New Organization Formed to Increase Global Awareness of Pyrethrum Benefits; East Africa Pyrethrum Institute Plans to Work with Government and General Public.

Business Editors

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2002

Officials today announced the formation of the East Africa Pyrethrum Institute (EAPI), a coalition among producers of pyrethrum in the East African countries of Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

The non-profit organization intends to generate United States government support and public awareness for the daisy-like plant that is considered the oldest organic insecticide known to man.

Timothy F. Driscoll will serve as President and Director of EAPI, representing the commercial, trade, and regulatory interests of the East African pyrethrum producers before Congress and the agencies of the Executive Branch.

A strong advocate for pyrethrum use, Driscoll previously served as President and CEO of Fairfield American Corp., Roussel Environmental Health and AgrEvo Environmental Science, manufacturers and marketers of pest control products to the North American structural and turf & ornamental industries.

Other members of the EAPI Board of Directors include: Joshua Kiptoon and James Wangai, representing the Pyrethrum Board of Kenya; Paul Muvunyi, representing Sopyrwa in Rwanda; Widmel Mushi, representing TPPMCL in Tanzania; and John D. Conner, Jr., Secretary, from McKenna & Cuneo, L.L.P., in the United States.

Through the efforts of its Board, EAPI seeks to further the common business interests of the East African pyrethrum producers and United States distributors and consumers.

"The successful combination of low toxicity and rapid efficacy of insect control, and favorable environmental profile make pyrethrum a desirable active ingredient in a variety of commercial, consumer and professional pest control products," explained Driscoll. For decades, the naturally-occurring insecticidal product has been widely used in the manufacture of aerosols, sprays, veterinary and pharmaceutical products, and powders.

"Because pyrethrum is considered an ideal general-purpose insecticide to consumers around the globe, it is critical that we continue to give it the attention it deserves," said Driscoll. "That means helping the farmers in East Africa to maximize the efficiency of their crops; advancing research and development for new formulations and applications; promoting open trade throughout the world; and ultimately, educating the general public about the importance and benefits of pyrethrum from East Africa."

In any given year, the pyrethrum crops in East Africa produce between 70 and 80 percent of the world's supply. It is a significant foreign exchange earner for the three producer countries in East Africa, and directly and indirectly supports four percent of the population, nearly five million people in total.

A typical pyrethrum-growing family depends upon the crop for their sole source of cash, which, among other things, is used to pay for the education of their children. Through revenues paid to local jurisdictions, pyrethrum is also a major source of funds for healthcare, education, maintenance of roads and infrastructure in each of the countries.

For further information about the East Africa Pyrethrum Institute, call 202-496-7333, fax [phone], or write East Africa Pyrethrum Institute, 1900 K Street, N.W., Suite 100, Washington, D.C. 20006.