Monsanto and
Ag Processing Inc. (AGP)
announced today that AGP will be a participating processor
of Monsanto's VISTIVE(TM) low-linolenic soybeans again in
2006 and will market VISTIVE oil for use by the food
industry. VISTIVE low-linolenic soybeans 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. AGP was one of the initial VISTIVE
processors and will process soybeans from the 2005 harvest,
as well.For the 2006
growing season, AGP will be contracting with growers in Iowa
for up to 150,000 acres of VISTIVE soybean production. AGP
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.
"VISTIVE soybeans represent
an innovative approach to addressing the trans-fat issue,
and we are excited to be part of that solution," said Cal
Meyer, AGP Group Vice President of Processing & Refining.
"VISTIVE soybeans are also an excellent example of creating
new market value, which is what U.S. soybean producers are
looking for. VISTIVE enables producers to get paid a premium
and participate in a process that moves soybeans higher up
the value chain in today's market."
"We contracted all
available VISTIVE soybeans in 2005, so we know that this
product is in demand. We are very pleased to partner with an
industry leader like AGP to ensure a successful expansion of
VISTIVE soybeans in 2006," 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."
Monsanto expects that
VISTIVE soybeans will be grown on nearly 500,000 acres in
2006. VISTIVE soybeans have the Roundup Ready® trait and
maintain performance parity with leading soybean varieties.
For 2006, VISTIVE will be available in Monsanto's Asgrow®
brand, as well as Stine®, Prairie(TM) Brand Seed, Latham®
Seed, Kruger(TM) Seed Company, Croplan Genetics®, FS HiSOY®,
LG® Seeds, Producers Hybrids®, Midwest Seed Genetics®,
Crow's® and NC+® seed brands.
AGP will process VISTIVE
soybeans at its facilities in Sheldon and Mason City, Iowa.
Specific information regarding grower opportunities and
contract details will be available from AGP in the near
future.
Ag Processing Inc. is
the world's largest cooperative soybean processor and fourth
largest vegetable oil refiner in the United States. AGP is
owned by 221 local cooperatives and seven regional
cooperatives, representing over 250,000 farmers from 16
states throughout the nation.
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(TM), Crow's®, NC+® and Midwest Seed Genetic® are
trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC or of a Monsanto
affiliated company. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective owners.