Bothell, Washington
May 8, 2002

EDEN Bioscience Corporation (Nasdaq:EDEN), which develops, manufactures and markets innovative, natural protein-based products for improving crop production and protecting plants, today announced the reduction of 20 full-time positions in the U.S. and Europe, bringing total post-reduction headcount to 66 full-time employees.

In connection with this reduction, EDEN Bioscience expects to take a severance charge of up to approximately $250,000 in the second quarter of 2002.

"U.S. staff reductions are across most areas of the company except sales," said Brad Powell, CFO and interim president. "In Europe, we are implementing a plan that will continue our regulatory programs and work with key accounts, but will significantly reduce our operating expenses. I am encouraged by the increasing usage of Messenger, and I believe that these changes to our cost structure allow us additional time to further increase grower adoption in this challenging agricultural economy."

EDEN Bioscience is a plant technology company focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, natural protein-based products for agriculture. EDEN believes its technology and initial product, Messenger, provide growers with a new tool to improve crop production and plant protection. Messenger, which received unconditional EPA approval for full commercial use in April 2002, is based on naturally occurring proteins called "harpins," which activate natural plant defense systems to protect against disease and pests, and simultaneously activate plant growth systems, improving crop yield and quality. It has been tested in over 1,000 field trials in many countries and on more than 40 crops including: citrus, cotton, cucumber, peppers, strawberries, tobacco, tomatoes, grapes and corn.

(c) 2002 EDEN Bioscience Corporation. Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using this product. Messenger(R), EDEN(R), and EDEN Bioscience(R) are registered trademarks of EDEN Bioscience Corp. Messenger is not currently registered for sale or use in Colorado. In California, Messenger is labeled for disease management in strawberries, grapes, and fruiting vegetables only.