Clarifying Some Points in Article About Major Forecasting Firms

In an article (“Big Forecasters Failed to Predict Own Misfortune,” March 3), I was quoted at some length concerning the relationship between Data Resources Inc. and my company, Monsanto. I would like to clarify the following points:

- I was quoted as saying that DRI was not interested in selling us data alone. This was true when we approached them in 1976 with a proposal. However, by 1982, they were offering several packages which allowed the user to “strip” data from their data banks for use in our personal computer. The problem in 1982 was not one of DRI’s willingness but rather the pricing policy at that time.

- The Times gave the impression that we had dropped DRI completely. We are still subscribing to their European service as well as their Cost Forecasting Service. In fact, I still have a user code on their time-sharing system for use in downloading data not available elsewhere.

- Finally, I am not chief economist of Monsanto. That title belongs to my boss, A. Nicholas Filippello. My correct title is manager, economic forecasting. I do appreciate the promotion, as short-lived as it was.

JOHN H. QUALLS

Monsanto Co.

St. Louis