EU gives Monsanto Roundup Ready 2 Yield beans the green light

ST. LOUIS — Monsanto Co. has received regulatory approval in the European Union for the importation of Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans.

This approval follows the European Food Safety Authority’s opinion in July concluding Roundup Ready 2 Yield is safe for import as food and feed.

Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans are the next generation of the popular Roundup Ready technology farmers have used in soybeans since 1996.

“As we look to deliver on our commitment to double yield by 2030, Roundup Ready 2 Yield is critical,” said Brett Begemann, Monsanto’s executive vice president of global commercial business.

“This trait is important not only for its weed control and yield benefits, but because it serves as the platform for future soybean technologies that will deliver additional value to farmers and others.”

2009 roll-out

Monsanto’s Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans will be introduced on 1 million to 2 million U.S. acres for the 2009 season as part of a controlled commercial release, followed by a large-scale product launch of 5 million to 6 million U.S. acres scheduled for 2010.

According to Begemann, Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans have been approved as safe for food and feed in 10 countries and regions — the United States, Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines and Taiwan.

The European Union imports accounted for approximately 10 percent of U.S. soybean exports in 2007.