Three genetically modified organisms (GMOs) soybean varieties for food/feed uses have been approved by the European Commission and Monsanto has heralded it as a “milestone” for the company.
Monsanto’s soybean MON 87708 x MON 89788 and soybean MON 87705 x MON 89788 are two of the GMOs approved. Bayer’s soybean FG 72 has also been approved by the Commission.
The three GMOs have gone through a comprehensive authorisation procedure, including a favourable scientific assessment by EFSA. The authorisation decisions do not cover cultivation.
Following the Commissions announcement, Monsanto said that the approval meant that its Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans (which are tolerant to glyphosate and dicamba) can now be imported into the EU for food and feed use and that it was a “milestone” for the company.
The Commission’s approval follows Monsanto’s February announcement of Chinese import approval.
With both the EU and Chinese import approvals and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the final stages of review for over-the-top use, Monsanto said it can now look forward to a full system launch in the United States in 2017.
A full system launch also is planned for Canadian soybean growers in 2017 given the previous Canadian regulatory approval for Roundup Xtend with VaporGripTM Technology and XtendiMax herbicide with VaporGrip Technology, it said.
Brett Begemann, Monsanto President and Chief Operating Officer, said that Monsanto has seen great demand from growers for Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans.
“Farmers are telling us they’re looking forward to the benefits of the full Xtend Crop System, including over-the-top use of dicamba and glyphosate.
“We’re excited to give Canadian growers this opportunity in 2017, along with US growers pending final EPA approval,” he said.
Earlier this year, the three GMOs approved had received “no opinion” votes from the Member States in both the Standing and Appeal Committees and the Commission adopted the pending decisions.
The authorisations on the GMOs are valid for 10 years, and any products produced from these GMOs will be subject to the EU’s strict labelling and traceability rules.