August 27, 2012
Paraguay to approve genetically modified soy seeds
Aimed at improving the country's competitiveness as a grains exporter, Paraguay will approve Monsanto's genetically modified Roundup Ready two soy seeds before the end of this year along with new corn technology.
Paraguay collected 4.3 million tonnes of soy in the 2011-12 season, during which yields were reduced by drought. The South American country expects its soy output to jump to eight million tonnes in the 2012-13 season, thanks in part to the new seeds, according to Agriculture Ministry trade chief Santiago Bertoni.
"Roundup Ready two is 90% there," in terms of being approved for sowing in Paraguay, Bertoni said, predicting that the official OK will be granted in time for farmers to use the new technology when this year's planting starts in October.
"With this step we will improve the technology balance between ourselves and other countries, improving our ability to compete," he added. "The 2013 harvest will include fields planted with these seeds."
Paraguay is the world's fourth soy exporter after the US, Brazil and Argentina. Paraguay is also headed toward approving corn technology from Monsanto and Dow Chemical, Bertoni said.