State and local authorities trying to find alternate use for closing Bayer Crop Science site.

PRESS RELEASE


September 3, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Camden County

Joint Development Authority


State and Local Officials

Meet with Bayer Crop Science



Camden County, GA-

State and Local officials met Tuesday with representatives of Bayer Crop Science ("Bayer") to discuss the future of the Woodbine, Georgia facility; which is expected to cease production of the pesticide Temik at some point during the next few years. The Woodbine facility currently serves as the sole world-wide producer of Temik; which has been used for over forty years to protect a variety of crops, including potatoes, cotton, peanuts, and citrus. The active ingredient in Temik is Aldicarb, which is produced in West Virginia. A recent study of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determined Aldicarb may pose a health and safety risk to children and wildlife. Though Bayer does not fully agree with the EPA's conclusions, the company has entered into an agreement to phase out production of Temik over the next few years.

Local officials included David Keating, Executive Director of the Camden County Joint Development Authority ("JDA"); Chris Daniel, President and CEO of the Camden County Chamber of Commerce; Mayor Parrott of Woodbine, Georgia; and Michelle Shaw of the State of Georgia Department of Economic Development. Discussions centered on saving the workforce and exploring alternate uses of the property. Bayer has several divisions and business units that may benefit from the strategic assets of the site; which include hundreds of acres fronting the Intracoastal Waterway with maritime access to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Andrews Sound; close proximity to Interstate 95; abundant fresh water resources; a secure setting; and a well trained, capable workforce; among other assets. State and Local officials discussed potential incentives to help transition the facility to an alternate use and save the jobs threatened by the planned closure.

Over the next few months, Bayer Crop Science will be reviewing the full implications of their agreement with the EPA, including its impact on the Woodbine facility. Once a decision has been made, the parties will reconvene to discuss next steps. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Mayors of the Cities of Kingsland, St. Marys, and Woodbine have requested a joint meeting with the EPA to discuss the matter, which the JDA is facilitating.