Reflecting growing demand for healthier diets, Monsanto will make VISTIVEä low-linolenic soybeans more broadly available in 2006 through additional seed brands and expanded geographic distribution.

VISTIVE will be offered through Monsanto's Asgrow brand, as well as from an additional 11 other seed brands for 2006, including HiSoy, LG Seeds, Producers, Midwest, Crows, NC+, Kruger, Stine, Latham’s, Prairie Brand and Croplan.  VISTIVE is currently available in one Asgrow brand product, AG2421V, for the 2006 planting season. 

VISTIVE soybeans can contain less than 3 percent linolenic acid, compared with 8 percent for traditional soybeans.  This results in a more stable soybean oil with better flavor profile and less need for hydrogenation.  Because soybeans with less linolenic acid reduce or eliminate the need for partial hydrogenation, trans fat in processed soybean oil can be reduced or virtually eliminated.

VISTIVE brand’s geographic distribution is being expanded to include northern Iowa, southeastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota and southern Michigan.  In 2005, its first year of commercial availability, VISTIVE was only available in Iowa.

Kurt Wickstrom, Soybean Traits Manager for Monsanto, said increasing industry demand for low-linolenic soybean oil creates a new opportunity for U.S. soybean growers.

“VISTIVE creates new market value for soybean growers by meeting processor demand for low-linolenic oil and providing consumers with healthier dietary options due to reduced trans fat,” says Wickstrom.

Participating processors for the 2006 growing season include Ag Processing, Inc.; Cargill Incorporated; CHS; and Zeeland Farms.

This introduction of VISTIVE soybeans has generated strong interest throughout the industry.  Given a January 1, 2006, deadline by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin including trans-fat information on their labels, food companies are particularly interested in seeking a solution to reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids. 

Growers interested in growing VISTIVE soybeans in 2006 and earning a premium should contact their local seed dealer.