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<TITLE>Monsanto Company Form S-8</TITLE>
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    <TD><font size=2 color=#ff0000><b>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2004</b></FONT></TD>
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    <TD><font size=2>Registration No. 333-_____________</FONT><HR SIZE=2 NOSHADE></TD>
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    <TD width=100% align=center><font size=2><b>UNITED STATES<BR>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</b></font></TD>
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    <TD width=100% align=center><font size=2><b>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549</b></font><BR><BR></TD>
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    <TD width=100% align=center><font size=2><b>FORM S-8</b></font></TD>
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    <TD width=100% align=center><font size=2><b>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</b></font></TD>
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    <TD><font size=2><b>MONSANTO COMPANY</B></font></TD>
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    <TD><font size=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></TD>
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    <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH=40% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><b>Delaware</b></FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH=40% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>43-1878297</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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    <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH=40% ALIGN=CENTER nowrap><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH=40% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(IRS Employer Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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    <TD><font size=2><b>800 North Lindbergh Boulevard<BR>
St. Louis, Missouri 63167</b></font></TD>
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    <TD><font size=2>(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)</font></TD>
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    <TD width=100% align=center><font size=2><b>AMENDED AND RESTATED<BR>MONSANTO DEFERRED PAYMENT PLAN</b></font></TD>
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    <TD><font size=2>(Full title of the plan)</font></TD>
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    <TD><font size=2><b>Charles W. Burson, Esq.</b></font></TD>
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    <TD><font size=2><B>Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel<BR>Monsanto Company<BR>800 North Lindbergh Boulevard<BR>
St. Louis, Missouri 63167<BR>(314)694-1000</B><BR>(Name, address and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)</font></TD>
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<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><b>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</b></font>
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    <TD width=20%><font size=2>Title of Securities<BR> to be registered</font></td>
    <TD width=20%><font size=2>Amount to be<BR>registered</font></td>
    <TD width=20%><font size=2>Proposed Maximum<BR>Offering Price Per<BR>Obligation/Share (1)</font></td>
    <TD width=20%><font size=2>Proposed Maximum<BR>Aggregate Offering Price<BR>(1)</font></td>
    <TD width=20%><font size=2>Amount of<BR>Registration Fee</font></td>
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    <TD width=20% align=left><font size=2>Deferred Compensation Obligations (2)</font></td>
    <TD width=20% align=center><font size=2>$25,000,000</font></td>
    <TD width=20% align=center><font size=2>100%</font></td>
    <TD width=20% align=center><font size=2>$25,000,000</font></td>
    <TD width=20%><font size=2>$3,168</font></td>
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    <TD width=20% align=left><font size=2>Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (2)</font></td>
    <TD width=20% align=center><font size=2>1,000,000</font></td>
    <TD width=20% align=center><font size=2>$35.80 (4)</font></td>
    <TD width=20% align=center><font size=2>$&nbsp;35,800,000</font></td>
    <TD width=20%><font size=2>$4,536</font></td>
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    <TD width=80% align=right><font size=2>Total&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td>
    <TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER"><font size=2>$7,704&nbsp;</font></TD>
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<TD WIDTH=3% ALIGN=center><P><font size=2>(1)</font></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=97%><P><font size=2>
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to
Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(h).</font></P>
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<TD WIDTH=3% ALIGN=center><P><font size=2>(2)</font></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=97%><P><font size=2>
The Deferred Compensation Obligations are unsecured obligations of Monsanto Company to pay deferred compensation in the
     future in accordance with the terms of the Company's Amended and Restated Deferred Payment Plan (the "Plan").</font></P>
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<TD WIDTH=3% ALIGN=center><P><font size=2>(3)</font></P></TD>
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This Registration Statement also includes such additional shares of Common Stock as may be issuable pursuant to the
     anti-dilution provisions of the Plan.</font></P>
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<TD WIDTH=3% ALIGN=center><P><font size=2>(4)</font></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=97%><P><font size=2>
The proposed maximum offering price per share represents the average of the high and low sale prices of the Company's Common
     Stock on April 20, 2004, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.</font></P>
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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Part II </FONT></H1>

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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN
THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT </FONT></H1>

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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Item 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Incorporation of
Documents by Reference. </FONT></H1>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
following documents that Monsanto Company (the &#147;Company&#148; or the
&#147;Registrant&#148;) has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
&#147;Commission&#148;) are incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference and
made a part hereof (except for the portions of the Company&#146;s Current Reports
furnished, as opposed to filed, on Form 8-K): </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH=10% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(a) </FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=97%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Transition  Report on Form 10-K for the eight  months ended  August 31,  2003;  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                  December 31, 2002.</font></P>
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<TD WIDTH=10% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(b) </FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=97%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended  February 29, 2004;  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
                  November 30, 2003;  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003;  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
                  for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.</font></P>
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<TD WIDTH=10% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(c) </FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=97%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Current  Report on Form 8-K dated and filed  September  24,  2003;  Current  Report on Form 8-K dated and filed July 23, 2003;
                  Current  Report on Form 8-K dated June 17, 2003 and filed June 18, 2003;  Current  Report on Form 8-K dated and filed
                  May 29, 2003.</font></P>
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<BR>

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<TD WIDTH=10% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(d) </FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=97%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>The  description  of  Registrant's  Common Stock as contained in Item 1 of the  Company's  Registration  Statement on Form 8-A
                  filed October 10, 2000, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.</font></P>
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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
documents filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the
Exchange Act (except for the portions of the Company&#146;s Current Reports furnished, as
opposed to filed, on Form 8-K) subsequent to the effective date of this Registration
Statement, but prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to this Registration
Statement indicating that all securities offered hereby have been sold or de-registering
all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any
statement contained herein or in any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded
shall not be deemed to constitute a part of this Registration Statement, except as so
modified or superseded. </FONT></P>

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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Item 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Description of
Securities. </FONT></H1>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
following description of the Deferred Compensation Obligations (the
&#147;Obligations&#148;) registered hereunder is qualified by reference to the Amended and
Restated Monsanto Deferred Payment Plan (the &#147;Plan&#148;). A copy of the Plan is
filed as Exhibit 10 to this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Obligations will be unsecured general obligations of the Registrant to pay the deferred
compensation of eligible participants in the Plan. The Obligations will rank equally with
the Company&#146;s other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time
outstanding. </FONT></P>

<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>2</font></p>
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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
amount of compensation to be deferred by each Plan participant will be based on elections
by the participant during an annual election period specified from time to time in
accordance with the Plan. The Registrant will establish a compensation deferral account on
behalf of each participant, which account will be subdivided into a &#147;Cash
Account&#148; and a &#147;Stock Unit Account&#148; (each as described below), to which the
Registrant will credit any deferred compensation and matching Registrant contributions in
accordance with participant elections and the terms of the Plan. The participant must
elect whether to credit any deferred compensation to his or her Cash Account or Stock Unit
Account, or a combination of both. If the participant fails to make such an election, his
or her deferred compensation will be credited to the Cash Account. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each
Cash Account will be credited monthly with interest equivalents on the balance of the Cash
Account at an interest rate equal to the average Moody&#146;s Baa Bond Index Rate in
effect during the prior calendar year, or such other rate as may be specified by the
People and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Registrant (the
&#147;People Committee&#148;). Each Stock Unit Account will be credited (or debited) with
income (or loss) based upon a hypothetical investment in the Common Stock of the
Registrant. Only full Stock Units may be credited to (or remain in) the
participant&#146;s Stock Unit Account; the value of any fractional Stock Units will instead be credited to
the participant&#146;s Cash Account. Whenever an ordinary cash dividend is paid with
respect to Common Stock of the Registrant, the Cash Account of the participant who has a
Stock Unit Account will be credited with a dividend equivalent. Upon the payment of
extraordinary or non-cash dividends, or the occurrence of certain specified events, the
People Committee may make appropriate anti-dilution and equitable adjustments,
substitutions, or amendments to the Stock Unit Account, Cash Accuont, or the Plan. During an election period
established in accordance with the Plan, the participant is entitled to have amounts
credited to the participant&#146;s Cash Account, if any, moved to his or her Stock Unit
Account, and vice versa, except that certain executive-level participants must receive
prior written approval to effectuate any such move. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A
participant&#146;s compensation deferral account will be credited with a matching
contribution by the Registrant to the extent that the participant&#146;s deferred
compensation, which would have been payable under the Registrant&#146;s Annual Incentive
Plan, would have been eligible for a matching contribution under the Monsanto Company
Savings and Investment Plan or the Monsanto Company ERISA Parity Savings and Investment
Plan. The matching contribution will be credited to the participant&#146;s Cash Account,
Stock Unit Account, or some combination thereof, in accordance with the participant&#146;s
deferral election with respect to the deferral period. The matching contribution will be
credited on the date that it would have been paid to the relevant plan trustee. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amounts
deferred to the participant&#146;s Cash Account will be distributed in cash, and amounts
in the participant&#146;s Stock Unit Account will be distributed, per the
participant&#146;s election, either in the form of (i) shares of Common Stock of the
Registrant, or (ii) a cash payment equal to the value, based on the daily closing price of
the Common Stock of the Registrant, of the stock units in the participant&#146;s Stock
Unit Account. Distributions will be made following the participant&#146;s retirement,
other termination, death, or other date selected by the participant at the time of his or
her compensation deferral election. In the event of a financial hardship, a participant
may be permitted an earlier cash distribution. Upon death or termination other than
retirement, amounts in the compensation deferral account, including those in the Stock
Unit Account, will be payable to the participant or the participant&#146;s beneficiaries
in cash in accordance with the Plan. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Participants
and their beneficiaries may not pledge or transfer their interests under the Plan. The
People Committee may amend the Plan from time to time as it may deem proper and in the best
interest of the Company, and it may terminate the Plan at any time, except
as prohibited by the terms of the Plan. The Internal People Committee, which is comprised
of management-level employees, possesses the full authority to establish, amend and
rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan and administer the Plan with respect to
all participants, generally. The Internal People Committee,</font></p>

<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>3</font></p>
<page>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>  or, to the extent necessary or
appropriate in view of Sections 16(a) and 16(b) of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended,
the People and Compensation Committee will construe
and interpret the Plan and the rules and regulations thereunder. The authority, duties and
responsibilities under the Plan of the Internal People Committee may be delegated so long as any such delegation is in writing
and identifies the delegate and responsibilities delegated. </FONT></P>

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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Item 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Interests of
Named Experts and Counsel. </FONT></H1>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Charles
W. Burson, Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, whose opinion is
contained in Exhibit 5, is a participant in various employment benefit plans offered by
the Company and owns or has options to purchase shares of Common Stock pursuant to such
plans. </FONT></P>

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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Item 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Indemnification
of Directors and Officers. </FONT></H1>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section
145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware permits indemnification of
directors, officers, employees and agents of corporations under certain conditions and
subject to certain limitations. Section 59 of the Registrant&#146;s Amended and Restated
By-Laws requires indemnification of any person made a party to any proceeding by reason of
the fact that the person is or was a director or officer of the Registrant, or serving at
the request of the Registrant as a director, officer, or fiduciary of another enterprise,
including employee benefit plans; and permits indemnification of any person made a party
to any proceeding by reason of the fact that the person is or was an employee or agent of
the Registrant, or was serving at the request of the Registrant as an employee or agent of
another enterprise, including employee benefit plans. The Amended and Restated By-Laws
provide for certain conditions to such indemnification. Article IX of the
Registrant&#146;s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation eliminates the
liability of directors of the Registrant under certain circumstances for breaches of
fiduciary duty to the Registrant and its shareholders. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Registrant maintains directors&#146; and officers&#146; liability insurance coverage. </FONT></P>

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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Item 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exemption from
Registration Claimed. </FONT></H1>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.</font></p>

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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Item 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exhibits. </FONT></H1>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;See Exhibit Index.</font></p>

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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Item 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Undertakings. </FONT></H1>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:</font></P>

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<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=95%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To file,  during any period in which  offers or sales are being made,  a  post-effective  amendment  to this
         registration statement:</font></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=10% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
</font></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=10% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To  reflect  in the  prospectus  any  facts or  events  arising  after  the  effective  date of the
                  registration  statement  (or  the  most  recent  post-effective  amendment  thereof)  which,  individually  or in the
                  aggregate,   represent  a  fundamental  change  in  the  information  set  forth  in  this  registration   statement.
                  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  any increase or decrease in volume of securities  offered (if the total dollar value
                  of securities  offered would</font></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>4</font></p>
<PAGE>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=10% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>not exceed that which was  registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the
                  estimated  maximum  offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus  filed with the Commission  pursuant to
                  Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate,  the changes in volume and price  represent no more than a 20 percent change in the
                  maximum  aggregate  offering  price  set  forth in the  "Calculation  of  Registration  Fee"  table in the  effective
                  registration statement; and</font></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=10% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To include  any  material  information  with  respect to the plan of  distribution  not  previously
                  disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; </font></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=10% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><I>provided,  however,</I>  that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) above do not apply if the
                  information  required to be included in a  post-effective  amendment  by those  paragraphs  is  contained in periodic
                  reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant  pursuant to Section 13 or  Section 15(d)  of the
                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934  that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement;</font></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=95%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
That,  for  the  purpose  of  determining  any  liability  under  the  Securities  Act of  1933,  each  such
         post-effective  amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration  statement relating to the securities offered therein,  and
         the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;  and</font></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5% ALIGN=CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD WIDTH=95%><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
To remove from  registration by means of a  post-effective  amendment any of the securities being registered
         which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.</font></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>



<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para (List) Indent" FSL="Default" -->
     <P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
          The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining
          any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
          Registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or
          Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated
          by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
          registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
          offering of such securities at the time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
          fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para (List) Indent" FSL="Default" -->
     <P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
          Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
          1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
          Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
          has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
          such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
          therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
          such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
          or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
          successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
          director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
          registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
          has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
          jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
          policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
          such issue. </FONT></P>

<BR><BR>
<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>5</font></p>
<PAGE>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Major Center Bold" FSL="Default" -->
<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>SIGNATURES </FONT></H1>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Large Indent" FSL="Default" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the County of St. Louis, State of
Missouri, on this 21st day of April, 2004. </FONT></P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR>
    <TD width=55%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=45%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><b>MONSANTO COMPANY</b></font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR>
    <TD width=55%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>By:</font></TD>
    <TD width=40%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;Charles W. Burson</font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE width=75% align=left></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD width=55%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></font></TD>
    <TD width=40%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Name:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Charles W. Burson</font></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign=top>
    <TD width=55%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></font></TD>
    <TD width=40%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Executive Vice President and Secretary</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Large Indent" FSL="Default" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated. </FONT></P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><b><U>Signature</U></b></font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><b><U>Title</U></b></font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><b><U>Date</U></b></font></TD>
</TR>
</table>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>* </font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Director</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>April 21, 2004</font></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Frank V. Atlee III)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>* </font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Chairman of the Board, President and
<BR> Chief Executive Officer, Director</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>April 21, 2004 </font></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign=top>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Hugh Grant)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Principal Executive Officer)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>*</font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Director</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>April 21, 2004</font></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2> (Gwendolyn S. King)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>* </font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Director</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>April 21, 2004</font></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Sharon R. Long)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>* </font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Director</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>April 21, 2004</font></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(C.Steven McMillan)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>* </font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Director</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>April 21, 2004</font></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(William U. Parfet)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>* </font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Director</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>April 21, 2004</font></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(George H. Poste)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>* </font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Director</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>April 21, 2004</font></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Robert J. Stevens)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<page>
<BR><BR>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>* </font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Executive Vice President,<BR>
Chief Financial Officer</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>April 21, 2004</font></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Terrell K. Crews)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Principal Financial Officer)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>* </font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Vice President and Controller<BR>(Principal Accounting Officer)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>April 21, 2004</font></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Richard B. Clark)</font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></font></TD>
    <TD width=2% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>



<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush" FSL="Default" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>* Charles W. Burson, by signing his
name hereto, does sign this document on behalf of the above noted individuals pursuant to
powers of attorney duly executed by such individuals which have been filed as an Exhibit
to this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=35% align=right>
<TR>
    <TD width=3% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>By:</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=left><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;Charles W. Burson</font><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD width=3% align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width=32% align=left><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Charles W. Burson<BR>Attorney-in-Fact</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>
<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>7</font></p>
<PAGE>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Major Center Bold" FSL="Default" -->
<H1 ALIGN=left><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>EXHIBIT INDEX </FONT></H1>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
     <TD width=15%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B><U>Exhibit<BR> Number </U></B></font></TD>
     <TD width=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B><U>Description</U></B> </font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
     <TD width=15%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>3.1  </font></TD>
     <TD width=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant&#146;s Amendment No. 1 to Registration
Statement on Form S-1, filed August 30, 2000 (File No. 333-36956))  </font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
     <TD width=15%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>3.2  </font></TD>
     <TD width=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, effective October 14, 2003 (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant&#146;s Transition Report on Form 10-K
for the eight months ended August 31, 2003 (File No. 001-16167)) </font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
     <TD width=15%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>4</font></TD>
     <TD width=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Form of Specimen Certificate of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement of Form S-1, as amended (File No.
333-36956))  </font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
     <TD width=15%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>5</font></TD>
     <TD width=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Opinion of Counsel to
the Registrant </font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
     <TD width=15%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>10</font></TD>
     <TD width=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Amended and Restated Monsanto
Company Deferred Payment Plan </font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
     <TD width=15%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>23.1</font></TD>
     <TD width=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP </font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
     <TD width=15%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>23.2</font></TD>
     <TD width=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Consent of Counsel to the Registrant (included in Exhibit 5)</font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 width=100%>
<TR valign=top>
     <TD width=15%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>24</font></TD>
     <TD width=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Powers of Attorney </font></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>




</BODY>
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[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "forms8_041904.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 52092}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "MONSANTO CO /NEW/", "cik": "0001110783", "assigned-sic": "2870", "irs-number": "431878297", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "0831"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-114682", "film-number": "04745692"}, "business-address": {"street1": "800 N LINDBERGH BLVD", "city": "ST LOUIS", "state": "MO", "zip": "63167", "phone": "3146944296"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "800 NORTH LINDBERGH BLVD", "city": "ST LOUIS", "state": "MO", "zip": "63167"}}
Monsanto Company Form S-8
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2004
Registration No. 333-_____________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
MONSANTO COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
43-1878297
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
800 North Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63167
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
AMENDED AND RESTATED
MONSANTO DEFERRED PAYMENT PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
Charles W. Burson, Esq.
Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Monsanto Company
800 North Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63167
(314)694-1000
(Name, address and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities
to be registered
Amount to be
registered
Proposed Maximum
Offering Price Per
Obligation/Share (1)
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price
(1)
Amount of
Registration Fee
Deferred Compensation Obligations (2)
$25,000,000
100%
$25,000,000
$3,168
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (2)
1,000,000
$35.80 (4)
$ 35,800,000
$4,536
Total
$7,704
(1)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to
Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(h).
(2)
The Deferred Compensation Obligations are unsecured obligations of Monsanto Company to pay deferred compensation in the
     future in accordance with the terms of the Company's Amended and Restated Deferred Payment Plan (the "Plan").
(3)
This Registration Statement also includes such additional shares of Common Stock as may be issuable pursuant to the
     anti-dilution provisions of the Plan.
(4)
The proposed maximum offering price per share represents the average of the high and low sale prices of the Company's Common
     Stock on April 20, 2004, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.
Part II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN
THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3.    Incorporation of
Documents by Reference.
The
following documents that Monsanto Company (the "Company" or the
"Registrant") has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") are incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference and
made a part hereof (except for the portions of the Company's Current Reports
furnished, as opposed to filed, on Form 8-K):
(a)
Transition  Report on Form 10-K for the eight  months ended  August 31,  2003;  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                  December 31, 2002.
(b)
Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended  February 29, 2004;  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
                  November 30, 2003;  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003;  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
                  for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.
(c)
Current  Report on Form 8-K dated and filed  September  24,  2003;  Current  Report on Form 8-K dated and filed July 23, 2003;
                  Current  Report on Form 8-K dated June 17, 2003 and filed June 18, 2003;  Current  Report on Form 8-K dated and filed
                  May 29, 2003.
(d)
The  description  of  Registrant's  Common Stock as contained in Item 1 of the  Company's  Registration  Statement on Form 8-A
                  filed October 10, 2000, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.
All
documents filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the
Exchange Act (except for the portions of the Company's Current Reports furnished, as
opposed to filed, on Form 8-K) subsequent to the effective date of this Registration
Statement, but prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to this Registration
Statement indicating that all securities offered hereby have been sold or de-registering
all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any
statement contained herein or in any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded
shall not be deemed to constitute a part of this Registration Statement, except as so
modified or superseded.
Item 4.    Description of
Securities.
The
following description of the Deferred Compensation Obligations (the
"Obligations") registered hereunder is qualified by reference to the Amended and
Restated Monsanto Deferred Payment Plan (the "Plan"). A copy of the Plan is
filed as Exhibit 10 to this Registration Statement.
The
Obligations will be unsecured general obligations of the Registrant to pay the deferred
compensation of eligible participants in the Plan. The Obligations will rank equally with
the Company's other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time
outstanding.
2
The
amount of compensation to be deferred by each Plan participant will be based on elections
by the participant during an annual election period specified from time to time in
accordance with the Plan. The Registrant will establish a compensation deferral account on
behalf of each participant, which account will be subdivided into a "Cash
Account" and a "Stock Unit Account" (each as described below), to which the
Registrant will credit any deferred compensation and matching Registrant contributions in
accordance with participant elections and the terms of the Plan. The participant must
elect whether to credit any deferred compensation to his or her Cash Account or Stock Unit
Account, or a combination of both. If the participant fails to make such an election, his
or her deferred compensation will be credited to the Cash Account.
Each
Cash Account will be credited monthly with interest equivalents on the balance of the Cash
Account at an interest rate equal to the average Moody's Baa Bond Index Rate in
effect during the prior calendar year, or such other rate as may be specified by the
People and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Registrant (the
"People Committee"). Each Stock Unit Account will be credited (or debited) with
income (or loss) based upon a hypothetical investment in the Common Stock of the
Registrant. Only full Stock Units may be credited to (or remain in) the
participant's Stock Unit Account; the value of any fractional Stock Units will instead be credited to
the participant's Cash Account. Whenever an ordinary cash dividend is paid with
respect to Common Stock of the Registrant, the Cash Account of the participant who has a
Stock Unit Account will be credited with a dividend equivalent. Upon the payment of
extraordinary or non-cash dividends, or the occurrence of certain specified events, the
People Committee may make appropriate anti-dilution and equitable adjustments,
substitutions, or amendments to the Stock Unit Account, Cash Accuont, or the Plan. During an election period
established in accordance with the Plan, the participant is entitled to have amounts
credited to the participant's Cash Account, if any, moved to his or her Stock Unit
Account, and vice versa, except that certain executive-level participants must receive
prior written approval to effectuate any such move.
A
participant's compensation deferral account will be credited with a matching
contribution by the Registrant to the extent that the participant's deferred
compensation, which would have been payable under the Registrant's Annual Incentive
Plan, would have been eligible for a matching contribution under the Monsanto Company
Savings and Investment Plan or the Monsanto Company ERISA Parity Savings and Investment
Plan. The matching contribution will be credited to the participant's Cash Account,
Stock Unit Account, or some combination thereof, in accordance with the participant's
deferral election with respect to the deferral period. The matching contribution will be
credited on the date that it would have been paid to the relevant plan trustee.
Amounts
deferred to the participant's Cash Account will be distributed in cash, and amounts
in the participant's Stock Unit Account will be distributed, per the
participant's election, either in the form of (i) shares of Common Stock of the
Registrant, or (ii) a cash payment equal to the value, based on the daily closing price of
the Common Stock of the Registrant, of the stock units in the participant's Stock
Unit Account. Distributions will be made following the participant's retirement,
other termination, death, or other date selected by the participant at the time of his or
her compensation deferral election. In the event of a financial hardship, a participant
may be permitted an earlier cash distribution. Upon death or termination other than
retirement, amounts in the compensation deferral account, including those in the Stock
Unit Account, will be payable to the participant or the participant's beneficiaries
in cash in accordance with the Plan.
Participants
and their beneficiaries may not pledge or transfer their interests under the Plan. The
People Committee may amend the Plan from time to time as it may deem proper and in the best
interest of the Company, and it may terminate the Plan at any time, except
as prohibited by the terms of the Plan. The Internal People Committee, which is comprised
of management-level employees, possesses the full authority to establish, amend and
rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan and administer the Plan with respect to
all participants, generally. The Internal People Committee,
3
or, to the extent necessary or
appropriate in view of Sections 16(a) and 16(b) of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended,
the People and Compensation Committee will construe
and interpret the Plan and the rules and regulations thereunder. The authority, duties and
responsibilities under the Plan of the Internal People Committee may be delegated so long as any such delegation is in writing
and identifies the delegate and responsibilities delegated.
Item 5.    Interests of
Named Experts and Counsel.
Charles
W. Burson, Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, whose opinion is
contained in Exhibit 5, is a participant in various employment benefit plans offered by
the Company and owns or has options to purchase shares of Common Stock pursuant to such
plans.
Item 6.    Indemnification
of Directors and Officers.
Section
145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware permits indemnification of
directors, officers, employees and agents of corporations under certain conditions and
subject to certain limitations. Section 59 of the Registrant's Amended and Restated
By-Laws requires indemnification of any person made a party to any proceeding by reason of
the fact that the person is or was a director or officer of the Registrant, or serving at
the request of the Registrant as a director, officer, or fiduciary of another enterprise,
including employee benefit plans; and permits indemnification of any person made a party
to any proceeding by reason of the fact that the person is or was an employee or agent of
the Registrant, or was serving at the request of the Registrant as an employee or agent of
another enterprise, including employee benefit plans. The Amended and Restated By-Laws
provide for certain conditions to such indemnification. Article IX of the
Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation eliminates the
liability of directors of the Registrant under certain circumstances for breaches of
fiduciary duty to the Registrant and its shareholders.
The
Registrant maintains directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage.
Item 7.    Exemption from
Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8.    Exhibits.
See Exhibit Index.
Item 9.    Undertakings.
(a)        The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)        To file,  during any period in which  offers or sales are being made,  a  post-effective  amendment  to this
         registration statement:
(i)        To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)        To  reflect  in the  prospectus  any  facts or  events  arising  after  the  effective  date of the
                  registration  statement  (or  the  most  recent  post-effective  amendment  thereof)  which,  individually  or in the
                  aggregate,   represent  a  fundamental  change  in  the  information  set  forth  in  this  registration   statement.
                  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  any increase or decrease in volume of securities  offered (if the total dollar value
                  of securities  offered would
4
not exceed that which was  registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the
                  estimated  maximum  offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus  filed with the Commission  pursuant to
                  Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate,  the changes in volume and price  represent no more than a 20 percent change in the
                  maximum  aggregate  offering  price  set  forth in the  "Calculation  of  Registration  Fee"  table in the  effective
                  registration statement; and
(iii)        To include  any  material  information  with  respect to the plan of  distribution  not  previously
                  disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided,  however,
that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) above do not apply if the
                  information  required to be included in a  post-effective  amendment  by those  paragraphs  is  contained in periodic
                  reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant  pursuant to Section 13 or  Section 15(d)  of the
                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934  that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement;
(2)        
That,  for  the  purpose  of  determining  any  liability  under  the  Securities  Act of  1933,  each  such
         post-effective  amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration  statement relating to the securities offered therein,  and
         the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;  and
(3)        
To remove from  registration by means of a  post-effective  amendment any of the securities being registered
         which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(b)       
          The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining
          any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
          Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
          Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated
          by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
          registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
          offering of such securities at the time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
          fide offering thereof.
(c)       
          Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
          1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
          Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
          has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
          such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
          therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
          such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
          or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
          successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
          director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
          registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
          has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
          jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
          policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
          such issue.
5
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the County of St. Louis, State of
Missouri, on this 21st day of April, 2004.
MONSANTO COMPANY
By:
/s/  Charles W. Burson
Name:   Charles W. Burson
Title:   Executive Vice President and Secretary
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
*
Director
April 21, 2004
(Frank V. Atlee III)
*
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer, Director
April 21, 2004
(Hugh Grant)
(Principal Executive Officer)
*
Director
April 21, 2004
(Gwendolyn S. King)
*
Director
April 21, 2004
(Sharon R. Long)
*
Director
April 21, 2004
(C.Steven McMillan)
*
Director
April 21, 2004
(William U. Parfet)
*
Director
April 21, 2004
(George H. Poste)
*
Director
April 21, 2004
(Robert J. Stevens)
*
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
April 21, 2004
(Terrell K. Crews)
(Principal Financial Officer)
*
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
April 21, 2004
(Richard B. Clark)
* Charles W. Burson, by signing his
name hereto, does sign this document on behalf of the above noted individuals pursuant to
powers of attorney duly executed by such individuals which have been filed as an Exhibit
to this Registration Statement.
By:
/s/  Charles W. Burson
Charles W. Burson
Attorney-in-Fact
7
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Registration
Statement on Form S-1, filed August 30, 2000 (File No. 333-36956))
3.2
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, effective October 14, 2003 (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant's Transition Report on Form 10-K
for the eight months ended August 31, 2003 (File No. 001-16167))
4
Form of Specimen Certificate of the Registrant's Common Stock (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement of Form S-1, as amended (File No.
333-36956))
5
Opinion of Counsel to
the Registrant
10
Amended and Restated Monsanto
Company Deferred Payment Plan
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2
Consent of Counsel to the Registrant (included in Exhibit 5)
24
Powers of Attorney