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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


       As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our report (relating to the
financial statements of DEKALB Genetics Corporation) dated October 2, 1998,
included in Monsanto Company's Form 8-K/A filed on February 8, 1999 and January
25, 2000 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration
statement.


/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


Chicago, Illinois
November 2, 2000