Monsanto presents new soy technology developed exclusively for Brazil at Expodireto Cotrijal 2011

Monsanto presents at the main agricultural fair in Rio Grande do Sul, Expodireto Cotrijal 2011, which takes place from March 14 to 18, in Não-Me-Toque, its new technology for soybeans that promises to revolutionize Brazilian crops.

Over the last 10 years, the company has invested around US$100 million to develop the Intacta RR2 Pro, the first technology designed for a market outside the United States.

The new technology is unique because it brings together, at the same time, three solutions in a single product: unprecedented productivity results, due to advanced technologies for mapping, selection and insertion of genes in regions of DNA with a potential positive impact on productivity; protection against the main caterpillars that attack soybean crops; and glyphosate tolerance provided by Roundup Ready (RR) technology.

The product enables sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the use of insecticides to control the main soybean caterpillars. “This new technology is in line with our sustainability commitment focused on increasing productivity, preserving natural resources and improving farmers’ quality of life. Furthermore, it maintains the effectiveness, broad spectrum of action and flexibility of Roundup Ready technology”, he states André Dias, president of Monsanto do Brasil.

According to Dias, Monsanto is confident in the future of agricultural biotechnology in Brazil and the benefits it provides to farmers, the environment and the health of people and animals. “The strengthening of the Brazilian institutional and regulatory structure, and the respect for intellectual property in the country, makes Monsanto reaffirm its commitment to continue investing in Brazil."

Strategic choice

Studies with Intacta RR2 Pro technology began more than 10 years ago in Monsanto laboratories in the USA and field tests in Brazil began in the 2006/07 harvest. Monsanto's new transgenic soybeans were approved by CTNBio (National Technical Biosafety Commission) in a meeting held on August 19, 2010.

Like what happened with RR technology, Monsanto also intends to license Intacta RR2 Pro technology to other soybean genetic improvement companies. “We work on the broad licensing model, that is, we collaborate in the development of research and products with several partners. This is one of our work philosophies. Currently, eight soybean research companies are carrying out genetic improvement with Intacta RR2 Pro soybeans”, he states Rodrigo Santos, director of Strategy, Product Management and Technological Development at Monsanto.

The approval of Intacta RR2 Pro soybeans benefits Brazilian farmers, as it takes another step towards offering a new technology, which will expand the soybean farmer's choice options. “For those of us who have a deep connection with Brazilian agriculture, it will be a privilege to demonstrate to producers the value of this technology for national soybean farming”, he states. Márcio Santos, Soy Marketing Manager at Monsanto.

Throughout 2011, farmers, customers and partners of Monsanto do Brasil will have the opportunity to get to know the new INTACTA RR2 PRO soybeans up close. “We will participate in several agricultural fairs throughout Brazil to present it to the market. We are sure that, upon seeing the new technology up close, everyone will realize the true revolution that we will bring to the soybean fields”, he says Rogério W. Andrade, Marketing manager responsible for presenting Intacta RR2 Pro soybeans.

As the project is in the final research and development phase, Intacta RR2 Pro soybeans will be ready to be commercialized after the cultivars are registered and approved for import in important markets.

Effective control

The main caterpillars that currently attack soybean crops will be controlled with this technology. “There will be a reduction in the number and cost of spraying insecticides on crops with the use of this technology, a consequence of resistance to some species of caterpillar, one of the new characteristics expressed in this soybean. Farmers must continue to use the principles of integrated pest management”, he states. Marcelo Nishikawa, Monsanto Biotechnology Manager for Culture.