As of April 5, 2016 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. While approval is expected shortly, it may not come in time for the 2016 planting season.
For more information, please read the following article on realagriculture.com: No Xtend Soybeans until EU-approved, says Monsanto Canada
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.
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.
This new soybean, which offers tolerance to glyphosate and dicamba provides welcome new choices for Canadian producers and we congratulate Monsanto for its investment in developing this this soybean seed.
The Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers Association recommends that you speak to your seed company and your grain buyer about Round Up Ready 2 Xtend soybeans, as you consider your seed purchasing and seeding options for 2016.
If approval of Round Up Ready 2 Xtend soybeans is granted, we will be updating you. In the meantime, we wanted you to be aware of the status of this product so you could make an informed decision about your seeding choices.
Source : ManitobaPulse