Congressman Thompson Announces Alcorn State University And Monsanto Partnership

CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY AND MONSANTO PARTNERSHIP

Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced that Alcorn State University and Monsanto have formed a new partnership aimed at improving educational opportunities for students at the land-grant institution and the farmers they serve.

In the fall of 2006, Monsanto Executive Vice President Carl Casale and Congressman Bennie Thompson discussed areas for improvement with respect to enhancing agricultural opportunities for black farmers and students in the Mississippi Delta region. Monsanto, a global agricultural company, is a leading technology provider for cotton, which is a major crop in southern agriculture.

Congressman Thompson stated, "This program will bring together the best and the brightest minds and work to keep that talent in the state of Mississippi. We've made a commitment to identify and help remove barriers to technology adoption and career opportunities for blacks in agriculture, but this project is just the first chapter in that endeavor. We'll be depending on other key leaders to come to the table and discuss ways to break down these barriers."

Congressman Thompson along with staff from Alcorn State University and representatives from Monsanto will announce an exciting new partnership to enhance the opportunity for black farmers and students with respect to cotton and vegetable research and technology. Monsanto is also to invest significant resources annually in vegetable technology and research through its subsidiary called Seminis.

The event will be held on the campus of Alcorn State University in the Extension and Research Complex Auditorium, on Thursday, February 22, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.

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