E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company (DD)

DuPont has many projects under development with significant long-term market potential. Examples include second-generation biofuels and bio-plastics. The company's applied biosciences division aims to provide products for agricultural energy crops, feedstock processing, and advanced biofuels. The division has entered into joint ventures with Danisco (DCO-KO) and BP (BP) to commercialize ethanol and biobutanol.

The launch of Optimum GAT herbicide resistance gene in soybeans and corn in 2009-2012 will contribute to increased profitability within the company's Pioneer seed segment.

Increased demand for corn by ethanol refineries pushed corn prices to record highs in 2008. DuPont's genetically modified seeds allow farmers to grow more corn in a given acreage of land. The average yield of corn in the US is 150 bushels per acre, but DuPont aims to push the yield to 400. US farmers increased corn plantings 19% in 2007. In addition, the percentage of genetically modified corn in the US has risen from 46% in 2004 to 61% in 2006, driving higher seed sales for Pioneer, DuPont's seed company. Pioneer is investing 9-11% of its revenue on seed research to boost corn productivity.