The future of the U.S. cotton industry continues to rely on new talents and fresh perspectives. To keep bright young minds involved in cotton, Monsanto is creating the Deltapine Class of 2009 scholarship program. The program will award nine $1,000 college scholarships to high school students in the class of 2009 who are interested in a career in cotton.

“We are focused on agriculture and the innovations that will improve farming now and into the future. Looking at the young, talented people interested in pursuing careers in cotton, we see an excitement for the future that we identify with and want to encourage,” said Brad Godwin, Deltapine cotton marketing manager. “We hope everyone involved in the cotton business, whether it is farming, ginning or another segment, will encourage their high school seniors to participate in this scholarship application process.”

The scholarships will be awarded to nine students whose essays best express “My Future in Cotton.” Eligibility requirements include:

– High school seniors who will graduate in 2009 with plans to enroll in a full-time undergraduate accredited 2- or 4-year college or university with the intent to engage in a course of study related to agriculture or agribusiness.

– A minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale; involvement in agriculture or with agricultural organizations; and living in a cotton-producing state.

– Those applicants whose families are directly involved in cotton production will be given special consideration.

– Persons related to employees of Monsanto, its agencies or competitive companies are not eligible to participate.

To apply, go to http://www.MyFutureInCotton.com for complete eligibility and criteria requirements. Winners will be announced on Jan. 6, 2009, at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences in San Antonio, Texas, and listed on the Web site Jan. 7, 2009. All winners will be notified via e-mail prior to this date.