ADM and Baron Spices and Seasonings Announce Partnership

May 11, 2006

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) and Baron Spices and Seasonings announce the formation of a strategic alliance to market spices, seasonings and herbs to the foodservice and retail private label industries.

"This strategic alliance combines ADM’s resources, including our expertise in global marketing and distribution, with Baron's top-notch research and state-of-the-art production capabilities,” said Bill Camp, ADM Executive Vice President, Global Processing. “The partnership thus allows Baron to continue its tradition of manufacturing superior custom spice blends while allowing ADM to focus on the facets of product distribution."

Based in St. Louis, Baron Spices and Seasonings is a leading manufacturer of whole and ground natural spices, meat and poultry seasonings, sauces and gravy mixes, and rubs and marinades.

“We are delighted to partner with ADM and bring premier spice blends to the food service and retail private label markets. We look forward to a new level of product innovation through this partnership,” said Jerry Wiegers, Baron Spices President.

About ADM

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is a world leader in agricultural processing and fermentation technology. ADM is one of the world's largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and cocoa. ADM is also a leader in the production of soybean oil and meal, ethanol, corn sweeteners and flour. In addition, ADM produces value-added food and feed ingredients. Headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, ADM has over 25,000 employees, more than 250 processing plants and net sales for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 of $35.9 billion. Additional information can be found on ADM's Web site at http://www.adm.com.

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