Ag Processing Inc (AGP) a cooperative announced today that it has expanded processing of VISTIVE™ low-linolenic soybeans to six of its nine soybean processing plants for 2007. AGP, the fourth largest soybean processor in the United States, has added the processing of VISTIVE variety soybeans to its plant locations in Eagle Grove, Iowa; Emmetsburg, Iowa; Manning, Iowa; and Hastings, Nebraska. In addition to the four new locations, the company will continue to process VISTIVE soybeans at its Mason City and Sheldon, Iowa facilities where the program has been in place for the past two years. AGP was one of the initial VISTIVE processors since its introduction to the marketplace in 2005 by the Monsanto Company.

VISTIVE soybeans, developed through conventional breeding, contain three percent linolenic acid as compared to the typical eight percent level found in traditional soybeans. The result is a more stable soybean oil that, for certain applications, does not need partial hydrogenation, which produces trans fatty acids (trans fats).
“The entire soybean industry has worked hard on developing healthier ingredients to reduce the presence of trans fats in foods,” said Dave Tegeder, Senior Vice President, Refined Vegetable Oils. “VISTIVE low-linolenic soybean oil enables food companies such as the Kellogg Company and KFC Corporation to reduce trans fats in their products. AGP is expanding our program for this trait-enhanced oil to meet the increasing need of our food customers to provide healthier alternatives to the American consumer.”

“We are excited about our partnership with Monsanto, local cooperative members and soybean producers to expand VISTIVE soybean production,” said Greg Twist, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Soy and Corn Processing. “As the largest soybean processor in Iowa (the number one soybean producing state in the nation), we continue to emphasize new ways to differentiate U.S. soybeans from commodity markets. VISTIVE soybeans are another excellent example of creating new market value for producers”. AGP will work in concert with its cooperative members and their farmer owners to offer a premium to producers who grow VISTIVE soybeans under contract for the 2007 growing season.

“AGP continues to be a pioneer in adapting new technology to the industry,” said Cal Meyer, Group Vice President, Processing, Refined Oils and Industrial Products. “AGP was one of the first processors to accept Roundup Ready® soybeans, built the first soy biodiesel plant in the U.S., and also introduced the component premium program, the first value-based pricing program for soybeans.”

Meyer noted that in addition to being a leader in soybean variety improvements, AGP has a great deal of experience with programs that call for Identity Preservation (IP). The Manning plant, for example, has been involved in a non-GMO program for several years. “Bringing trait-specific products such as VISTIVE low-linolenic soybean oil to food customers requires having a system and standards in place for high quality control. AGP has a solid track record in the ability to deliver these types of products to the marketplace.”

With the expansion of the VISTIVE program to six of its soybean processing plants in 2007, Meyer said there will be even more premium opportunities for soybean producers through their local AGP member cooperatives.
Ag Processing Inc is the world’s largest cooperative soybean processor and a leading vegetable oil refiner in the United States. AGP is owned by 203 local cooperatives and six regional cooperatives, representing over 250,000 farmers from 16 states throughout the nation.

More information about AGP, including opportunities to contract VISITVE soybean production through member cooperatives for 2007, can be found on AGP’s website at www.agp.com.