UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 --------------------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURTIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 18, 2002 MONSANTO COMPANY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) Delaware 001-16167 43-1878297 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or Other (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Jurisdiction of Identification No.) Incorporation) 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard St. Louis, Missouri 63167 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (314) 694-1000 ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS. On December 18, 2002, Monsanto Company announced that Chief Executive Officer Hendrik A. Verfaillie submitted his resignation, as Chief Executive Officer, president and director of the board, effective immediately. A press release dated December 18, 2002, issued by Monsanto Company, is attached to this report as Exhibit 99 and incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS. (c) Exhibits 99 Press Release, dated December 18, 2002, issued by Monsanto Company SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Dated: December 18, 2002 MONSANTO COMPANY By: /s/ Michael L. DeCamp ------------------------------- Name: Michael L. DeCamp Assistant Secretary EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description ----- ----------- 99 Press Release, dated December 18, 2002, issued by Monsanto Company