Product sales, net of sales allowances, for the first quarter of 2003 were $847,000. This includes the elimination of $126,000 of sales allowance liabilities recognized in prior quarters that will not be paid because of changes in distribution programs implemented in 2003 and actual amounts earned by distributors being less than amounts previously estimated. Excluding this reduction in sales allowance liabilities, net product sales totaled $721,000. Net product sales totaled $555,000 in the first quarter of 2002. Net loss in the first quarter of 2003 was $2.9 million, or $0.12 per weighted average common share, compared to a net loss of $5.5 million, or $0.23 per weighted average common share, in the first quarter of 2002. Per-share loss amounts for the quarters are based on weighted average common shares of 24.3 million in 2003 and 24.2 million in 2002.

The company estimates that distributors sold approximately 158,000 ounces of Messenger to growers in the first quarter of 2003, compared with 144,000 ounces in the first quarter of 2002. Based on preliminary information, EDEN estimates that 685,000 ounces remained in distributors' inventories at March 31, 2003.

"We are continuing our full sales effort on communicating the plant health, yield and post-harvest benefits of Messenger to growers and retailers in our focus crops," said Rhett Atkins, president and CEO. "While we are pleased that total estimated distributor sales to growers increased 10% in the first quarter of 2003 over the comparable quarter in 2002, we still believe that distributors' inventories of Messenger are high. We expect our sales to distributors in the second quarter of 2003 to be minor as grower demand for Messenger will most likely be filled from current distributor inventory."

Cash and investments as of March 31, 2003 totaled $26.1 million, compared with $30.7 million at Dec. 31, 2002.

EDEN Bioscience is a plant technology company focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, natural protein-based products for agriculture. EDEN Bioscience believes its technology and initial product, Messenger, provide growers with a new tool to improve crop production and plant protection. Messenger is based on naturally occurring proteins called "harpins," which activate a plant's intrinsic ability to protect itself through growth and stress-defense responses. These responses enhance overall plant health, improve plant vigor and stamina, and result in improved crop quality, yield, and/or shelf-life. EDEN Bioscience's headquarters are at 3830 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell, WA 98021, 425/806-7300; www.edenbio.com.