INTERNATIONAL PLANT NUTRITION INSTITUTE (IPNI) TO ADDRESS GLOBAL CROP PRODUCTION

November 1, 2006—(AgPR)—A new global, scientific, agronomic organization called the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) has been recently established by a resolution adopted unanimously by IPNI’s founding members. The Board of Directors of the Potash & Phosphate Institute (PPI) has committed its scientific staff to the new global IPNI organization. By the end of 2006, PPI will be fully integrated into IPNI. Thereafter, PPI will no longer exist. Scheduled to officially begin operations January 1, 2007, IPNI will immediately have effective scientific programs in place in North America, Central and South America, China, India, and Southeast Asia. IPNI anticipates promptly establishing such programs in Western and Eastern Europe as well as in the Middle East. Announcement of this important decision came from William J. Doyle, Chairman of PPI, and President and CEO of PotashCorp, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. “The new organization will be composed of fertilizer industry companies that are basic producers of nitrogen (N) and/or phosphate (P) and/or potash (K) and/or sulfur (S) for agricultural use. Large retail organizations that will not qualify as basic producers of N, P, K, or S may qualify as associate members. The purpose is to help provide a coordinated scientific foundation for fertilizer nutrient use and to scientifically address associated environmental issues,” Mr. Doyle explained. “We are pleased to become part of this new organization,” said Mr. Patricio Contesse, Chief Executive Officer of SQM, one of the largest South American fertilizer corporations with worldwide operations. Mr. Contesse and other leaders in the global fertilizer industry agree there is a continuing need for agronomic and related sciences in advancing goals for crop production, efficient and effective nutrient use, and environmental protection. Dr. Terry L. Roberts of Norcross, Georgia, will serve as the first president of IPNI. Dr. Paul E. Fixen of Brookings, South Dakota, will be Coordinator, Americas Group, and Dr. Adrian Johnston of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, will be Coordinator, Asia Group. Founding members of IPNI are: Agrium Inc.; Arab Potash Company; Belarusian Potash Company; Bunge Fertilizantes S.A.; CF Industries Holding, Inc.; Intrepid Mining, LLC; K+S KALI GmbH; Mosaic; PotashCorp; Saskferco; Simplot; Sinochem Hong Kong Ltd.; Spur Ventures Inc.; SQM; Terra Industries Inc.; and Uralkali. —30— For further information, please visit the IPNI website >www.ipni.net< or contact Dr. Terry Roberts at IPNI: tel. 1.770.447.0335; e-mail: [email protected]. The mission of IPNI is to develop and promote scientific information about the responsible management of plant nutrients for the benefit of the human family.