The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its decision to deregulate Monsanto’s dicamba-tolerant trait technology - Bollgard II XtendFlex cotton.
“USDA indicated that its decision will be published in the Federal Register in the near future,” Monsanto indicated in a statement.
“These weed management solutions will provide farmers with more consistent, flexible control of tough-to-manage broadleaf weeds,” Monsanto said.
“This announcement marks an important milestone for farmers around the world,” said Robb Fraley, Monsanto’s chief technology officer.
“Weeds represent a key pest to agriculture operations around the world and limit crops of much-needed nutrients, sunlight and access to available water resources,” he informed.
He added, “We are excited to provide additional tools that can help improve efficiencies on farm and support farmers in bringing more food to harvest for consumers.”
Monsanto said it has been working diligently over the last ten years to develop the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System and bring it to market.
“It demonstrates our continued commitment to bring a range of agriculture solutions to farmers, including game-changing traits like Bollgard II XtendFlex cotton,” Fraley noted.
To prepare for commercialisation and to further enhance growers' experience with the technology, Monsanto trained more than 7,500 growers, retail partners and stakeholders on weed management.
Monsanto works to find sustainable solutions for soil health, help farmers use data to improve farming practices and provide crop protection products to minimise damage from pests and disease.
Through programs and partnerships, it collaborates with farmers, researchers, nonprofit organizations, universities and others to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. (AR)
