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The regulatory process in Brazil is a multi-step process, and while othersteps are still required, the Committee's decision brings the technologycloser to reality for Brazilian farmers.
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"We're pleased with the decision of CTNBio," said Brett Begemann,Executive Vice President of International Commercial for Monsanto Company."While more regulatory reviews remain ahead, we can look forward to providingBrazilian farmers with access to the yield benefits of our trait technologiesin combination with our higher-yield seed offerings." Begemann adds, "Thesesame technologies have helped other growers increase their productivity andprofitability for more than ten years in countries around the world, includingArgentina."
CTNBio is managed by the Ministry of Science and Technology and is chargedwith making science-based, technical assessments of biotechnology cropsincluding commercial conditions of use. The CTNBio approval may be followed bya review from the National Biosafety Council (CNBS) to examine social andeconomic factors. Following a favorable review by CNBS, and approvals of theindividual MON 810 events in specific hybrid varieties, farmers will be ableto plant these higher-yielding seeds.
Corn is the third most planted crop in the world and Brazil ranks third inthe world based on harvested area.
Corn hybrids that include the MON 810 event express a naturally occurringprotein called Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, that helps the corn plantprotect itself from feeding damage caused by harmful insects, including cornborer. Using biotechnology traits to help the plant protect itself from insectdamage helps farmers increase yields and reduce the application of pesticides.The MON 810 trait was first introduced in the United States in 1997.
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-basedsolutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and foodquality. For more information on Monsanto, see http://www.monsanto.com.
NOTE TO EDITORS: YieldGard is a registered trademark of MonsantoTechnology LLC.
SOURCE Monsanto Company
