Dow Achieves Final Milestone for Commercialization of Enlist™ Weed Control System

MIDLAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

As the last step in the regulatory process before commercialization, The Dow Chemical Company DOW today announced it has received registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Enlist Duo™ herbicide for use with Enlist corn and soybeans. This breakthrough technology is a strong reflection of the Company's industry-leading research and development (R&D) expertise, and represents Dow's continued progress against its strategic commitments.

“Crossing this final milestone represents a pivotal achievement for Dow, as it enables the Company to bring to the market this necessary, innovative technology that is expected to deliver significant growth for Dow while at the same time addressing a critical global challenge,” said Andrew N. Liveris, Dow's Chairman and CEO. “With one of the strongest technology platforms in both seeds and in crop protection that leverages the global depth of Dow's core R&D network, this franchise has doubled in value over the past five-seven years – outperforming market growth and outpacing our competitors with new product development, thus fully reinforcing Dow's leadership position as a key innovator in the agricultural science industry.”

A key catalyst in the Company's strategic plans for long-term growth, Dow AgroSciences is building the fastest growing seeds business in the industry, in addition to expanding the profitability of its strong crop protection business. The Company expects sales of the Enlist Weed Control System to deliver significant value over the near and long term, and intends to release its market intentions in the coming weeks.

Enlist Duo herbicide is a proprietary blend of new 2,4-D choline and glyphosate. By combining two modes of action, Enlist Duo will control and help prevent further development of herbicide-resistant weeds. Enlist Duo herbicide has also been optimized for on-target application utilizing Dow's proprietary Colex-D^™ Technology, which will provide both stewardship and user benefits.

In its decision to deregulate Enlist corn and soybean traits in mid-September, USDA acknowledged that Enlist will be an effective tool for weed resistance management, saying the technology can “be useful for decades if best management practices are followed,” and said that “allowing growers the choice to use herbicide resistance technology is consistent with USDA's mission of promoting agriculture production sustainably.”

Regulatory agencies in more than 70 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Japan, Australia and the U.S., have authorized the use of 2, 4-D using modern regulatory requirements.

“Our company is uniquely positioned to answer the need for new, innovative weed control technology,” says Tim Hassinger, president, Dow AgroSciences. “With our leading biotech capability and strong chemistry heritage, we designed a breakthrough solution utilizing both traits and herbicides. The Enlist system is an extremely effective tool, and is tailored for the way farmers work today.”

About Dow

Dow DOW combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company is driving innovations that extract value from the intersection of chemical, physical and biological sciences to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, clean energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's integrated, market-driven, industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 180 countries and in high growth sectors such as packaging, electronics, water, coatings and agriculture. In 2013, Dow had annual sales of more than $57 billion and employed approximately 53,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 6,000 products are manufactured at 201 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

About Dow AgroSciences

Dow AgroSciences, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is committed to discovering, developing, and bringing to market crop protection and plant biotechnology solutions for the growing world. Dow AgroSciences is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company and had annual global sales of $7.1 billion in 2013. Learn more at www.dowagro.com. Follow Dow AgroSciences on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

®™ DOW Diamond, Enlist, and Enlist Duo are trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Enlist Duo herbicide is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.

This Press Release contains information that may be or is privileged, confidential, proprietary or subject to copyright belonging to Dow or its affiliates. This information is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and any other use is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient of this information, this is notice that any retention, disclosure, distribution, copying or other use of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Thank you.

^®TM Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow