Reuters via Checkbiotech.org

Syngenta will continue with plans to develop genetically modified wheat, the agrochemicals maker said on Tuesday, despite a decision by rival Monsanto to suspend its own programme after protests.

"There is no impact," said a spokesman. "We are at a very early trial stage... We have no intention of stepping back from that, but we are well aware of the debate," he added.

Monsanto planned to introduce its genetically modified wheat in the United States and Canada, but its efforts triggered opposition by environmentalists, farmers, consumers and religious groups as well as overseas wheat buyers, so the U.S. biotech pioneer said on Monday it had suspended its plans.

Syngenta has field trials currently in Germany and Spain for genetically modified wheat, and it will likely take several years for the development of its own product.

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