European Union Gives Import Green Light To Monsanto’s GM Soybeans

25 Jul 2016 --- The EU has granted import approval for Monsanto’s genetically modified soybeans into member state which clears the way for widespread planting in the US.

Just a few months after the global seed and crop giant got the nod from China to import the GM soybeans, now the European Union has followed suit and given the go ahead for Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Soybeans to be imported into Europe.

“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 can now look forward to a full system launch in the United States in 2017 and continues to be in a strong position to supply roughly 15 million US soy acres when the selling season arrives,” says a Monsanto statement.

The approval took months to come to fruition but marks a victory for Monsanto especially as member states, which cannot grow GM crops in their farms, would be a major importer of the soybeans.

The EU approval allows for the GMO soybeans to be used in food or animal feed but does not extend to planting within the EU, and the authorization will last for ten years.

“A full system launch also is planned for Canadian soybean growers in 2017 given the previous Canadian regulatory approval for Roundup Xtend with VaporGrip Technology and XtendiMax herbicide with VaporGrip Technology.”

Roundup Ready 2 Xtend is Monsanto’s newest soybean platform that includes tolerance to the herbicide dicamba. This new dicamba-tolerant trait is stacked trait technology which offers farmers the highest yield opportunities with more beans per pod and more bushels per acre, according to Monsanto.

“We’ve seen great demand from growers for Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans,” says Brett Begemann, Monsanto’s president and chief operating officer. “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.”

Just a few weeks ago, the European Commission stepped in at the last moment to extend the temporary authorization of glyphosate, the main ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide which is widely used in the agriculture the world over.

Member states had failed to reach a qualified majority for or against the proposal to extend glyphosate’s license by the end of June so because of this lack of commitment the Commission took the decision in the end. There remains polarized opinion over the safety of glyphosate, despite the EU’s own regulatory authorities deeming it safe which also backs up mountains of scientific evidence.

The European Agency for Chemical Products (ECHA) is issuing its latest opinion on glyphosate by the end of this year.