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New soybean variety awaiting EU approval

Apr. 5, 2016 - As of today, Monsanto's Round Up Ready 2 Xtend soybeans have yet to receive regulatory approval from the European Union, one of the most valuable markets for Canadian soybeans, with an export value of more than $445 million in 2015.

According to Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG), while approval is expected shortly, it may not come in time for the 2016 planting season.

The EU adheres to strict, zero-tolerance policies surrounding unapproved genetically modified products. If Monsanto's Round Up Ready 2 Xtend Soybeans remain unapproved by harvest of this year, there is a risk that elevators and grain-handling companies will refuse delivery from producers over the possibility of even trace amounts of the product contaminating other shipments.

The MPSG say Monsanto remains confident EU approval is around the corner, and has assured producers and the industry, as a whole, that the product will not be distributed until that time comes.

The new soybean offers tolerance to glyphosate and dicamba, and according to the MPSG, provides welcome new choices for Canadian producers.

April 5, 2016  By Top Crop Manager