Monsanto Can Help Your Portfolio Grow

It's understandable why biotech is such a hot sector. An aging U.S. population provides a powerful demographic backdrop for increased demand for drugs and therapies, and large pharmaceutical companies are looking to snap up promising biotech stars to augment their skimpy new drug pipelines.

Although many investors associate biotech with companies that are developing treatments for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses, few turn their attention to agriculture and nutrition. Monsanto (MON Quote), for instance, is a supplier of agricultural chemicals, but the company is also a global leader in the development and marketing of seeds and biotechnology traits (related to weed, insect control, weather resistance and improved nutrition) to the world's crop growers.

Green Pastures

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