DuPont increased agricultural seed share in North America

DuPont further increased its North American market share in both corn and soybean seed products this growing season, resulting in strong sales and earnings growth.

DuPont’s Pioneer Hi-Bred business increased its corn market share in North America by two points and its soybean market share by four points – gains split equally between the Pioneer® brand and other brands distributed through its PROaccessSM business strategy.  For the first half of 2010, Pioneer grew global seed sales by 14% on 8% volume gains delivering against its long-term growth objectives.

"This continued growth is a strong testament for our ‘Right Product Right Acre’ strategy,” said Paul Schickler, president – Pioneer Hi-Bred.   “Our focus on addressing individual grower needs is paying off.”

With its “Right Product Right Acre” strategy, Pioneer works with customers to match the best seed with their specific needs through a wide selection of innovative product choices and differentiated service before and after the sale.  Its success has been building and is the result of a multiyear investment, not only in research and development, but also in the Pioneer sales force who can serve farmers locally.

"Based on what we are seeing in our field trials and our conversations with farmers this summer, we expect another strong year in 2011,” Paul said.