According to its website, the mission of the Council for Biotechnology Information is to improve understanding and acceptance of biotechnology by collecting balanced, science-based information and communicating it through a variety of channels. The founding member companies are BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow, DuPont, Monsanto and Syngenta and two trade associations, the Biotechnology Industry Organization and CropLife America. (http://www.whybiotech.com/index.asp?id=1644; accessed 2/24/03)