John Deere has a Code of Ethics that was adopted by the company's board of directors in 2003. It is in satisfaction with the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and the New York Stock Exchange requirements. All employees of John Deere & Co. must be in compliance with the Code of Ethics. Here are a few exerts from the Code of Ethics:
Deere & Company CODE of ETHICS COMPLIANT with SOX 406/NYSE
Consistent with John Deere's long history of integrity and good corporate citizenship, its directors, employees and officers are committed to conducting business in accordance with the highest ethical standards. This Code of Ethics (this "Code") sets forth policies which embody these standards.
The Company has had in place for many years Business Conduct Guidelines which provide specific guidance to all employees. Those Guidelines remain fully in effect. This Code, which applies to all Company employees, including all officers, as well as to the Deere & Company Board of Directors, is in satisfaction of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, together with SEC implementing regulations, and the New York Stock Exchange listing requirements.
Throughout the Code, the terms "Company" or "John Deere" refer to Deere & Company and its subsidiaries. In the appropriate context, the term "Deere & Company" may also refer to Deere & Company and its subsidiaries
Fair Dealing
Each employee should endeavor to deal fairly with the Company's customers, suppliers, competitors and employees. No employee should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other unfair dealing practice.
John Deere Compliance Hotline
To provide an alternative means for confidential reporting of possible unethical or improper actions, the Company has established the John Deere Compliance Hotline, which includes a toll-free telephone line, a confidential website and a post office box:
| Telephone: | 1-800-933-3731 (U.S. and Canada) Additional country-specific Hotline telephone numbers are available and displayed at each Company facility worldwide. |
| Website: | |
| P.O. Box: |
Compliance Hotline Committee
Post Office Box 1192 Moline, IL 61266-1192 USA |
The toll-free telephone line is available 24 hours per day. Individuals who call the toll-free number or send information through the website or to the post office box have the right to remain anonymous. Calls to the toll-free number will not be traced and will not be recorded.
Any form of retribution directed towards individuals who in good faith report transactions or activities under this policy will not be tolerated.
The toll-free telephone line, the website and the post office box are intended to supplement established reporting practices. Employee questions concerning compensation and job performance should be addressed through current Human Resources processes.
Accountability for Adherence to the Code
Employees and directors will be held accountable for adherence to this Code. Employees who violate the Code will be subject to disciplinary action, including potential termination of employment, depending upon the particular circumstances involved. Information regarding possible infringement of the Code by directors will be referred to the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee for handling as appropriate to the circumstances.
In addition to the Business Conduct Guidelines, other Company policies and procedures apply to employees of the Company. Employees are directed to consult the Business Conduct Guidelines for reference to these policies. This Code of Ethics is not intended to supersede or amend such policies and procedures.
http://www.deere.com/wps/dcom/en_US/corporate/our_company/investor_relations/corporate_governance/code_of_ethics/code+_of_+ethics.page (rest of code of ethics)
