Bangkok--Oct 20--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
New Soybean Variety Will Provide A Trans Fat Solution to the Food Industry
Monsanto and Cargill, Incorporated announced today that Cargill will be a participating processor of Monsanto's VISTIVE low-linolenic soybeans and will market VISTIVE oil for use by the food industry. VISTIVE low-linolenic soybeans, introduced in September by Monsanto, 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.
For the 2005 growing season, Cargill will be contracting with Iowa growers for up to 50,000 acres of VISTIVE soybean production. Cargill 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 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 on the nutritional facts panel.
"Given demand for alternatives to foods containing trans fats, our entire industry has been diligently pursuing development of new approaches," said
Stan Ryan, President of Cargill's Dressings, Sauces & Oils business.
"VISTIVE soybeans represent another innovative approach to addressing the trans fat issue, and we are excited to be part of that solution."
"We are very pleased to partner with an industry leader like Cargill to
ensure a successful launch of new VISTIVE soybeans," 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."
VISTIVE soybeans have the Roundup Readyฎ trait and maintain performance
parity with leading soybean varieties. For 2005, VISTIVE will be available in Monsanto's Asgrowฎ brand.
Cargill will process VISTIVE soybeans at its facilities in Iowa Falls,
Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa. Jim Sutter, Vice President of Cargill's
North American grain and oilseed processing business, explained that Iowa producers participating in the 2005 VISTIVE program will reap the benefits of growing a higher-quality soybean in a region highly accessible to processing facilities.
"Producers are constantly looking for ways to capture additional value for their crops," said Sutter. "VISTIVE will enable producers to get paid a
premium and participate in a process that moves soybeans higher up the value chain in today's market." Specific information regarding grower opportunities and contract details will be available in the near future.
Cargill, Incorporated is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk-management products and services. With 101,000 employees in 59 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience
to collaborate with customers to help them succeed.
Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm
productivity and food quality. For more information on Monsanto, see: www.monsanto.com.
Asgrow, Roundup Ready and VISTIVE are trademarks of Monsanto Technology
LLC. 2004 Monsanto Company.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Roundup Ready and Roundup are registered trademarks of
Monsanto Technology LLC.
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