US biotech giant Monsanto has announced that it is deferring its efforts to commercialise its genetically modified wheat, and will instead focus on the development of new and improved traits in corn, cotton and oilseeds.


“As a result of our portfolio review and dialogue with wheat industry leaders, we recognise the business opportunities with Roundup Ready spring wheat are less attractive relative to Monsanto’s other commercial priorities,” said Carl Casale, executive vice president of Monsanto.


The company has been trying to commercialise its Roundup Ready wheat, which is resistant to Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, in Canada and the US, but has faced widespread opposition from environmentalists, farmers and foreign wheat buyers. Many in the Canadian and US wheat industries also opposed the introduction of GM wheat, for fear that their export markets would diminish as foreign wheat buyers looked to conventional crops elsewhere.


“We will continue to monitor the wheat industry’s desire for crop improvements, via breeding and biotechnology, to determine if and when it might be practical to move forward with a biotech wheat product,” Casale said. “This decision allows us to defer commercial development of Roundup Ready wheat, in order to align with the potential commercialisation of other biotechnology traits in wheat, estimated to be four to eight years in the future.”


Monsanto began the technical development stage of Roundup Ready wheat in 1997. In fiscal year 2004, the company’s investment in wheat has been less than US$5m, Monsanto said.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.