Announcement should bolster grain marketing options for farmers using Monsanto biotech products

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) today welcomed the news that 15 Monsanto biotech products were among those included in the European Commission’s announcement allowing the continued use of specific biotech traits in processed feed products shipped to the European Union.  Importantly, today’s announcement allows the routine importation of processed feed (including corn gluten feed certified to be free of Syngenta's Bt10 trait) to continue uninterrupted, providing many farmers with additional grain marketing options for these widely-planted products.

 “We are pleased to see the EU operate this aspect of its regulatory system as it was designed, which allows the processed feed market to remain open for U.S. corn processors and growers,” said Hugh Grant, Monsanto’s chief executive officer.  “Just as significant, this is great news for American farmers.  This action by the EU has the potential to open additional marketing options for U.S. farmers growing these biotech corn traits.”

The EU’s action on these biotech products should result in additional marketing options for farmers who grow biotech grain, as some corn refiners may be able to expand their grain buying to include the biotech traits listed today, if those refiners do not send corn-based food ingredients to EU markets.  In addition to today’s announcement on the continuation of processed feed imports, Monsanto’s Roundup Ready Corn 2 and YieldGard Corn Borer products have already received EU food approvals. Food approvals for other Monsanto corn products marketed in the United States are pending in the EU regulatory process. 

Monsanto encourages farmers to talk to their grain handlers to learn more about this development.  It is important for farmers to understand each processing facility’s buying policy and request more information about the end markets it serves.

“This comes at a time when farmers are seeking new choices and new technologies,” said Grant.  “The EU delivered what it said it would for processed feed, contributing to the positive momentum that allows farmers to plant Monsanto’s biotech traits with even more confidence.”

In all, the European Commission’s list includes 26 “existing products” that may continue to be marketed because they fulfilled the notification requirements under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.  Today’s decision means these products may continue to be marketed legally in processed feeds, including corn gluten feed, which is the primary use of U.S. corn products exported to the EU. 

The 15 Monsanto single traits or stacked-trait combinations that are included in the Commission’s announcement on marketing continuation are:

Corn:
Roundup Ready corn 2 (NK603); YieldGard Corn Borer corn (MON 810);
YieldGard Corn Borer with Roundup Ready corn 2 (MON 810 x NK 603);
YieldGard Rootworm corn (MON 863); YieldGard Rootworm with Roundup Ready corn 2 (MON 863 x NK 603); YieldGard Plus corn (MON 810 x MON 863);
Roundup Ready corn (GA21); YieldGard Corn Borer with Roundup Ready corn (MON 810 x GA 21)

Cotton:
Bollgard cotton (MON 531); Roundup Ready cotton (MON 1445);
Bollgard with Roundup Ready cotton (MON 531 x MON 1445);
Bollgard II cotton (MON 15985);
Bollgard II with Roundup Ready cotton (MON 15985 x MON 1445)

Soybeans:
Roundup Ready soybeans (40-30-2)

Canola:
Roundup Ready canola (GT 73)

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.

Bollgard, Roundup Ready, YieldGard and Roundup are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.

Related news release from the European Commission