Monsanto and Cargill, Inc. announced today that Cargill will be a participating processor of Monsanto’s VISTIVE™ low-linolenic soybeans and will market VISTIVE oil for use by the food industry.  VISTIVE low-linolenic soybeans, introduced in September by Monsanto, will reduce the need for partial hydrogenation of soybean oil, helping food companies reduce the presence of trans fatty acids (trans fats) in their products.

For the 2005 growing season, Cargill will be contracting with Iowa growers for up to 50,000 acres of VISTIVE soybean production. Cargill will pay a premium to producers who grow VISTIVE soybeans under contract, then it will crush and sell the processed soybean oil to food companies. 

VISTIVE soybeans, developed through conventional breeding, contain less than three percent linolenic acid as compared to the typical eight percent level found in traditional soybeans.  The result is a more stable soybean oil, with less need for hydrogenation. Because soybeans with a lower linolenic acid level reduce the need for partial hydrogenation, their application in processed soybean oils will reduce the presence of trans fats in processed soybean oil. 

The development of VISTIVE is significant because, beginning Jan. 1, 2006, all food products and dietary supplements bearing a nutritional facts panel that are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and sold in the United States will be required to list trans fat content.

“Given demand for alternatives to foods containing trans fats, our entire industry has been diligently pursuing development of new approaches,” said Stan Ryan, President of Cargill’s Dressings, Sauces & Oils business. “VISTIVE soybeans represent another innovative approach to addressing the trans fat issue, and we are excited to be part of that solution.” 

“We are very pleased to partner with an industry leader like Cargill to ensure a successful launch of new VISTIVE soybeans,” said Kerry Preete, Vice President of U.S. Crop Production for Monsanto. “VISTIVE not only supports growing consumer demand for healthier foods, but also represents an important investment in the future success of the U.S. soybean industry.”

VISTIVE soybeans have the Roundup Ready^® trait and maintain performance parity with leading soybean varieties.  For 2005, VISTIVE will be available in Monsanto’s Asgrow^® brand.

Cargill will process VISTIVE soybeans at its facilities in Iowa Falls, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa.  Jim Sutter, Vice President of Cargill’s North American grain and oilseed processing business, explained that Iowa producers participating in the 2005 VISTIVE program will reap the benefits of growing a higher-quality soybean in a region highly accessible to processing facilities. 

“Producers are constantly looking for ways to capture additional value for their crops,” said Sutter.  “VISTIVE will enable producers to get paid a premium and participate in a process that moves soybeans higher up the value chain in today’s market.”  Specific information regarding grower opportunities and contract details will be available in the near future.

Cargill, Incorporated is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk-management products and services. With 101,000 employees in 59 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed.

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

Asgrow^®, Roundup Ready^® and VISTIVE™ are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.