NEW MADRID, Missouri (April 23, 2010) - Agrium Advanced Technologies is proud to announce that its new ESN® coating facility has commenced commercial operations, completing the construction ahead of schedule and under budget, and has shipped its first sale from the facility. ESN is the leading environmentally safe source of nitrogen, increasing grower production value while protecting from nitrogen losses.

The New Madrid facility began its start up in mid-February and spent six weeks commissioning the plant and ensuring it was producing product that exceeds the strict quality specification required of ESN. "We have worked extremely hard to ensure we were able to get the plant to the high quality standards that ESN is known for," said Rod Oglesby, director of operations for Agrium Advanced Technologies. "We were able to make a few critical adjustments to make the process more consistent, which will result in the best product for growers."

The first commercial sale shipped from the facility on Friday, March 26 with two truckloads going to 2 different local Crop Production Services locations. "We are very excited to have strong relationships with a number of distribution customers in the key agricultural markets in the area the New Madrid facility will service," said Andrew Mittag, president, Agrium Advanced Technologies. "The strong value proposition ESN provides growers through increased production and convenience will help to continue the rapid growth of ESN. This will allow us to take advantage of the New Madrid facility's ability to double its production, which it was designed to do."

What makes ESN technology unique is its flexible, micro-thin polymer coating that encapsulates a nitrogen granule. The coating protects the nitrogen from loss mechanisms and releases the nutrient based on temperature and soil moisture. This efficiency will allow for maximum yield and quality when it comes to crop production. It also promotes improved seed application safety, a wider application window and convenience of use.

Top of mind is also the environmental benefits it provides. ESN technology delivers the nitrogen when the crops need it most, with significant reductions in the risk of loss to the soil, air and surrounding watershed. ESN technology is a SMARTER WAY TO GROW®.