Flowing from the expiry of the OR1 soybean trait patent are a number of other important considerations associated with the transition of this technology into the public domain. Chief among these is providing public access to this technology which, among other things, is designed to stimulate and motivate individuals and companies to invest in new technologies. The fact that Monsanto and other companies continue to invest in the development of new soybean traits that will benefit Canadian farmers demonstrates that the patent system provides an incentive for innovation.
At Monsanto, we continue to focus on providing farmers with the very best plant science technologies – technologies that will help them be successful. We believe the best way to help farmers be successful is by continuing to invest in research and development that leads to the introduction and commercialization of new, beneficial products and technologies. Our commitment to research and development is reflected in the almost $2.6 million per day we invest in researching, identifying and bringing to market innovative technologies.
Our new Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® soybean technology is an excellent example of breakthrough soybean technology that offers significantly improved yield potential compared with original Roundup Ready soybeans. In fact, in the short time this technology has been commercially available, it has delivered results that traditionally would have taken years of breeding to accomplish. It will serve as the platform on which future Monsanto soybean trait technologies are developed.
In addition to the enhanced yield potential offered by the Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® technology platform, other aspects of our research program are focused on combining these benefits with other trait technologies including:
- dicamba tolerance for improved weed control;
- low saturate fat soybean oil (Vistive® Gold) that will meet growing consumer and food company demands for better oils; and
- Omega-3 soybeans which produce oils with heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids that have traditionally been limited to other food sources.