This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.
"Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON), my favorite investment idea for 2009, should prosper regardless of how the economy performs," Charles Rotblut, CFA and editor of Zacks Elite.
In the same sector, Tracey Ryniec, editor of The Zacks Value Trader looks to Corn Products International (NYSE: CPO), noting, "Despite a tough economy, this 100-year old company is positioned to reap the 
rewards from growth in agriculture."
Regarding Monsanto, Rotblut continues, "Monsanto helps farmers improve their crop yields, via both better seeds and herbicides. In blunt terms, MON provides solutions that most farmers will view as more of a necessity than a luxury.
"The data supports this assessment. Since fiscal 2005, revenues have more than doubled, rising from $5.3 billion to $11.4 billion. Net income has jumped nearly tenfold and free cash flow is up substantially.
"Looking forward, Monsanto thinks fiscal 2009 profits will total $4.20 to $4.40 per share -- an approximate 18% increase over fiscal 2008. The company also thinks that gross profits will grow by a compound annual growth rate of 15% to 20% over the next 3 years.
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