandable. Sharing: We will share knowledge and technology to advance scientific understanding, to improve agriculture and the environment, to improve crops, and to help farmers in developing countries. Benefits: We will deliver high-quality products that are beneficial to our customers and to the environment, with sound and innovative science, and thoughtful and effective stewardship. Internally, we also pledge to: Act as Owners to Achieve Results: We will create clarity of direction, roles and accountability; build strong relationships with our customer and external partners; make wise decisions; steward our company resources; and take responsibility for achieving agreed upon results. Create a Great Place to Work: We will ensure diversity of people and thought; foster innovation, creatively and learning; practice inclusive teamwork; and reward and recognize our people.

Monsanto Muscatine Plant Voluntary Initiative Benefits